Sustainability & Environment
Municipal Initiatives
Check out some of Esquimalt's recent sustainability initiatives.
Big Belly Trash Compactor
Esquimalt has been using Big Belly solar-powered trash compactors since 2007. The trash compactors hold five to 10 times the amount of garbage as regular garbage cans, which means that they reduce the number of collection trips required by municipal staff, they eliminate overflowing waste in high-volume areas, and they improve service levels for residents.
Bike to Work Week
Members of staff and Council have been participating in Bike to Work Week for several years. In 2008, the Esquimalt municipal team, “All Cranked Up” won the Local Government Challenge!
The Township supports staff cycling year-round by providing a safe bike lock-up, covered bike racks, showers, and access to Recreation Centre facilities.
Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) Report
CARIP is a conditional grant program that provides funding to Climate Action Charter (Charter) signatories equivalent to 100 percent of the carbon taxes they pay directly. In 2012, the Township of Esquimalt received a CARIP grant of $31,610. This funding supports local governments in their efforts to reduce GHG emissions and move forward on achieving their Charter goals.
As a signatory to the Climate Action Charter, the Township of Esquimalt agrees:
(1) To become carbon neutral in its operations by 2012;
(2) To measure and report on the community’s GHG emissions; and
(3) To create a complete, compact, and energy-efficient community.
Please click here to download the 2012 CARIP Report.
Previous Report: 2011 CARIP Report
Composting
In Spring 2010, the Township partnered with the Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre to put on composting workshops and sell subsidized composting bins. The program has now ended. 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
In December 2009, Council established a Community Gardens Task Force to look at opportunities for a community garden in the municipality. Anderson Park, located on Colville Road across from Esquimalt High School, was chosen as the first site. The garden is managed by the Esquimalt Community Gardens Society. More
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
In March 2013, a public Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station was opened at the Esquimalt Municipal Hall and Public Library parking lot. Use of the station will be complimentary but convenience fees may be collected in the future as the demand for the service increases. 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 the Green 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 the Green Building Checklist.
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
Esquimalt Parks Department has also been a leader in pesticide reduction. The department uses only environmentally-friendly soap and vinegar-based products to control weeds and uses insects, such as ladybugs and tiny predatory wasps to manage aphids and mites in all park areas. The Public Works Department has also started to use high pressure steam, rather than Round-up to target weeds in sidewalks.
Major Project Partnership with Royal Roads University
In 2010, the Environmental Advisory Committee made two applications for project partnerships with undergraduate Environmental Science students at Royal Roads University. The first proposal was to develop a social marketing campaign to reduce the distribution of single-use plastic shopping bags in the Township of Esquimalt. The second proposal was to develop a framework for community engagement in climate action. Both applications were successful and from January to August 2011 staff and the Environmental Advisory Committee liaised with two teams, consisting of five students each, on the projects.
The reports are available to download by clicking on the below links:
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 - moving the municipality towards its BC Climate Action Charter commitment to become carbon neutral by 2012.
More
Sustainability Strategic Plan
A draft Sustainability Strategic Plan was developed in September 2007 by Holland Barrs Planning Group in consultation with members of staff and Council. Download the Sustainability Strategic Plan.
Tap by Tap
In March 2012 owners and property managers of multi-unit residential buildings in Esquimalt had an opportunity to tap into savings by taking part in the ‘Tap By Tap’ program. The Township of Esquimalt, in partnership with City Green Solutions and the CRD Climate Action Service, provided 'Tap by Tap' energy and water saving kits which included low flow shower heads, kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators. Each individual housing unit in a multi-unit residential building can save up to 58,000 litres of water each year and reduce annual water heating bills by up to $112. For more information about the Tap by Tap program please visit www.tapbytap.ca  .
Urban Hens
Esquimalt allows the keeping of up to four [4] “Urban Hens” on any parcel zoned for Single Family Residential Use. “Urban Hens” means female fowl kept for the purpose of laying eggs for food and does not include any fowl kept for breeding purposes. More
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