Land disposition in exchange for expanded Parkland and a Colwood Community Centre

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Join the City of Colwood at the Open House on October 23, 2024 to learn more about the proposed rezoning of City lands at 3698 Metchosin Road.

Background: Land disposition

On Feb 7, 2022, Council directed staff to explore options for the exchange of lands located at 3698 Metchosin Road for land that provides increased ability to implement new parks and recreation amenities including an Colwood Community Centre nd athletic parks (Parks and Recreation Master Plan Recommendations C4, C11, C14, C15).

Creating new opportunities as land uses change

The use of three parcels of land has recently changed, creating an opportunity for the City to explore obtaining 7.2 acres of land and $2M in funding to allow for a future community centre.

1. Royal Bay Drive: School District 62 recently released a 5.5 acre parcel of land on Royal Bay Drive in upper Royal Bay that had previously been designated for an elementary school. This left the future of the land unresolved and potentially open to sale and multi-family development. GableCraft is proposing an expansion to Promenade Park and a limited collection of 11 single family homes consistent with the existing neighbouhood.
2. Quarry Park: Land adjacent to the new Royal Bay Elementary School site and Quarry Park in Royal Bay Latoria South had been designated for townhomes, but offers the opportunity to expand the park and allow for a future community centre and athletic fields.
3. City Lands: City owned lands at 3698 Metchosin Road just past the Royal BC Museum site that have historically been used for material storage are no longer required by the City. GableCraft proposes a mixed-use development on these lands as an opportunity to increase the potential of the property.

A land exchange agreement was proposed to Council for the Quarry Park Expansion Lands, currently owned by Latoria South Development LP and the “City Lands” property (3698 Metchosin Road) current owned by the City of Colwood.

The land exchange agreement is subject to several conditions that included a Zoning Amendment for 499 Royal Bay Drive, OCP & Zoning amendments to 3698 Metchosin Road, the City acquiring 2.2 acres of parkland in order to expand Promenade Park and a $2,000,000 cash contribution towards the development of the Colwood Community Centre in Quarry Park.

Planning for a future Colwood Community Centre

With well-being as one of Colwood Council's key strategic priorities(External link) for our community, it is important to ensure there are opportunities for healthy recreation for a growing number of residents. Colwood’s population is projected to increase by 30% in the next 15 years.

The Colwood Parks + Recreation Master Plan(External link) identifies the need for more community parks, outdoor sports courts, athletic fields and a community centre.

OCP & Zoning Amendments for 3698 Metchosin Road

Amendments aim to include the property in the Latoria South Area Plan and to change the current zoning of the property at 3698 Metchosin Road from AR1 (Rural Residential 1 Zone) to CD28-11 (Comprehensive Development 28 - Latoria South).

This change will allow for phased multi-family and/or mixed-use development in accordance with the proposed zone. If rezoned, the property, which is currently vacant land used to store gravel and other roadwork materials, could support the growth and diversity of the neighborhood with a mix of potential residential, commercial, and employment uses.

This open house is an opportunity for residents to learn more about the proposed rezoning, ask questions, and provide feedback. Your input is valuable to us, and we encourage everyone to participate.

For more information, on the proposed OCP and Zoning Amendment as well as the Land Exchange Agreement in advance of the open house, please visit www.colwood.ca/landdisposition or contact Mairi Bosomworth, Senior Planner, at mbosomworth@colwood.ca.

Share your thoughts

Join the City of Colwood at the Open House on October 23, 2024 to learn more about the proposed rezoning of City lands at 3698 Metchosin Road.

Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Place: Colwood City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road

Below are the information boards that will be presented at the Open House. Feel free to share your questions or feedback using the form below. Input shared here will be included along with feedback from the Open House when Council considers the rezoning.