PERIOD REPORT
DATE: May 25, 2026 Report No. SI-26-013
TO: Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Judy Kitts, Director, Strategic Initiatives
SUBJECT:TITLEStrategic Initiatives - 2026 First Period Report
Body
The following is a report on the activities pertaining to the Department of Strategic Initiatives from January 1, 2026 to April 30, 2026.
The Department has recently transitioned from Community Safety Services to Strategic Initiatives under a new Director, who joined the Township in August 2025. This newly established department has oversight of bylaw enforcement, the policing model and Framework Agreement with VicPD, economic development, First Nations engagement and reconciliation initiatives, and the Council Priorities Plan process.
Highlights:
• Progress is underway on the Gorge Midden interpretive signage project, supporting reconciliation and public education in partnership with Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations.
• Planning and recruitment is in progress for expanded after-hours bylaw enforcement, supporting improved parking and community event enforcement.
• In March 2026, Bylaw had its first adjudication of a disputed bylaw offence in five years.
• Esquimalt Forward, a staff-led strategic plan, is currently underway.
• Memoranda of Understanding with local Nations are in development, currently at the staff drafting stage, and will be presented to Council for review.
Department Activities:
1. Bylaw Enforcement
o Bylaw Offence Notices (BONs), Warnings, & Disputes
§ In this period, 75 warnings and 345 BONs were issued.
§ 97% of BONs were related to parking violations.
§ In this period, 21 BONs were disputed. Of those, 12 were cancelled, 7 were upheld for payment, and 2 have not been reviewed.
o Animal Control
§ During this period, VACS investigated 425 incidents.
§ During this period, 1314 dog licenses were sold: 521 from Municipal Hall, 244 from vendors and 549 online.
§ An Annual Report from VACS is included in Appendix A. As part of the new contract, an annual report will be submitted each January for the preceding year, enabling improved tracking of trends over time.
o Collections
§ Advanced Collection Services has been retained to collect on unpaid BONs on behalf of the Township. No remittances were received in Period 1.
o Adjudication
§ In March 2026, the Township held an adjudication related to Section 26 (Animal Chasing/Harassing) of the Animal Management Bylaw No. 2841.
§ The Disputant requested an adjudication following the Screening Officer’s decision to uphold the ticket.
§ The process was supported by the Justice Services Branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General, which provided guidance to the Township throughout the proceeding.
§ A third-party adjudicator presided over the hearing and, following the process, issued a decision to cancel the Bylaw Offence Notice (BON).
o After Hours Enforcement:
§ VicPD continues to provide after-hours bylaw enforcement and is working with the Township to enhance service through clearer metrics and reporting.
§ Per Council direction in March, expanded Saturday parking enforcement and enforcement at community events will begin upon successful recruitment of an auxiliary bylaw officer. Alternative approaches, including a permanent part-time position and contracted service delivery, were considered; however, an auxiliary bylaw officer has been identified as the most appropriate short-term solution. This approach provides flexibility while allowing the Department to assess broader staffing needs through workforce planning and potential budget requests for 2027.
See Appendix A: 2026 Bylaw Report, Period 1.
2. First Nations Engagement
o The Township of Esquimalt, CFB Esquimalt, and the Esquimalt Graving Dock are seeking to work collaboratively with Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation on placemaking initiatives in the region. Both Nations have expressed support, and work will begin in June to align projects with their interests and priorities.
o The Mayor and CAO met with Songhees Nation Chief and Council on April 1 to discuss the Gorge Midden, MOU development, placemaking, and relationship building.
o MOUs with both Xwsepsum Nation and Songhees Nation are in development and will be presented to Council for review.
o The Township’s Parks and Recreation team attended the Xwsepsum Nation Spring Open House on March 26, sharing with members information about the L.I.F.E program.
o The Gorge Midden interpretive signage project is underway, with a working group including Songhees and Xwsepsum representatives guiding content and design.
3. Policing
o On March 17, Council approved the VicPD Police Budget.
o Collaboration between VicPD’s Esquimalt Division and the Township’s Bylaw Team is strengthening, with renewed focus on coordinated enforcement, communication, and service delivery.
o The Township is currently seeking a volunteer to serve as the Municipal Representative on the Victoria Esquimalt Police Board. Applications are open until May 26, 2026.
4. Economic Development
o See Appendix B: Economic Development Period 1 Report.
5. Strategic Initiatives
o A staff-led strategic plan, currently titled Esquimalt Forward, is in development. The plan will identify key initiatives aimed at improving organizational efficiency, strengthening cross-departmental collaboration, and continuous improvement. A workshop with all directors and managers is scheduled for May 19 and will be facilitated by James Ridge Consulting.
o The CAO and Director of Strategic Initiatives are preparing the Regional Council Orientation in advance of the October 2026 municipal election.
Attachments:
1. Appendix A: 2026 Bylaw Report, Period 1
2. Appendix B: Economic Development Period 1 Report