The new SpeedWash in Colwood is adjusting its hours after residents lodge complaints
It’s not a jet turbine, a clap of thunder or an air raid siren, but some Colwood residents might have you believe it sounds like one.
If you’ve driven down Veterans Memorial Parkway or Sooke Road in the past few months, you may have noticed the construction of SpeedWash Colwood, which officially opened to the public on Aug. 22.
The new facility was marketed as Canada’s longest express car wash, and upon opening boasted 24-hour service.
However, that feature was not long for this world, as Colwood residents took to Facebook to complain about the noise generated by the car wash late at night. Some people even said it sounded like an air raid siren.
“Colwood council needs to reconsider the hours for the new car wash. It is too noisy all hours of the night and the lights are too bright for people in the vicinity,” said one commenter. “I’m sure I’m not the only one who was kept awake until two-ish this morning.”
For some residents, such as Aaron Mills, the issue was never the lights but the sound.
“It’s crazy,” said Mills, who explained he had never been to council to complain about a project before.
“For us, it’s the sound. It’s got these crazy turbines that start up and it’s an alarm sound. It’s a sound you’re made to acknowledge as danger. So you wake up in the middle of the night and you’re like, ‘OK, it’s fine. It’s just the car wash.’”
These complaints are the latest speed bump for SpeedWash, whose opening was delayed by nearly two months due to shipment delays of essential equipment.
Colwood council took action, contacting SpeedWash and encouraging them to shorten their hours. Sandra Russell, communications manager for the City of Colwood, confirmed the city expected Speedwash to adjust their hours.
“It is the city’s expectation that the new SpeedWash will operate between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.,” said Russell.
Council was surprised to learn on Monday night when the issue was addressed that the car wash was operating that late in the first place.
“We didn’t realize this was a 24/7 operation,” said Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi.
“I guess it’s pretty spectacular. It’s like Las Vegas when you go down there during the evening. So we’ve got them to change the hours of operation so as not to disrupt the neighbours.”
SpeedWash agreed, putting out an announcement about its reduced hours.
“We’ve heard your feedback, and we truly appreciate it. Starting today, SpeedWash will be adjusting our hours of operation as a gesture of goodwill while we work together with the community,” said SpeedWash in a Facebook post.
“Our priority has always been to provide a safe, modern and convenient wash experience while also being a respectful neighbour.”
In a message to customers, SpeedWash Colwood confirmed the new hours would be implemented as of Aug. 25, while they worked on noise reduction, which may imply an attempt to return to 24-hour service in the future.
After the change was announced, some residents were able to get some relief.
“Hopefully this will take care of the problem for myself and others in the vicinity. Hoping the car wash will consider those hours and not keep 24/7,” said one unnamed resident who wrote to the City of Colwood informing them of the issue.
They’re optimistic the change in hours will be enough to help them get some sleep. And although they’re not 100 per cent sure the changes will be enough, they’re willing to wait and see.
Kobayashi explained that SpeedWash management voluntarily offered to change the hours upon hearing complaints and had shown a lot of goodwill.
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