Colwood: Grade B

Colwood earns a B for fiscal restraint and the region’s most attainable ownership market, tempered by rising violent crime severity and a business tax multiplier that remains among the region’s highest.

Strengths

Colwood was the only municipality of the six to cut its business tax rate, and it has the lowest residential rate in the region. It is also the most attainable place to buy a home measured against median household income, and it has added a significant volume of new housing relative to its size.

Areas for improvement

Violent crime severity rose over the term, the largest increase of the six  though it remains below the provincial benchmark. Operating spending has grown ahead of both population growth and inflation. Its business tax multiplier is among the highest in the region.

Core takeaway

Colwood held the line on tax rates and leads the region on attainability. The safety trend and the spending gap are the pieces that need attention.