The City of Colwood was incorporated in 1985, and is divided into neighbourhoods such as Triangle Mountain, Colwood Creek, Colwood Lake Estates, Wishart and Lagoon areas.  Business centers are located at Colwood Corners and Hatley Park.

Locatd in Colwood, The Juan de Fuca Recreation Center is considered to be one of the most complete sport complexes in the province.  The golf enthusiast will enjoy the Royal Colwood and Olympic View golf courses as well as the nine hole Juan de Fuca course.  The area offers a nature reserve as well as a beach for sun tanning, swimming and windsurfing, sailing or just walking.  Views of downtown and views of the American coast over the Strait of Juan de Fuca are also rewarding.  In addition, therer are a number of smaller parks to enjoy.

Garbage collection is done on a private basis, the area is policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Fire Department is a mix of regular and volunteer members.