On January 27, 2026, Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi told Colwood council he needs more information before committing to the multi-million-dollar expansion of the West Shore RCMP detachment in British Columbia. The mayor is asking for a detailed, line‑item validation report — including a full budget and a comparative analysis of alternative site options — before the city agrees to pay its share of the project.
The current plan calls for up to $103 million in construction borrowing to expand the West Shore RCMP building at 698 Atkins Ave. Local reporting and CRD documents show that, once interest over a 25‑year amortization is included, the total cost to taxpayers could reach roughly $183 million. Mayor Kobayashi said the summary validation report presented to council lacked sufficient specific data to justify taking on such a large long‑term debt.
While the City of Langford and the Town of View Royal have signalled readiness to move forward, Colwood officials say the information received so far is not adequate. Island Social Trends and other local outlets report the city is focused on exercising due diligence to protect taxpayers. Kobayashi has said Colwood wants a full, final validation report with line‑by‑line costs rather than only a summary.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) board has approved a Loan Authorization Bylaw to permit borrowing of up to $103 million for the project, but that borrowing and the release of funds are contingent on the owners group of the detachment (Langford, Colwood and View Royal) providing the required consents. The validation-summary timeline presented to municipalities anticipated Detailed Design beginning in February 2026, demolition possibly as early as May 2026 and construction starting in August 2026; the project’s progression is now stalled while Colwood withholds final consent to review the fuller validation material.
The West Shore detachment site includes an original building dating from the 1960s and a later expansion completed in 1999. The complex currently houses about 174 RCMP officers and staff; reporting over recent years has described the facility as operating beyond its intended capacity, with some employees working from portable trailers and leased office space because of space constraints. Kobayashi has said he supports a modern, functional detachment but believes it would be irresponsible to sign off on the project without a detailed final analysis.
