VICTORIA NEWS- Esquimalt Mayor Barbara Desjardins said she is proud of the work the town accomplished in 2025.
Esquimalt’s mayor reflected on a strong year of growth and planning with several key themes tied directly to economic and community development. Victoria News
Housing Growth and Community Brand
The township significantly exceeded its provincial housing target for the first year, adding over 800 new units. Mayor Barbara Desjardins underscored how this achievement supports Esquimalt’s emerging brand as “the place to be.”
Policy and Planning Work
Work on the Official Community Plan (OCP) and detailed studies like a development capacity assessment are underway to guide future growth, infrastructure needs, and sustainable development patterns.
Short-Term Rental Strategy
Esquimalt is researching short-term rental policy options to inform a rental options report that will go to council in early 2026, shaping local housing policy and market dynamics.
Regional Leadership and Adaptation
The township has become a regional example of adaptable municipal policy, reflecting an approach that aligns community goals with practical outcomes.
Community Initiatives and Recognition
Esquimalt Recreation’s Youth Aquatic Safety and Leadership Program earned a UBCM Community Excellence Award for innovative service delivery, highlighting collaborative approaches that support workforce capacity and skill development. The Youth Aquatic Safety and Leadership Program was also honoured at the 2025 BC Economic Development Awards, where it won the Community Project Award in the category for communities with populations of 10,000 to 25,000. This award recognizes a community initiative that delivers economic benefit through partnership and collaboration.
Forward-Looking Projects
Key 2026 initiatives include a community health needs assessment and ongoing discussions on policing services that balance public safety, cost and regional cooperation.
Demographic Trends and Workforce Considerations
The mayor noted the challenge of an aging population and workforce, an important factor for future service delivery and local labour market planning.
Major Capital Investment
The new Public Safety Building, on schedule and within budget, will house fire and emergency services alongside regional offices, reinforcing infrastructure that supports both safety and local employment.
Original article by (Nishadini Fonseka/Victoria News)