The Capital Regional District (CRD) is the regional government for 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, serving more than 432,000 people. 

The Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) has a parallel but separate mandate to participate in the development and funding of health care infrastructure, including facilities and hospital equipment.

The Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) is a wholly owned, non-profit corporation of the CRD that develops and manages affordable rental housing options for people living within the region.

Our Role

As a regional district, the CRD facilitates regional decision-making on issues that transcend municipal boundaries and provides services efficiently and effectively through region-wide or shared service delivery models. These include the regional water supply, solid waste,wastewater treatment, regional parks, housing, 911 call answer, and recreation facilities.

Residents are represented, participate and realize benefits through three distinct types of CRD services:

  • Regional, where all 13 municipalities and three electoral areas are served
  • Sub-Regional, where two or more jurisdictions are served
  • Local or Electoral Areas, where only one jurisdiction is served.

Governance

Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government.

The CRD Board is comprised of elected officials from municipalities and electoral areas who represent residents while advancing the interests of the region as a whole. Each director also serves on the CRHD and CRHC regional boards.

Commissions are created to provide community input into specific CRD services. In some cases they have delegated authority, such as the Juan de Fuca Water Distribution Commission.

Working Together

As a local government, the CRD develops partnerships to facilitate and deliver projects and services to ensure a sustainable, livable and vibrant capital region. The CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of governments and has direct relationships with individuals, businesses, organizations, institutions and communities that access regional utilities and services.

The CRD conducts its business in Coast Salish and Nuu chah nulth Territories and is mindful of its commitment to Reconciliation and relationship-building with neighbouring First Nations. Read more >>

Our Team

The CRD has a skilled workforce of over 1,050 employees and works with service contractors and a network of registered volunteers, making it a significant employer in the region.

The Executive Leadership Team manages and aligns services, programs and activities with corporate and strategic priorities and is responsible for organizational and service area performance. Services and programs, infrastructure and financing are delivered through an organizational structure that includes, divisional and departmental staff, partnerships, contracted service arrangements and volunteers.

Our History

The CRD was created in 1966 as part of the BC Provincial Government’s initiative to establish the ‘regional district’ concept of local government province-wide. This governance concept was designed to address service requirements that transcend municipal boundaries and where municipal collaboration is required to achieve economies of scale.

In 2016, the CRD celebrated its 50th anniversary. Activities included a community celebration in Centennial Square, geocaching events, regional stories, trivia, a commemorative coffee table book and a regional quilt project. These anniversary legacy projects showcase the collaboration that has built the region and its sense of connection and inclusiveness.