Colwood councillors face a difficult decision over a new housing proposal at a busy and often dangerous intersection. The rezoning application at 3333 Metchosin Road has sparked debate over safety and city planning.
The intersection at Metchosin and Lagoon roads, steps from Sangster Elementary School, is often described by locals as chaotic. Residents say crossing it with children or pets can be risky. At a May 26 council meeting, they urged the city to prioritize safety before approving any new development.
Residents argue the intersection is already under stress. They worry that adding more housing could increase traffic hazards. A Sangster Elementary School crossing guard told councillors that children’s safety should come first.
“We put our lives in our hands walking across this corner,” one resident said. “We’ve seen children almost get hurt here.”
The current proposal would replace a single-family home with a three-storey apartment building. The plan includes nine residential units and one live/work unit. City staff report that the rezoning aligns with Colwood’s Official Community Plan and the Metchosin Lagoon Neighbourhood Hub guidelines.
A transportation impact assessment indicates that no intersection upgrades are required. But many residents disagree. They believe higher density at this intersection could worsen traffic congestion and create safety risks.
Councillors sympathize with these concerns but are aware of broader challenges. Upcoming provincial legislation, the Housing Statutes Residential Development Amendment Act (Bill 44), will influence city planning. By December, Colwood must allow three to six units on single-detached or duplex lots connected to sewer, up to three storeys high.
Some councillors fear that rejecting the current application could backfire. Coun. Dean Jantzen warned that refusing it might lead to more unpredictable outcomes, such as subdividing the lot into three, which could allow up to 12 units under Bill 44.
“I’d rather keep some control than lose it entirely,” Jantzen said. Coun. Misty Olsen added that the current proposal might be “the best of a range of not-so-great options.”
Mayor Doug Kobayashi also highlighted tensions between the city and the provincial government. A recent letter from the Minister of Housing, Ravi Kahlon, noted that Colwood achieved 54 percent of its first-year housing target but criticized the city for denying a 44-townhouse application. Kobayashi said the tone of the letter felt like a warning.
“A cabinet minister sends a letter telling us it’s unacceptable and that they are watching,” he said. Jantzen agreed, noting that the city is under pressure to make decisions quickly.
To address the concerns, councillors chose to defer the decision to a Committee of the Whole meeting. Staff were instructed to prepare a report with options for improving safety at the intersection of Metchosin and Lagoon roads.
Residents hope the delay will give the city time to prioritize safe crossing measures before new housing is added. While the debate continues, the intersection remains a focal point for traffic safety and local planning discussions.
With provincial rules changing, Colwood faces a delicate balance. Councillors must weigh the need for housing against the safety of children, pedestrians, and drivers at one of the city’s most challenging intersections. How the city acts could shape local development and safety for years to come.
