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 about 440,000 people. The traditional territories of many First Nations span portions of the region and 11 of those Nations hold reserve lands throughout the capital region.

Our Role

The CRD was incorporated to provide regional decision-making on matters that transcend municipal boundaries and to enable more effective service delivery through region-wide or shared delivery models. As a local government for electoral areas, the CRD facilitates and delivers projects and services for residents living in unincorporated areas.

The CRD also owns and operates the Capital Region Housing Corporation, a non-profit provider of approximately 2,000 affordable rental units throughout the region, and administers the Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD). The CRHD invests in traditional health care services and provides capital funding for health care infrastructure, such as health facilities and hospital equipment.

Our services include the regional water supply, solid waste, wastewater treatment, regional parks, housing, 911 call answer, and recreation facilities. Overall, the CRD has more than 200 services, infrastructure and financing agreements with municipalities and electoral areas, organized into three categories:

  • Regional, where all 13 municipalities and three electoral areas are served
  • Sub-Regional, where two or more jurisdictions are served
  • Local, in the electoral areas where the CRD is the local government.

Governance

Our 24-member Board of Directors is composed of one or more elected officials from each of the local governments and electoral areas within the CRD boundaries. Each local government and electoral area holds one director position on the Board for every 25,000 people (or portion thereof). 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

The CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and other governments to facilitate and deliver projects and services to ensure a livable, sustainable and resilient region. The CRD also 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.