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.

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

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.

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.

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.