May 13, 2020

The City of Colwood has begun to re-open parking areas at local parks and beaches, based on the direction of the Provincial Health Officer and the Restart BC Plan.

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.

Parking areas are now open at the following Colwood parks:

Playgrounds and picnic tables remain closed as there is no procedure currently in place to effectively clean the structures between each use.

Increasing access to the Lagoon Beach and Esquimalt Lagoon

Lagoon Beach parking along Ocean Boulevard will be expanded in time for the May long weekend, May 15-18.

Vehicle access will be from Lagoon Road only at this time.

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 at this time, keeping a portion of the road closed to vehicle traffic.

This gradual opening will continue to limit large influxes of people and large gatherings, while allowing pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy unimpeded access to a portion of the road. Access is likely to increase again as the situation evolves.

With the goal of discouraging large influxes of people from other areas during the pandemic, increasing access for nearby residents on the neighbourhood side was a first step.

All closures are monitored regularly and will continue to be reviewed on a weekly basis as the situation and public health guidance continue to evolve.

Share your thoughts about Ocean Boulevard

We want to better understand how you use and enjoy Ocean Boulevard and the Lagoon Beach area and what uses you envision for the area in the future. 

The temporary closure of Ocean Boulevard in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has generated interesting conversations about how this roadway is used. 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.  

We feel it's important to open this conversation to the broader community and gather input to give Council the information they need to consider use of this area going forward.

Please share your views in the quick survey at LetsTalkColwood.ca/OceanBoulevard before June 15, 2020.
Know someone who would prefer a low-tech option? Print and mail this paper version of the survey.

Important reminders from BC's Restart Plan

"We’re not through this yet, but there are important things you can do to protect you and your loved ones, neighbours and colleagues. The little things make a big difference.

  • Stay informed, be prepared and follow public health advice
  • Practice good hygiene 
    • Frequent hand washing
    • Avoid touching face
    • Cough into your sleeve
    • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Stay at home and away from others if you’re feeling ill
    • Don’t go to school or work sick
  • Maintain physical distancing outside your household 
    • No handshaking or hugging
    • Small numbers of contacts
    • Keep a safe distance
  • Clean your home and workspace more often
  • Consider using non-medical masks when physical distancing isn’t possible
    • On transit
    • Shopping

Together, we can take these actions to keep the curve flat, while doing more to improve our personal well-being, restart our economy and strengthen our connections in our communities."

Read the full Restart BC Plan

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Media Contact

Sandra Russell, Communications Manager
778-677-5345

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