Build Your Future Here

5 minutes from downtown Victoria and on the doorstep of CFB Esquimalt—Canada’s Pacific naval base. Esquimalt, located near Victoria, ensures easy access to a vibrant economic hub and a larger population base.  Along the coastline, Esquimalt boasts stunning waterfront views, parks and outdoor activities, enriching resident lifestyles and attracting tourists.

Significant commitment to new housing, mixed-use precincts, and public infrastructure.

A community identity anchored in connection, creativity, and coastal charm and backed by a bold new brand and communications strategy.

With strategic planning underway from future land use studies to corridor renewal concepts, we’re anchoring tomorrow’s business success in thoughtful planning and long-term vision.

The economy is dominated by marine industries and federal government activity, especially the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, which provides significant employment and economic stimulus. CFB Esquimalt alone generates a considerable share of the region’s GDP and employment.

Sources: Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, 

Alongside CFB Esquimalt, marine services, including ship repair (Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards), are major employers, contributing to a substantial portion of the local economy.

Accounting for direct, indirect and induced contributions, Seaspan’s NSS-related shipbuilding activities, together with repair, refit and maintenance activities, have contributed $5.7 billion to GDP and 7,330 annual jobs in Canada over the 2012-2022 period. Through 2035, this is projected to increase to $20.7 billion and 10,938 jobs annually.

Sources: Seaspan - Economic Impact

On June 25, 2024, the Minister of Housing issued Ministerial Order No. M206 under the Housing Supply Act.  This Housing Target Order sets out the following cumulative housing targets for the Township of Esquimalt beginning July 1, 2024.

• Year 1 target was 81 net new housing units; the township saw 369 net new units. Targets for Year 2 (185), Year 3 (325), Year 4 (510) and Year 5 (754)
• Rental Purpose-Built: 348 units (vast majority), Below-Market Units: 114, Ownership Units: 17
• This construction pace is substantial given Esquimalt’s size and suggests a strong multi-family construction sector with an emphasis on rental supply.
• Municipal Actions Facilitating Construction;
  • Delegation of Development Permit Approvals:
    Authority delegated to staff for up to 6 units allows for quicker approval of small-scale construction, reducing timeline bottlenecks.
  • Zoning Bylaw Amendments:
    Implementation of the provincial “Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing” legislation, unlocking low-density residential areas for incremental infill construction (e.g., multiplexes, secondary suites).
  • Parking Bylaw Reforms:
    Reduced required residential parking to lower construction costs/complexity and encourage more housing options.
  • Other Measures:
    Council processes for Official Community Plan amendments and new housing needs reports also set the stage for “construction-ready” zoning and policy frameworks.

Download: Housing Target Progress Report.