As the province gradually lessens COVID-19 restrictions as part of the BC Restart Plan, more outdoor venues are opening up across the Island, including Colwood’s parks and beaches.
“Just as physical distancing at grocery stores and other public places has become second nature to us, please continue to safely distance from others and limit gatherings when enjoying Colwood parks and natural areas,” said the city in a press release on Thursday.
Parking areas are now open at the following Colwood parks:
- Herm Williams Park on Kelly Road
- Latoria Creek Park on Latoria Road
- Royal Roads Forest entrance on Metchosin Road at Painter Road
- Brittany Park (adjacent to Colwood Creek Park on Brittany Drive)
- Lagoon Beach parking along Ocean Boulevard will be expanded in time for the May long weekend, May 15-18 (more details below)
Playgrounds and picnic tables remain closed as the city says there is no way to properly clean the structures between each use.
One of the most missed beach areas in Colwood was the Lagoon beach, which will now see expanded parking along Ocean Boulevard, with access exclusively coming from Lagoon Road until further notice.
The gate on Ocean Boulevard near Lagoon Road will be opened to allow vehicle access to the parking areas along the ocean, up to about half-way along the beach. A temporary barrier and turn around will be set up for vehicles.
The gate near Fort Rodd Hill on Ocean Boulevard will remain closed for now, keeping a portion of the road closed to vehicle traffic.
“This gradual opening will continue to limit large influxes of people and large gatherings, and allow pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy unimpeded access to a portion of the road,” read the statement from Colwood.
The city says all of these new guidelines could change and are dependant upon the provincial health officer’s orders.
“The temporary closure of Ocean Boulevard in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has generated interesting conversations about how this roadway is used,” said Colwood. “The City has received a significant amount of feedback about both reopening the road to vehicles, as well as keeping all or some of the road closed to vehicle traffic for use as a park.”
You can complete a survey on online to let Colwood know what you think of the restrictions at the Lagoon Beach.
Colwood beaches are not the only thing opening up before the May Long Weekend. Various outdoor recreational facilities opened up across the island, including tennis courts and sports fields.
Rebecca Lawrence
