News release
For immediate release
Esquimalt, BC—The Township of Esquimalt is poised to complete the housing targets set out by the province well in advance of the mandated deadline.
The five-year housing target for the township is 754 net new completed housing units; this is the total minimum number of required to comply with the Provincial Housing Target Order issued June 25.
Esquimalt currently has just over 1,000 units under construction. In addition, there are more than 800 units going through rezoning and 1,000 through the development permit process.
Of the approved units, the vast majority are in multi-family buildings. Some of the units are in mixed-use buildings offering a retail component adding to Esquimalt’s commercial capacity.
The township has permitted detached accessory dwelling units (e.g., carriage houses) since 2023 in order to help bolster available housing as well.
In terms of affordable housing, the Greater Victoria Housing Society is building 137 units (net 60 from the previous building) with a total of 80 units under construction municipally.
Fall 2023 saw the adoption of Esquimalt’s Tenant Assistance Policy which was developed to help mitigate the potential impacts of displacement on tenants who are displaced as a result of rezoning. The policy provides guidelines for developers and property owners to provide additional supports for tenants.
“Esquimalt is well-positioned for growth”, said acting Mayor Ken Armour. “Our central location and community amenities make it an attractive place to live and work. Investments to our active transportation facilities, our parks and other infrastructure foster the vibrant community spirit we are known for”.
The township’s two largest employers—the Department of National Defense and Seaspan operating out of CFB Esquimalt and the graving dock—are within a short distance from many of the new units. Esquimalt is well-serviced by B.C. Transit and many of the new units are in proximity to both bus routes or active transportation infrastructure.
In order to plan for the current and future infrastructure needs of the township, staff will be beginning a development capacity assessment near the end of 2024. There is a Sanitary Sewer Master Plan underway and a Storm Sewer Master Plan beginning in late 2024.
Learn more
- Detached accessory dwelling units (DADU); carriage houses
- Tenant Assistance Policy
- Esquimalt development tracker
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Contact
Tara Zajac
Manager of Communications
[email protected]
250-414-7122