Municipal facilities & energy use
The township is one of 22 British Columbia jurisdictions collaborating on Building Benchmark BC, a program to measure and compare the energy used—and carbon emissions produced by—libraries, community centres, and other civic facilities in B.C.
This is Esquimalt's first year participating in the program and have included data for the public works yard, municipal hall, Archie Browning Sports Centre and Esquimalt Recreation Centre. This data will help in measuring improvements in energy efficiencies and carbon use.
For more info, see the program’s annual report at https://buildingbenchmarkbc.ca
Check out some of Esquimalt's sustainability initiatives.
Current projects
Heat pump top-ups: fall 2021 update
Thank you for making our top up program a success! We’ve issued our $5,000 in top up funds and have helped 14 Esquimalt residents reduce our community emissions, help the township toward our climate goals and of course, save money on their new heat pump.
We are in the midst of securing more funding so stay tuned! There may be more funds for top-ups coming your way.
- More information about other CleanBC incentive programs
- More information about Government of Canada rebates and incentives
- The CRD Home Energy Navigator puts all the resources you need in one handy place
Biking
Esquimalt has designated bike lanes along Esquimalt Road and Craigflower Road. Download the Esquimalt Cycling Riders Map.
Members of staff and Council have been participating in Bike to Work Week for several years. The Township supports staff cycling year-round by providing a safe bike lock-up, covered bike racks, showers, and access to Recreation Centre facilities.
Checkout Bag Regulation Bylaw
Since August 2021, retailers are required to charge for checkout bags in the municipality and there is a ban most use of plastic checkout bags. Learn more.
Climate Action
As a signatory to the Climate Action Charter, the Township of Esquimalt is committed to making progress towards becoming carbon neutral in its operations and reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions.
The Township reports annually on its progress by preparing a Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) Public Report.
Council declared a climate emergency in early 2019. This declaration outlines several goals and action items to help reach 2030 emission targets.
Community Energy and Emissions Inventory (CEEI)
The CEEI reports community-wide energy use and emissions from on-road transportation, buildings and solid waste.
Please click here to download the 2010 CEEI Report.
Composting
There are a number of options for households and businesses who wish to divert their food scraps from the landfill by composting. More
Community Gardens
Anderson Park, located on Colville Road across from Esquimalt High School, was chosen as the first community garden in Esquimalt. The garden is managed by the Esquimalt Community Gardens Society. More
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
A public Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station is available adjacent to Memorial Park on Esquimalt Road (across the road from Municipal Hall). More
Environmental Advisory Committee
The Environmental Advisory Committee provides recommendations and advice to Council about activities and policies to promote environmental restoration, stewardship, and sustainability. More
Green Building and Development Policy
The Township of Esquimalt embraces the principles of sustainable design and development for public and private developments, and encourages the use of green building technologies and practices in developments within Esquimalt. Download theGreen Building and Development Policy.
Green Building Checklist
The purpose of this Checklist is to make property owners and developers aware of specific green features that can be included in new developments to reduce their carbon footprints to help create a more sustainable community. Download a printable Green Building Checklist.
Green Event Guide
The Township strives to make events hosted in Esquimalt the greenest in the region! To meet this goal, the Green Event Planning Guide was developed as a tool for event planners. We encourage event planners to consider improving the environmental performance of their next event by implementing some of the suggestions contained in the guide. More
Pedestrian Charter
In 2007, Esquimalt Council adopted a Pedestrian Charter, making Esquimalt the first community in British Columbia to take this important step to recognize and prioritize the rights of pedestrians in our community. Download the Pedestrian Charter.
Pesticide Use Reduction Bylaw
Esquimalt is taking action to reduce pesticide use in our community by adopting a Pesticide Use Reduction Bylaw, which prohibits the non-essential use of pesticides from residential properties. More
Solar Hot Water System
In 2010, a domestic solar hot water system was installed on the Municipal Hall. It is anticipated the system will save 20 kg of greenhouse gases a year. More
Urban Hens
Esquimalt allows the keeping of up to 7 "urban hens” on any parcel zoned for Single Family or Two Family Residential Use. Download the Urban Hens Brochure.
Watersheds Map
The Esquimalt Neighbourhood Watersheds Map shows were water runoff from your property and your neighbourhood ends up, and helps show how your actions as a resident may have distant and unexpected consequences. More