When Esquimalt Council returns from summer recess on August 17th they are eager to continue checking items off the Township’s To Do List. There are a number of major projects well underway since the new Council was sworn in December 2008. The progress being made towards achieving Council’s strategic priorities, which were devised earlier this year, demonstrates a Council which is concerned with social improvement, economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Council hosted a Town Hall in the spring with Police Chief Jamie Graham, West Division Inspector Darrell McLean and residents to hear and discuss policing issues in the community. Council is looking forward to hearing back on its application to receive infrastructure stimulus funding for major upgrades to the Archie Browning Sports Centre. The Township is introducing a new Emergency Social Services Program and will be training a group of committed residents who will help the community in the event of a disaster.
Council’s enthusiasm to re-invigorate and expedite work on the Village Core project resulted in a presentation by the project consultants in March, options for implementation will be coming forward to Council later this year. Bylaws legalizing secondary suites will come forward to Council for reading and adoption this fall. Council sought community feedback on secondary suites from an Open House and by reaching out to community members at the annual Buccaneer Days celebrations. Most recently, Esquimalt launched its official tourism strategy, “My Esquimalt”, including a full-spread brochure and a series of walking tours which are supported by the new website, www.MyEsquimalt.com.
Council is working towards meeting its commitment to being environmentally responsible by continuing work on fulfilling its agreements under the BC Climate Action Charter with an energy efficiency audit of all municipal facilities planned for this fall. Also planned this fall is a feasibility study to evaluate the opportunity for resource recovery from a sewage treatment plant for use in the village core.
For more information please contact:
Marlene Lagoa, Manager of Communications and Sustainability
Tel: 250-414-7122