Mayor Barbara Desjardins
Monday, November 3, 2025, Council Chambers, Esquimalt Municipal Hall
As we round the corner on Council’s last year for this term, I am again honoured to provide an annual address to share Council’s accomplishments and to look to the work to be done in 2026. It’s an exciting time for our growing township, with many ongoing projects set to be complete in 2025, which will usher in new families and business opportunities in Esquimalt.
Through a spring by-election, we welcomed Councillor Meagan Brame back to Council. We are delighted to have her return, bringing once again her wealth of Esquimalt knowledge and experience.
This past year has brought notable change to Esquimalt—seen in our infrastructure, operations, and community life. These improvements are designed to boost efficiency and strengthen the social and cultural fabric that makes Esquimalt such a vibrant place to live.
Significant progress has already been made, and momentum continues as we work to position Esquimalt as “The Place to Be.” The Economic Development Action Plan will be refreshed with targeted actions and projects into future years. An exciting highlight this year was the return of a hotel in Esquimalt, re-establishing the Township as a premier tourism destination. Visitors can now stay, explore, and experience everything Esquimalt has to offer.
We saw the implementation of a new Strategic Initiatives department that oversees elements of community safety, First Nations relationships, and Council’s Priorities Plan. I encourage you all to explore the Council Priorities document on our website, where you can find an overview of ongoing projects as well as those that we’ve completed.
Policing remains a priority, and conversations are ongoing regarding alternative policing models. This work must continue until Esquimalt gains a cost-effective service for our level of need and desired form of community policing. I am really excited to say that for the first time in my almost 18 years there will be a discussion this fall between the 4 core Mayors and Solicitor General Krieger on the concept of regionalization for policing. This is a significant step, but I caution it is only a baby step in this process. This too must be nurtured to continue.
Corporate Services undertook a major review of the Township’s Information and Privacy Management Programs, completing comprehensive updates to online information. This included developing new policies, refreshed templates, and procedural guides to strengthen compliance with legislation, uphold fair information practices, and enhance customer service in the initial phase of implementation.
Our Esquimalt Archives developed and implemented a workplan to properly identify and describe archival materials, while expanding the availability and improving public access online to Esquimalt’s historical records.
The Parking Bylaw has been formally adopted, which is improving clarity and consistency in local regulations. Our Bylaw team has become increasingly busy with parking enforcement as the Township grows and density increases. The Health Needs Assessment is nearing completion, providing important insights to guide future community health planning. Work has also begun on both the Development Capacity Study and the Short-Term Rental Study, supporting informed decision-making on growth and housing policy.
The Official Community Plan (OCP) Recalibration is also on track for completion this year, but more importantly council has directed Staff to bring forward a plan for a Major OCP review in early 2026. It is my hope that an in-depth visioning consultation with community can occur over the next few years that will help shape our community’s vision and priorities for the future.
Esquimalt Recreation received the UBCM Excellence in Service Delivery Award for its Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program. This recognition highlights the team’s innovation in developing cost-effective, collaborative approaches to expand services while exemplifying excellence in local government service delivery. Congratulations to the entire team!
A major milestone for Esquimalt Parks this year was the completion of the Green Shores for Shoreline Development demonstration site in Gorge Park. Gorge Park now stands as a regional model for climate-adaptive waterfront development. Well done Team!
Construction is underway on Esquimalt Road Active Transportation and Underground Improvements Project between Lampson Street and Dominion Road, which includes new protected bike lanes, upgraded and new flashing beacon crosswalks, sewer and drain repairs, and pavement renewal.
Early in 2025, the Township’s first Sanitary Sewer Asset Management Plan was completed. More asset management plans will come forward in 2026 which will guide the Township’s management of our assets and infrastructure.
This summer brought the return of Esquimalt Together Against Graffiti or ETAG program, a partnership between the Township of Esquimalt and VicPD that works with community volunteers to reduce graffiti in our community. VicPD and Township staff support ETAG volunteers with training, cleaning materials and resources to keep Esquimalt looking its best!
Our new fire hall and emergency services building is well underway. This modern facility will continue to enhance our fire department's resources, enabling us to serve the community at the highest level. We are excited to watch the building come to fruition in the Fall of 2026.
Esquimalt Fire Rescue Service remains deeply involved in our community, proudly hosting the 3rd Annual Youth Fire Academy for Esquimalt High School Grade 11 and 12 students during Spring Break last year. The department also co-hosted the inaugural Camp Courage, an inspiring initiative introducing Indigenous young women to potential careers in emergency services. With such enthusiasm and talent among these future first responders, the future is indeed bright!
Esquimalt continues to gain a reputation for its outstanding events. These events are fuelled by volunteer organizations wanting to contribute to community vibrancy. There are so many avenues for people to connect with and help in our community. It’s been an incredible year for arts and cultural events in Esquimalt—and there’s still more to come! We invite you to join us for the many upcoming celebrations organized by both our staff and community.
Please consider volunteering a little or a lot so we can continue events like The Farmers Market, Township Community Arts, Ribfest, Buccaneer Days, JazzFest, Celebration of Lights and so many more! I want to extend Councils thanks and support for the organizations and the individuals who make these events happen. Thank you to our staff for their hard work over the past year, and to Council members for diving into important initiatives to improve Esquimalt.
We thank our residents for continuing to be fully engaged with new ideas, doing volunteer work that enhances our social fabric and supporting the community vision for current and future generations.
Our community is you. Residents and businesses are the heartbeat of our amazing community. Please keep being you Esquimalt.
It has been an honour and a privilege to work with these members of council this term. Our work is not yet done but I congratulate each and every one of you for the work you have done and continue to do for our community Esquimalt.
It has truly been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your Mayor for five terms. Letting go of this role will not be easy—it has been an incredible journey filled with challenges, accomplishments, and moments that have deeply shaped me. But as I step into a new chapter, I do so with immense pride in all that we have achieved together and excitement for what lies ahead. I look forward to continuing to be part of this amazing community—this place I will always call home—just in a different way, with time now to truly enjoy all that we’ve built and to watch Esquimalt’s bright future unfold.
He se qe hela; thank you everyone.