The currently closed Ocean Boulevard in Colwood will re-open to motor traffic on Sept. 8 after a council vote on Monday evening.
“It’s been closed for a good part of the year,” Coun. Michael Baxter said. “I think it is the turn of the people who want it open.”
Since the pandemic was declared in mid-March, the road along Esquimalt Lagoon has been shut to through traffic in an attempt to deter gatherings and keep residents safe. But the move proved to be contentious, with many calling for it to re-open and others calling for a permanent closure.
It was soon clear that the issue is divisive in Colwood as matters such as traffic flow, ways to slow vehicles, and wildlife safety were debated. Portions of the road have been re-opened but now flow-through traffic will be allowed.
Mayor Rob Martin raised the idea of re-opening the road on the first Tuesday after Labour Day. Plans were to keep it closed until the end of September.
He said that even if the road is opened, it may have to be closed again in the fall and winter, depending on the situation with COVID-19 or a king tide.
Martin asked councillors against the opening to raise their hand and no one on council was opposed.
Coun. Stewart Parkinson said that he noticed traffic backing up on Sooke Road recently and that opening Ocean Boulevard might help mitigate that issue, even in a small way.
cjwilson@timescolonist.com