Painter Rd. public hearing on tap

Some Colwood residents concerned about proposed developments in area

John Vincer says it is all about character.

The Colwood resident said the proposed development introducing nine single-family homes and two apartment complexes onto properties at 3320 Metchosin Rd. and 3319 Painter Rd. would adversely affect the character of an area he has called home for more than a decade. He hopes a public hearing set for Sept. 30 is another opportunity to show Colwood council why.

“(They) will be introducing about 80 different cars to that intersection right where there is a lot of school kids walking around,” said the Painter Road resident. “Right now it is a low-density neighbourhood. It is changing the whole feel of the neighbourhood.”

The co-development between Genco Construction Ltd. and Fairwest Construction Co. Ltd. has passed second reading.

Vincer said residents are frustrated and feel their voices are not being heard, despite gathering 200 local signatures opposing the density of the project.

“I don’t see this development contributing to any increase,” said Colwood engineer Michael Baxter regarding traffic concerns.

“The development traffic would amount to about an extra 20 cars in rush hour, which is one car every three minutes… But when Royal Bay is built out there could be 7,000 (more) people living there. Obviously that is the traffic that will really dictate the future of that intersection.”

The public hearing takes place at Colwood Pentecostal Church on 2250 Sooke Rd. at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

alim@goldstreamgazette.com

Goldstream News Gazette