Author: Zoe Patel
Zoe Patel
Zoe Patel is an experienced local news reporter based in Colwood, known for her in-depth community coverage and thoughtful storytelling. With over a decade in journalism, she earned her degree from the University of British Columbia and has contributed to outlets such as Global BC and The Tyee. Zoe is an active member of the Canadian Association of Journalists and is passionate about covering issues related to youth advocacy, affordable housing, and cultural diversity in British Columbia.
Relief is on the way for residents worried about traffic safety at the busy and often chaotic intersection of Metchosin Road and Lagoon Road in Colwood. City council has approved plans for interim safety improvements aimed at making the area safer for both drivers and pedestrians, particularly during school hours near Sangster Elementary School. The approved measures include installing a new LED-enhanced stop sign on Lagoon Road and regularly repainting the road surface markings. City staff believe these updates will help make traffic rules clearer and improve driver behavior at the intersection, which has been a frequent source of concern…
Westbound lanes of Sooke Road in Colwood remain closed following an early morning fire at an unoccupied house. The city reported the fire near Veterans Memorial Parkway just before 3 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17. Fire crews acted quickly to control the blaze. By shortly after 5 a.m., firefighters were still at the scene watching for hot spots and assessing the structure for safety concerns. Officials warned that due to potential structural issues, the road could remain closed for several more hours. Eastbound traffic was allowed to resume by 6:30 a.m., while westbound lanes remain closed as crews continue their…
Residents in Colwood were jolted awake by a loud explosion in the early hours of Thursday after two vehicles caught fire in a quiet neighborhood. Police have confirmed that the incident was a deliberate act and are appealing to the public for help in identifying the suspect. The West Shore RCMP said they received reports of two cars on fire on the 3300 block of Painter Road at about 1:25 a.m. Neighbors who heard the blast rushed to their windows to see flames consuming the vehicles. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a black 2021 Cadillac XT4 and…
Residents concerned about a dangerous Colwood intersection may soon see relief as the city moves forward with safety improvements. Council has approved interim measures at the intersection of Metchosin and Lagoon roads, located near Sangster Elementary School. The planned upgrades include an LED-enhanced stop sign on Lagoon Road and regular repainting of road markings. Officials hope these changes will make the rules of the intersection more visible to drivers and pedestrians. Joshua Baylis, the city’s engineering manager, explained that drivers often rush or make risky moves at the intersection during peak times. “People are rushing because there is a backup…
Colwood came alive as past, present, and future merged during its Canada Day Colwood Celebration. Hundreds of visitors gathered at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites to enjoy a day filled with family-friendly activities, history, and festive moments. The celebrations offered a mix of entertainment for all ages. Children ran across sunny lawns chasing giant bubbles, while historic weapon demonstrations showcased the site’s rich past. Guests explored the historic grounds, enjoying live performances from the Band of the 5th (BC) Field Artillery Regiment, while Legion volunteers served hot dogs and burgers with military-like precision. At noon, a…
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…
Colwood’s municipal-owned medical clinic is gaining attention again for its innovative approach to solving local health care shortages. The clinic, located in Colwood Commons at Royal Bay, is attracting doctors from the United States as part of a growing effort to improve access to family medicine in British Columbia. Health Minister Josie Osborne recently announced a six-week campaign to recruit doctors and nurses from the U.S. to work in B.C. Colwood, however, is already ahead of the curve. The clinic will soon welcome Dr. Muthanna Yacoub, a U.S.-based physician from Colorado, who plans to start working there this November. Dr.…
A Colwood graduate is set to pursue her academic dreams with the help of a $50,000 scholarship designed for youth who have faced challenges while excelling in school. Avery Fagan, a recent graduate of Royal Bay Secondary, received this significant post-secondary award from The Cmolik Foundation. The foundation’s selection committee praised Avery’s application, her clear academic goals, and her future career plans. Starting this September, Avery will attend the University of Victoria to study psychology. Bruce McElroy, one of Avery’s teachers, shared high praise for her. He said Avery has excelled in her studies by taking college-level courses offered at…
The Victoria Shamrocks overcame a slow start to claim a 12-10 victory over the New Westminster Salmonbellies on Wednesday night. The win leveled the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) semifinal series at one game each. Playing in front of 1,725 fans at the Q Centre in Colwood, the Shamrocks bounced back from a 5-1 deficit in the second period. They responded with an eight-goal surge that turned the game in their favor. This shift came from solid team scoring, a timely goalie change, and a key fight that energized the team and the crowd. Victoria needed this win after losing a…
Cyclists and spectators filled the streets of Colwood on Saturday, August 2, for the fast and thrilling Royal Bay Crit race. Riders from across British Columbia gathered in the West Shore to take on a unique one-kilometre route designed to test skill, speed, and strategy. The race, organized by About the Ride Cycling, was held on a paved loop that began on Tradewinds Avenue. The course continued across Quarry Street, circled around the roundabout to Producers Way, then cut across Hesjedal Way, and looped back to Tradewinds Avenue to reach the finish line. The tight course, filled with left-hand turns,…