I would like to add some additional commentary and context to the Feb. 27 article detailing the decision by Colwood council to approve a bylaw amendment restricting future automobile dealerships on the "Colwood strip".
There are two key points that merit further clarification: The desire to move away from the long-standing suburban "auto mall" focus of this gateway to Colwood doesn't necessarily denote unanimous support for a massive increase in density. The long-standing "gateway" concept for the area predates this council and requires significant community consultation and planning before resembling anything formal that could be referenced with any degree of certainty.
Of course, the province's designation of this area as a Transit Oriented Development area adds further complexity, as well as a perception of high-density growth as being fait accompli. I personally spoke to an enhanced "gateway" to Colwood, but that vision isn't of an area dominated by canyons of sterile "market" housing that does little to address affordability or create a vibrant community space. Rather, I envision a redeveloped gateway that tastefully incorporates existing recreation and enhanced transit, with future ground floor and lower story retail and commercial, complimenting new housing of varied density.
Density in this area is inevitable, but that was not the sole focus, at least for me, when it came to strategically altering the historical footprint of the "strip". We need to work with stakeholders, both property owners and higher levels of government, to ensure that this vision can be realized in conjunction with effective traffic and infrastructure solutions. The push for density and housing cannot be effective unless it's balanced by addressing the road/traffic/transportation and sewer needs of our community, and we simply can't afford to go it alone on this. The province has to come to the table, and I am hopeful that they will recognize this and work together on this common goal.
I would also be remiss if I didn't note that my reference to this being a "fiasco" is not a criticism of the businesses that occupy this corridor. Rather, it was an expression of frustration at the fact that this motion was first put forward and supported by the previous council in 2022 and unfortunately not acted upon; thereby allowing yet another off-brand car dealership to spring up under a temporary use permit.
Our new CAO has reviewed this issue, and I have the utmost confidence that we won't see a repeat of this moving forward. Suffice to say, the businesses along the Colwood strip are valuable contributors to our tax base, and some, such as the former Saunders Subaru dealership, have a lengthy history of community support that extends well beyond the economic benefit stemming from taxation alone. Former owner Bob Saunders and his family are well known in the extended community for their philanthropic work and contributions to a wide range of endeavours.
Finalizing this 2022 motion was not, and is not, a criticism of our valued community business partners. It is simply one step in a gradual process to reshape the esthetics and functionality of Colwood's Gateway. A transformation from the historical suburban strip of car lots and fast food, to a vibrant, thriving community core that offers residents homes at the hub of what could be Colwood's "downtown". And that is a vision that I believe we can all agree on and worth exploring.
Ian Ward
Colwood councillor
