The Township of Esquimalt has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Aragon Investments Ltd. to proceed with the acquisition and development of the Esquimalt Village Project lands adjacent to Municipal Hall.
Leading architectural firm D’AMBROSIO architecture + urbanism has designed a concept plan for the project that includes civic, residential and commercial uses. The village will feature a public square and a through-block art walk, as well as the proposed relocation of the Esquimalt Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library.
Teaching and administrative space for the Justice Institute of BC, Canada’s leading public safety educator, is planned to be a part of the project, subject to obtaining appropriate approvals.
“This is a very big deal,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins, who made the announcement at this evening’s Council meeting. “We view this project as the catalyst for development in Esquimalt for years to come, and look forward to working with Aragon as a community development partner.”
The Township will be preparing the lands for transfer to Aragon Investments Ltd. over the next several months with the assistance of Coriolis Consulting Corp, who also assisted with the RFP process. Construction is expected to commence in the spring of 2017 and be completed within two years. The public will be invited to view and provide comment on project design as part of a thorough public engagement process.
Aragon Investments Ltd. has worked on a number of comparable urban developments throughout British Columbia, Ontario and California.
“Aragon understands the significance of this project both as an economic driver and as a matter of civic pride,” said Lenny Moy, President of the Aragon group of companies. “We hope to achieve an aesthetically pleasing project that residents can be proud of.”
The village will include a number of sustainable and progressive initiatives, including:
- alternative management methods for rainwater and energy;
- bicycle and pedestrian-friendly spaces, with easy access to transit;
- maintaining heritage trees on-site; and,
- green building concepts in all buildings and infrastructure.
Information on the Esquimalt Village Project, including upcoming public input opportunities, will be available shortly at www.esquimalt.ca. News item updated March 22, 2016 at 9:20 a.m.
For more information, please contact:
Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
Tel: 250-414-7146