Olympic View density proposal came with “potential” conflict of interest

At the foot of Veterans Memorial Highway in Colwood, Olympic View golf course has a sprawling property with a yet-to-be constructed residential development plan. It was initially approved in 2002, and is just now getting closer to being built. The owner, Golf BC, has asked to utilize density bonus options that were not available 20 years ago.

The original plan was for 456 detached houses and townhouses, but with increased financial contribution to the city through community amenity contributions, the developer is asking to build an additional 124 homes as apartments. The contributions are earmarked for community amenities, affordable housing, and the fire hall. The increased contribution to the city adds up to $809,100.

On Sept. 26 at Colwood's council meeting where this increased density amendment was before council, Coun. Doug Kobayashi chose to recuse himself from one of two votes related to Olympic View, because he had received a $200 campaign donation from Len Wansbrough, who is affiliated with the Olympic View development, in 2018.

Kobayshi was not required to do so, but decided there was a “potential perceived conflict of interest.”

Mayor Rob Martin also received a $200 donation from Wansbrough in 2018, but did not recuse himself from making decisions on Olympic View for the same reasons Coun. Dean Jantzen explained earlier in the meeting.

Martin pointed out that since Kobayashi made a declaration of a conflict of interest, he may be prevented from any involvement in Olympic View decisions going forward—that is, if he successfully beats Martin in the bid to be Colwood’s mayor.

According to the Community Charter, an elected official may withdraw their original declaration of conflict if they get legal advice that shows they’re not in conflict.

Kobayashi came back to the meeting, and did not recuse himself from the next agenda item, which dealt with community amenity contributions from Olympic View development.

Both bylaws, the increased density and adjusted contributions, were passed.