Situated on Vancouver Island, west of Victoria, Esquimalt is the home of Canada's naval presence on the West Coast. This municipality was incorporated in 1912 and is now home to more than 17,000 residents.

Passages in italics are direct quotes from documents provided by the municipality.

 

Esquimalt has initiated several revitalization schemes in recent years, including a design charrette and the development of several themes for the Offcial Community Plan.

Community Revitalization Strategy for Esquimalt

Esquimalt Town Centre Charrette
Report to Council (December 1998)

Produced by:
idealink design/environments/architecture
and Urban Aspects Consulting Group

The community revitalization strategy vision for the Municipality of Esquimalt follows the objectives and themes outlined in the Official Community Plan.

Charrette Mission:
To create a comprehensive, compelling, economically viable, and sustainable vision for the highest and best use of the Esquimalt Municipal Hall and works yard site - which will form a focal point for community pride, lively social activity, and economic prosperity.

The Action

The charrette process produced an urban design summary plan. This was accomplished though a series of steps including an investigation into heritage; connections and access, form; space and image, site organization, building massing and location; and image and character. This was supplemented with public input through questionnaires and an open house. From this information a set of general recommendations and a timeline for goal completion was established.

Official Community Plan Themes

• Create an Identifiable town centre.
• Develop a pedestrian oriented town centre.
• Create a significant public gathering place.
• Encourage revitalization of the commercial area and the creation of a more diversified economic sector.
• Place commercial parking at the rear of businesses, not fronting on Esquimalt Road.
• Integrate commercial, public and residential activity.
• Respect existing land uses.
• Relocate or rebuild the municipal hall.
• Respect heritage features.

Contact the Community: