Spacious, welcoming and with stunning views - words used to describe the Arts and Culture Colwood SocietyB次元官网网址檚 centre on Goldfinch Road by artists who fear that city building plans will disrupt their serene setting.

In late 2023, the society moved into the city-owned B次元官网网址楪oldfinch BuildingB次元官网网址�, located in Lagoon West Park on the shore of Esquimalt Lagoon, on a two-year no-fee lease agreement with the city. The space has proved a huge success, with the societyB次元官网网址檚 centre voted into the top three in the category of B次元官网网址楤est Art GalleryB次元官网网址�, in Black Press MediaB次元官网网址檚 recent Best of the City awards.

But the city plans to build a 355 square-foot multi-purpose room, attached to the north side of the building, has left the group of artists dismayed.

The society says the extension will obstruct a B次元官网网址渟tunning viewB次元官网网址� of the lagoon, the Salish Sea and surrounding parklands, impacting their gallery and teaching programs.

B次元官网网址淭his will significantly reduce the natural light, which plays a critical role in how the art is perceived in the space,B次元官网网址� said Laura Davis, the societyB次元官网网址檚 president and executive director, at a council meeting on Aug. 26.

B次元官网网址淭hese views create a unique and serene atmosphere that cannot be replaced by artificial light or interior design,B次元官网网址� she continued, explaining the society wants to protect the resource for the entire community.

The building plans include new public washrooms, accessible both from the park and the interior, something Davis says the society was aware of and had agreed to. But Davis told councillors the society was unaware of plans for the additional multi-use room.

At the meeting, she called for urgent further discussion between the two parties. DavisB次元官网网址� words were echoed by several other members of the society.

B次元官网网址淲ithout the view, the building is just a rectangular block,B次元官网网址� said Linda Kirstein.

In response to the pleas, Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi said he was the societyB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址渘umber one fanB次元官网网址�, and described himself as B次元官网网址渢ornB次元官网网址�. He also explained he never thought of the space as a permanent home for the society, instead imagining building something similar, in a location more accessible for visitors.

B次元官网网址淔rom my own perspective, this has to exist,B次元官网网址� said Kobayashi. B次元官网网址淎rts and culture in our community has to exist. As old George Bush would say, B次元官网网址楻ead my lipsB次元官网网址�. ThatB次元官网网址檚 my attitude.B次元官网网址�

The plans for the Goldfinch Building align with the city vision for enhancing Lagoon West Park, as part of its Waterfront Stewardship Plan.

B次元官网网址淎dding 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,B次元官网网址� according to a news release from the city in early August.

At the Aug. 26 meeting, Kobayashi offered reassurance he wanted to see the society succeed, and there would be further consultation on the cityB次元官网网址檚 waterfront plans.

B次元官网网址淲e have to look at the big picture, what is good for all of Colwood,B次元官网网址� he said.

Both Coun. Cynthia Day and Coun. Misty Olsen also called for the society and city to have further conversations about the building.

B次元官网网址淎ll families squabble, so letB次元官网网址檚 not sweat it, letB次元官网网址檚 just get it right,B次元官网网址� said Day.