About Doug Kobayashi
“I’m eager to continue contributing my lifetime of leadership and experience to serve the people of my terrific hometown.”
– Doug Kobayashi
A Hometown Kid Who Made Good
Like a lot of locals, Doug and his brother grew up on the West Shore as part of a Royal Canadian Navy family. Doug was a solid athlete and did well in school, but coming from modest means, his post-secondary pathways were limited at that time. So, after exploring all the available options Doug applied to attend Royal Roads Military College and was accepted. His gift for math, together with his strong values and a fierce work ethic, made him an excellent fit for the kind of leadership training he would receive there.
Doug thrived at Royal Roads and went on to the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario to complete an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering before going to England to obtain a Masters in Aeronautical Engineering at Cranfield University, a global leader in digital aviation.
Doug served as an Aerospace Engineer with the Royal Canadian Air Force for 10 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, then after retiring at age 34, embarked upon a rewarding private sector aerospace career, which he followed with a third act as a private consultant, focusing on strategic planning and coaching large companies on how best to manage organizational change.
Doug returned to his beloved Colwood in the early 2000s to pursue a local business enterprise that embraced his passion for food and community – Bitez Bistro. It was a decision which ultimately led to his becoming President of the WestShore Chamber of Commerce, where he helped the Chamber navigate through difficult financial waters to emerge a stronger and more sustainable organization. Doug was persuaded to run for Colwood council in 2018, where he topped the polls. His first term of municipal service was illuminating, which compelled Doug to run for mayor in 2022, where he defeated the incumbent by a solid margin, bringing the full measure of his leadership experience to serve the people of Colwood.
During Doug’s first term as mayor, he led Council in developing a nationally recognized response to the primary care crisis. Colwood’s municipally supported medical clinic has already connected thousands of residents with a family doctor, and planning is underway for another community clinic. Council has also worked to keep taxes as affordable as possible while making responsible investments in parks, transportation, road safety, economic development, supports for children, youth and families, and local amenities.
Doug believes that his work in the military, business/industry, community non-profits and local government have uniquely equipped him to help champion the complex leadership challenges Colwood is expected to face in the years ahead. From climate change, healthcare, and housing to transportation, education, and regional economic development, it will take a combination of global vision, local wisdom and all of us working together to chart a positive and sustainable course for the future of Colwood.
Collaboration, creativity, innovation and integration will be essential for Colwood to meet the challenges ahead. Doug understands the importance of working across sectors, with neighbouring municipalities, other levels of government, non-profits and the business community to help make great things happen for our community within our means. And for a picturesque seaside city, those means could be robust if we are strategic about development and manage our municipal bottom-line as carefully as our citizens are having to mind their bank balances in these volatile global economic times.
Vote for Doug Kobayashi to be re-elected Mayor of Colwood, the hometown he loves.
Doug’s Community Volunteer Activities
Doug has always valued the authentic and strong connections forged through meaningful public service. Here’s a snapshot of the community organizations Doug has volunteered his time with over the past few years …
Current Community Involvement
Director, Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society (VNCS), which was formed in 1993 to establish a sense of community for those of Japanese heritage and/or people interested in Japanese culture.
Past Community Involvement
Royal Roads University Program and Research Council member
Board of Trustees Greater Victoria Public Library – Trustee Chair Greater Victoria Public Library Planning and Policy Committee Member WestShore Elder Care Advisory Network (WECAN)
Rotary Club Treasurer (NE Edmonton) Rotary Club Director Community Services (NE Edmonton) Rotary Club President-Elect (NE Edmonton) Westshore Literacy Committee – Member Colwood Finance and Administration Committee (Citizen Rep) Board of Directors Westshore Chamber of Commerce – Director President of the Westshore Commerce (Led the team that got the group out of debt and recipient of Award of Special Recognition for exemplary contribution to the WSCC and to businesses and community in the West Shore) President Westshore Rebels Football Club (Led the group that took the team to the National Championship) Chair Royal Roads University Management School Advisory Council Board of Governors Royal Roads University – Governor Board of Governors Victoria Conservatory of Music – Governor British Columbia Advisory Chair Duke of Edinburgh’s Emerging Leaders’ Dialogues Canada Board of Directors British Columbia Aviation Museum – Director
Awards & Recognition
Canada 125 Award
Honouring Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, to their community or to Canada.
Canadian Merit Award
This award is conferred by the Sovereign to persons who have rendered exceptionally meritorious service to the Crown, in armed services or towards the advancement of arts, literature and science. Received for exemplary leadership at the Royal Military College and as a community volunteer in the City of Kingston.
Canadian Forces Decoration
The Canadian Forces’ Decoration is awarded to officers and Non-Commissioned Members of the Canadian Forces who have completed twelve years of service. The decoration is awarded to all ranks, who have a good record of conduct.
Major Highlights
A look back at the moments that matter — from town halls and local events to conversations with the people of Colwood. Explore photos that capture the energy, connections, and commitment driving Doug's work in service of community forward.
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