TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 23, 2025 Report No. P&R-25-007
TO: Council
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: UBCM Community Excellence Award- Excellence in Service Delivery Nomination
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council endorse submission of the application to the 2025 UBCM Community Excellence Awards for the category of Excellence in Service Delivery for the Township of Esquimalt’s Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Staff have submitted an application for the 2025 UBCM Community Excellence Awards for the category of Excellence in Service Delivery for Esquimalt’s Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program. This application requires a Council resolution in support.
BACKGROUND:
The Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program (YASLP), developed by the Township of Esquimalt, is an innovative response to the critical shortage of lifeguards following the COVID-19 pandemic. By partnering with local schools to deliver lifeguard and first aid certification during PE classes, the program eliminates financial and logistical barriers to training - reducing costs from over $500 to just $108 per student. It provides youth with employable skills, leadership development, and direct access to job opportunities within municipal recreation. Since its launch in 2021, 24% of Esquimalt’s current lifeguard workforce are program graduates. The initiative strengthens inter-agency collaboration, enhances public safety, and increases access to aquatic programs, while fostering staff retention and community connection. With measurable impact, scalable design, and high community demand, YASLP exemplifies excellence in local service delivery - addressing an urgent need with creativity, inclusion, and long-term value.
This program was created to address a critical and growing shortage of certified lifeguards and swim instructors - an issue that became acute during the COVID-19 pandemic and led to reduced aquatic services and temporary pool closures. The high cost of certification limited local training opportunities, and lack of accessible programming for youth were key barriers preventing a steady pipeline of qualified staff. The program was launched to solve this problem by embedding certification training into high school PE classes, drastically lowering costs, and removing logistical hurdles. It was driven by an urgent need to restore and expand aquatic service delivery, ensure public safety, and create meaningful employment and leadership opportunities for local youth. At its core, the program is a solution rooted in equity, community collaboration, and practical workforce development.
ANALYSIS:
Council has set strategic priorities that help guide staff and program objectives. The Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program exemplifies excellence in local government by fulfilling these core municipal purposes: delivering essential services, fostering community well-being, developing strong relationships and partnerships and supporting economic development. This report is intended to provide information to Council and recommends Council support for this award nomination.
Through a collaborative, student-centered approach, the Township of Esquimalt addressed a pressing service gap in lifeguard staffing while simultaneously building youth employment pathways and leadership skills. The program integrates certification into the school day, leverages public infrastructure, and eliminates financial barriers - ensuring equitable access for all students. It embodies the principles of cost-efficiency, inclusivity, and strategic partnership, aligning educational goals with community service delivery.
This initiative also sets a promising precedent for other municipalities, particularly those with limited resources. Its scalable funding model, school partnerships, and embedded training structure are easily transferable and adaptable. By reimagining workforce development as a shared responsibility between education and local government, the program offers a replicable blueprint for addressing similar service delivery challenges across British Columbia.
OPTIONS:
That Council:
1. Endorse submission of the application to the 2025 UBCM Community Excellence Awards for the category of Excellence in Service Delivery for the Township of Esquimalt’s Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program;
2. Not proceed with a nomination at this time; or
3. Provide alterative direction to staff.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Good Governance and Organizational Excellence
Strong Relationships and Partnerships
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Council’s endorsement of this award application has no financial impact on the Township of Esquimalt.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
The Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program is presented as a course option to all high school students at Esquimalt High School during course selection. The information regarding the program, program expectations, and benefits was included in the course description in the high school’s course offerings. The engagement through the school has proved successful as the course has been full with waitlists each time it was offered.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
Award nominations have been submitted. Council resolution is required by August 15, 2025.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Steve Knoke, Director of Parks and Recreation
2. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
3. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services, Reviewed
4. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
1. Community Excellence Award 2025 TOE Application