The City of Colwood's "Goldfinch Building" is located in the peaceful Lagoon West Park on the shore of Esquimalt Lagoon. The City acquired the building when the Two Waters property changed hands.
Lagoon West Park was formerly known as Pit House Park, in reference to a structure that had been discovered on the property in the past. Through the consultation process for the Waterfront Stewardship Plan the City has learned from local Nations that Pit Houses were not common for the Lekwungen speaking people. Lagoon West Park is a geographically descriptive placeholder name that is in place until the City receives guidance from the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations to determine a more culturally appropriate name.
In 2023 Colwood Council invited the community to bring their ideas for activating the space through an offer to lease the building. As a result of that process, the Goldfinch Building has been brought to life as a warm, welcoming, and vibrant community art centre through a no fee 2-year lease agreement with Arts and Culture Colwood Society.
This use aligns well with the community's vision for enhancing Lagoon West Park in the Waterfront Stewardship Plan, with the majority of the park continuing to be an ecological preserve where it meets the shore of the Lagoon and bird sanctuary.
Enhancing cultural enjoyment of Lagoon West Park
New amenities that support cultural awareness and expression are planned for previously disturbed areas, such as where the Goldfinch Building sits and areas adjacent to the nearby orchard. The design of new amenities such as an interpretive centre or open air space for small gatherings, learning opportunities, and performances will be pursued in collaboration with local Nations and ensuring archaeological protection. New public parking, washroom and expansion of indoor multi-use facilities will be added to accommodate a wide range of community uses.
Creating comfort and expanding multi-purpose use
The City is in the process of updating the Goldfinch Building to add public washrooms that can be accessed from the park as well as from the interior of the building. The washroom renovation offers the opportunity to add an additional multi-purpose space at the same time. The small 355 square foot multi-purpose room will allow for small group meetings or community uses. Together, these enhancements will increase the building occupancy to allow for larger gatherings within the art centre, and create comfort for park users.
The need for public washroom facilities has been highlighted by the community time and time again, through engagement in the Waterfront Stewardship Plan, the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and the Citizen Satisfaction Survey, among others.
The renovation design, as shown below, will increase interior space and add windows offering views of Lagoon West Park, Esquimalt Lagoon, Coburg Peninsula, and the Salish Sea beyond.
The path forward
Full implementation of the recommendations proposed for Lagoon West Park in the Waterfront Stewardship Plan will take time. The partnership with Arts & Culture Colwood to program the space as an art centre has been an invaluable first step. Adding public washrooms and multi-purpose space will further enhance enjoyment of this hidden gem and unique natural and cultural amenity in Colwood's Lagoon neighbourhood.
Media Contact
Sandra Russell, Communications Manager
srussell@colwood.ca
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