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 on Metchosin and Lagoon roads for a short period each day when school is in,” Baylis said. He also noted that vehicles have been observed rolling into the crosswalk instead of stopping completely.
Coun. David Grove welcomed the quick action, describing the intersection as “tricky, dangerous, and questionable.” He said many residents have voiced concerns about safety in the area.
In May, residents urged the city to improve the intersection before approving a rezoning application for a three-storey apartment building at 3333 Metchosin Road. One resident described walking across the corner as a risk to their life and said small children had nearly been injured.
The new safety measures are intended as an interim solution while the city develops its Transportation Master Plan (TMP). The TMP review of the Metchosin Road corridor will guide any major upgrades in the future. A full signalization of the intersection could cost over $600,000 and would require additional land, Baylis said.
The interim measures are much less costly, with Baylis estimating around $10,000, compared to the hundreds of thousands needed for major upgrades.
Some councillors expressed caution. Coun. Cynthia Day stressed that Metchosin Road is a key corridor with heavy traffic and said a short-term solution should not replace a long-term plan. Coun. Kim Jordison also raised concerns about moving forward without full project details, calling it “a little irresponsible.”
Despite the objections, the interim safety plan passed with support from Couns. Misty Olsen, Dean Jantzen, and David Grove. Coun. Ian Ward and Mayor Doug Kobayashi were absent. Day and Jordison voted against the motion.
Officials hope the LED stop sign and refreshed road markings will improve safety for pedestrians, especially children walking to and from Sangster Elementary. While the improvements are temporary, they aim to reduce risky driving behaviors at one of Colwood’s most challenging intersections.
The city will monitor the intersection while completing the TMP, ensuring that any future investments align with long-term traffic and safety planning.
