PERIOD REPORT
DATE: September 29, 2025 Report No. P&R-25-009
TO: Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Steve Knoke, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT:TITLEParks and Recreation - Second 2025 Period Report
Body
The following is a report on the activities pertaining to the Parks and Recreation Department from May 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025.
I. DIVISION ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
1. Parks Services
Publicly owned trees
• Trees pruned - 131.
• Trees removed - 31.
• Trees planted - Blvd trees - 4
Invasive Removal
• Total cubic meters of invasive plants removed: 110.5m3
• Total square meters of park land cleared: 2751m2
Privately owned trees (tree permit/developments)
• Trees approved for removal - 32
• Trees denied for removal - 8
• Trees approved for pruning - 6
• No permit required (not protected tree) - 7
• Total number of tree cutting permits waiting for more information or cancelled - 3
• Total tree cutting permits applied for - 39
Parks Highlights
• 350 ft of split rail cedar fencing was installed at the Green Shores for Shoreline Demonstration Site at Esquimalt Gorge Park.
• A Branch Out invasive removal event was held on May 24th at Esquimalt Gorge Park with the Greater Victoria Green Team to address a section of invasive species that threatens the native biodiversity of the park. 43 people participated, 10 cubic metres of invasives were removed, 25 native shrubs planted.
• Construction and installation of 2 new raised garden beds and a covered produce stand was completed in the community garden at Anderson Park.
• Installation of new picnic table and two new benches in Anderson Park.
• A collaboration occurred with Esquimalt High School students for more public art in the skate park of Anderson Park.
• 137 bollards were painted along the waterway in Esquimalt Gorge Park.
• 10 benches were refurbished and restored.
• A flail mower contractor was hired to clear invasives at Macaulay Point Park, Wurtele boulevard.
• 550 bulbs were ordered and planted for the summer and fall displays.
• 3,700 annuals were planted for the summer/fall displays.
• 1 garden bed was renovated and planted at the Recreation Center.
• 1 garden bed was planned and installed (irrigation, soil) for the Peony Garden project.
• Green shores site planting finished. Temporary irrigation was installed and mulch distributed on site.
• Prepped Macaulay Point Park for 12th Annual Fort Macaulay Days.
• Collaborated with the Rhododendron Society, adding mulch to the rhododendron garden.
• 2 Branch Out Community Stewardship events occurred at Saxe Point Park.
• With partner municipalities, the Gorge Coastal Flood Adaptation strategy was launched which included hosting an info session at the Esquimalt Farmers Market in Esquimalt Gorge Park.
• Parks team supported major events in parks including the Esquimalt Farmers Market, Outdoor Movie Nights, and TCAC Music in the Park.
• New gardener’s shed was constructed in Memorial Park.
• Street Mural installation completed at the entrance to Saxe Point Park.
• Adventure Park Splashpad opened for the season on May 16th 2025.
• Updated and enhanced electrical services to the Anglers building in Macaulay Point Park.
• Geotechnical rock fall hazard assessment of climbing wall in Macaulay Point Park completed, resulting in temporary partial closure of walking path.
• Mobi mat installed at the Green Shores site to increase access to Gorge Waterway.
• Replaced 16 boards at the Lacrosse Box.
Parks Bookings
Saxe Point:
• Total Bookings - 50
• Wedding - 21
• Picnic - 7
• Branch out - 6
• Memorial - 1
• Filming - 2
• Opera - 2
• School - 2
• Summer story series - 9 dates
• Summer Camps - July and August 5 days a week
Esquimalt Gorge Park:
• Total Bookings - 52
• Wedding - 17 (2 in park, 2 under willow tree, 13 Pavilion Garden)
• Picnic - 19
• Special Event - 6 (Japanese Cultural Fair, Tam Kung Temple, GWAS Word Oceans Week, Spin out)
• Branch out - 1
• Memorial - 1
• Outdoor Movie - 3
• Camp - (3 days)
• School - 2
• Summer Camps - July and August 5 days a week
Macaulay Point Park:
• Total bookings - 16
• Picnic - 2
• Special Event - 2 (1 was for 10 days) (10th Annual Fort Macaulay Interpretive Tour, SNAFU - Unexpected)
• Filming - 10
• Opera - 1
• Vigil - 1
• School - 2
Memorial Park:
• Total bookings - 31
• Picnic - 2
• Special Event - 2 (Pride Ride)
• Esquimalt Farmers Market - 18
• TCAC Music Fest - 8 days
• School - 1
• Summer Camps - July and August 5 days a week
Bullen Field:
• Total bookings - 116
• Sports -Grass Volleyball, Softball, Triathlon, Lacrosse
• Special Events - 6 (Buccaneer Days, Jazz fest, Neighbourhood Party, Human Powered Racing Triathlon)
• Outdoor movie - 2
Brodeur Field:
• Total bookings - 71
• Sports: soccer, flag football, slow pitch
• Picnic - 1
Lampson Park:
• Total Bookings - 59
• Users - Lions Little League, GVBA Seawolves, GVBA
2. Maintenance Department
Sports Centre
• Repainted the players and penalty benches.
• Repainted the dressing rooms.
• Repainted hockey dry floor lines.
• Replaced and repaired kick plate and puck board, as needed.
• Scrubbed both barrel roofs, removing all of the lichen, dirt and debris.
• Pressure washed and scrubbed all sets of stairs around the exterior building.
• Removal of wood light boxes in Crowsnest in preparation of new LED lights and fixtures being installed in the fall.
• Supported the events team with multiple large and small events, including set up, take down and e-trailer delivery.
• Set up and take down of multiple roller derby games.
• Hockey ice was installed August 18th to 24th 2025.
Recreation Centre
• One chlorine pump was replaced.
• The lifestyle pool UV system was rebuilt.
• Ceiling in the kitchen was repaired.
• The maintenance workshop was cleaned and reorganized.
• Chemical lines and injectors were replaced throughout the filter room.
• Kanaka and Craigflower floors were scrubbed and waxed.
• Multiple small repairs and general repairs around the facility.
Pavilion
• Resurfaced the pond with new weather resistant liner.
• Hosted multiple weddings and events every weekend throughout the summer, including set up, take down, and clean up.
• Partition walls were repaired and steam cleaned.
• Installed new door eye bolts for all doors.
• Cleaned all the exterior windows and solar panels.
• Upgraded the auto flushers in the men’s washroom for higher flow.
• Pressure washed the exterior building stone walls.
• All walkways and the loading bay were pressure washed.
3. Recreation Services
Gorge Park Pavilion
• Gorge Park Pavilion Bookings: The Pavilion hosted 338 bookings during this reporting period compared to 239 last year.
• Tsukino Matsuri: On August 10, the Pavilion hosted the Tsukino Con for a celebration of animation and culture.
• 25th Annual Japanese Cultural Fair: On August 22, the Pavilion hosted the 25th annual Japanese Cultural Fair, attracting over 600 attendees. The event featured a variety of demonstrations, performances, and presentations. Due to the event's popularity, the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society expanded the festivities outdoors, incorporating a performance area, community showcase space, garden tours, a bike valet, and a “Things Japanese” exhibit.
• Wedding Season Rentals: The Pavilion saw steady bookings for the 2025 wedding season, with 40 weddings scheduled. Looking ahead, bookings for the 2026 wedding season are strong, with the Pavilion already fully booked on Saturdays from June through September.
• The Pavilion continued its successful partnership with the Esquimalt Farmers Market for its fourth consecutive year, operating on Mondays from June to September 2025.
Sport Centre and Recreation Centre Facility Rentals
• 236 contracts were issued for rentals at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre compared to 284 in 2024.
• 153 contracts were signed for rentals at the Archie Browning Sports Centre compared to 145 last year.
Fitness and Sports
• Registration for fitness programs remained strong with 680 participants, an increase from 478 registrants in the second period of 2024.
• Drop-In Fitness Participation: Participation in drop-in fitness classes rose from 6,471 to 7949.
• Participation in drop-in sports decreases from 3,033 to 2898. A pickleball session was not offered for 2025 due to staffing, explaining the slight drop in numbers.
• Visits to the Drop-In Wellness Centre went from 27,197 to 23,560.
• A total of 55 compared to 43 youths completed the Regional Youth Weight Room Orientation, up from 34 in the same period last year.
• Esquimalt Recreation competed in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge attempting to be Canada’s most active community. While Esquimalt did not win in 2025, 26,748 activities were logged for June 2025. This Canada-wide challenge encouraged the community to be active and try new fitness activities.
• As part of both ParticipACTION and pride month, Esquimalt Recreation hosted its first Pride Ride, an 8km bike ride through the Township to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The bike ride was followed by dancing, crafts, and food trucks in Memorial Park. Esquimalt Recreation partnered with Victoria Bike Rave, who provided free DJs for the event. This first annual event saw approximately 85 participants.
• Four Pickleball courts were installed for the second year in the Archie Browning Curling Arena and were opened to the public on May 26, 2025. The courts will be removed for the curling ice on September 11, 2025.
• Our staff collaborated with the Victoria Pickleball Association, offering a total of 16 programs per week compared to 32 registered pickleball programs in the spring and 13 per week compared to 41 programs in the summer.
• In 2025, there were a total of 198 court rentals booked for the May- August period.
Aquatics
• 25 Registered Private Lessons (RPLs) with 33 participants, compared to 27 RPL’s with 42 participants in 2024.
• 108 community lessons with 457 participants. An increase compared to 92 community lessons with 414 participants in 2024.
• 17 advanced aquatics courses with 174 participants. An increase compared to 14 advanced aquatics courses with 148 participants during this period in 2024.
• 20 water fit classes per week with an average of 24 participants, compared to an average of 25 participants during this period in 2024.
• The pool continued to run at normal hours of operation (119hrs/week). The completion of the 2nd period of 2025 marks the 2nd anniversary of the pool returning to normal hours of operation after the COVID shutdown.
• 4 new aquatics staff were hired, bringing our staff total to 85 Lifeguards and Swim Instructors.
Memberships/Registrations
• 4,404 registrations completed compared to 4,343 in 2024
• 31,143 single admission drop-ins as compared to 28,318 in 2024
• 64,898 membership scans as compared to 58,024 in 2024
• 2,427 memberships were sold compared to 2,400 in 2024 this includes:
o 286 - 1 month Passes compared to 239
o 279 - 3 Month Passes compared to 254
o 97 - 6 Month Passes compared to 75
o 317 - 1 Year Passes compared to 323
o 755 - 10 Punch Passes compared to 728
o 291 - 25 Punch Passes compared to 287
o Child/youth summer access pass 40
o 26 - Regional Passes compared to 24
• 762 products were sold through the Recreation Centre shop (googles, swim caps, swim diapers, and water bottles) compared to 683
Marketing
• Esquimalt Parks & Recreation social media platforms continue to have a strong following; 4,059 followers on X (formerly Twitter) (down from 4,260 last period), 7,763 on Facebook (up from 7,304 last period) and 3,068 on Instagram (up from 2,529 last period).
• The parks/recreation section of the municipal website continues to be the most predominantly viewed content on the website with three of the top five pages being parks and recreation related content.
• Parks & Recreation continues to work with Roger’s media to promote programs and events via radio on both Ocean (98.5) and Jack (103.1).
• Parks & Recreation has continued to use targeted advertising through demographic-based podcasts, with Roger’s media.
Licensed Out of School Care
• OSC completed the school year running at capacity of 78/78 in after care, the same as 2024 and at 54/78 kids in before care the same as 2024. This shows our registered number in before and after school care stayed consistent from 2024-2025.
Preschool
• Licensed Preschool Mon/Wed/Fri class: 15/16 participants as compared to 10/16 in the M/W/F class in 2024.
• The new Tues/Thurs Licensed Nature Preschool started with 6 participants and ran from April - June.
Youth and Leadership Programs
• Teen Night programs continued to run Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with Saturday nights being our most popular evening. Thursdays averaged 19 youth participants, Fridays averaged 58 youth participants, and Saturdays averaged 65 youth participants.
• LGBTQ+ Social Night continues to run every Tuesday Night in the Teen Centre from 7:00-9:00 pm with 17 youth attending on average.
• Youth/Teen camps ran at or near capacity each week, with an average of 14/20 in attendance.
• The Youth Leadership Training Program successfully ran again. This summer 15 youth participants completed over 80 hours of volunteer experience in many different departments throughout the Recreation Centre compared to 12 participants completing 40 hours in 2024. There is a plan in place to retain those volunteers and to provide them with volunteer opportunities throughout the school year.
• 10 youth volunteers from previous training programs returned this summer to volunteer in several weeks of camps. In total we had 25 youth leadership volunteers in our summer camps.
Martial Arts and Sports (Child, Youth, Adult)
• MIJO Taekwondo ran 7 programs for preschool, children, youth and adults at the Rec Centre up from 5 programs in 2024.
o Saturdays with 63 participants as compared to 46 participants in 2024.
o Tuesdays with 40 participants as compared to 60 participants in 2024.
• Badi-Star Badminton ran 6 programs for children, youth and adults.
o The programs had 55 participants. Compared to 2024 with 7 programs and 33 participants.
• Kids Soccer ran three classes in 2025
o 3-5 years: 12/12 participants compared to 9/12 participants in 2024.
o 6-8 years: full 12/12 participants consistent with 2024
o 9-12 years: 12/12 as compared to 10/12 in 2024.
• KATS Tennis ran 2 programs compared to 4 in 2024 but increased the class size:
o 5-8yrs class and 9-12yrs class, full with a waitlist which was the same as 2024.
o 5-8 years: 16/16 compared to 15/15 in 2024
o 9-12 years: 16/16 compared to 10/10 in 2024
• Vic City Basketball ran 2 programs:
o Girls Skills Academy 8-15yrs: 11/20 compared to 10/15 in 2024.
o Boys Skills Academy 8-15yrs: 20/20 spots filled compared to 27/27 in 2024.
• LittlUniverse ran 2 programs full at 8/8 and 17/17 compared to 3/16 and 9/16 from 2024.
• Home Alone had 22 participants matching 2024.
Summer Camps
• All Summer Camps ran at or near capacity with 20/20 participants with many camps having waitlists for most of the summer.
• Week 7 of Specialty Camps for ages 6-7 was only at half registration for the week and Week 1 for Specialty Camps ages 8-11 had 6 available spots. This was abnormal considering all other weeks ran at full capacity or just under.
• SPG Camps (Fun seekers and Adventure kids only) had their lowest number of registrants in week 1. All other weeks were at full capacity or just under.
• Afternoon unlicensed care was consistently full. High demand from parents and waitlists with up to 5 kids per week.
• Morning unlicensed care was full capacity for weeks 1-6 with a slight decrease in registrants towards the end of the summer.
• All licensed camps ran at or near capacity for the entire summer. This information is consistent with last summer with more demand for unlicensed extended care from parents than last year.
Arts, Culture, Social & Special Interest Programs
• 50+ Weekly Drop-In Programs have seen steady numbers throughout the summer
o Scrabble had an increase in players
o Music Jam enjoyed an end of year party early July and then took their annual summer break
• May and June programs saw high registration to end the school year
o Dance classes saw 20 kids registered for school age and 54 in preschool
o Guitar classes saw steady numbers with 18 people registered for preschool to adult
o Mixed Media and Comics & Storytelling saw a combined 19 kids attending classes at Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion
o Art classes for adults continued to see good numbers with Art Journaling, Drawing in Perspective, and the Dive Under the Sea Paint Night having 22 people registered
o Soap-Making with Wychbury Ave Soap & Gifts was full with 10 participants for the May session
Community Development and Events
• Buccaneer Day BBQ - The annual Buccaneer Day BBQ kicked off the lively Buccaneer weekend. This Pirate themed lunch was celebrated with the dedicated planning committee with burgers, a live performance from Macaulay Elementary School, and the Bilge Water Band. Volunteers from the Fire Department and VicPD assisted with food service during the event. 55 people attended this historical event compared to 46 last year.
• Buccaneer Day Pirate’s Den - The events team turned the curling rink into a Pirate’s Den (Kid Zone) for the Buccaneer weekend. We offered free family-friendly activities such as a bouncy castle, lawn games, photo booth, pirate hats, button making station, and a fruit table (generously donated by Country Grocer). Theatre Al Dente attended on Saturday to promote their services and offer a green screen photo booth along with costumes. The Military Family Resource Centre attended on Sunday to host a craft booth. In addition to the Kid Zone - the Rec staff along with youth volunteers from our winter training camp, ran the Little Buc’s Olympics on Bullen field. Participants were timed as they ran through a series of obstacles.
• Social Saturdays - We hosted 2 Social Saturdays events in the lounge in the spring/early summer;
o Karaoke night - 15 people attended
o Paint & Wine night with Barbara Morris - 32 people attended (sold out)
• The Neighborhood Party returned this year to Bullen Field. It was a vibrant event with 11 local community groups, live performances, a Lion’s Club BBQ, 2 food trucks, and Urban Rec Volleyball, along with a kid’s zone hosted by the Rec team. We hosted a Kid’s Market where we provided 12 local youth with a table and chairs under the market tent to sell their handmade goods. The performances ranged from Rhythmic Gymnastics demos and musical theatre to music from our in-house Ukulele club. Approx. 800 people attended the event with 600 attending the previous year.
• We alternated the outdoor movies between Bullen Field and Gorge Park, with 300-500 participants at each movie. The movies were sponsored by Flying Squirrel. Each week there was a food truck (Country Crepes & the Hot Dog Guys). Flying Squirrel attended weekly with popcorn, mini donuts, and a prize wheel.
• We hosted small, free, family-friendly events in our local parks in July & August.
o Teddy Bear Picnic (Captain Jacobson Park) - 80 people attended this event. It consisted of story time, temporary tattoos, music, crafts, iced tea and lawn games.
o Play Time! (Memorial Park) - Families of all ages were invited to join us to try out an assortment of sports equipment and lawn games. 45 people attended this free program. Participants ranged from 1-12yrs old along with their caregivers.
• Stories in the Park entered its 3rd year, taking place in Saxe Point Park. This year we featured stories by Canadian authors followed by a themed activity. Parks Canada attended on two separate dates to talk about pollinators and sea otters. We saw 35-70 people attend each week which is an increase from the 10-30 participants weekly in 2024.
• Volunteers joined the Community Development Programmer and Parks staff for an info session on invasive plants in Saxe Point Park and completed an orientation to move forward with self-directed volunteer work. 12 volunteers attended the July session and 14 attended the August session.
• We saw the return of Community Block Parties over the summer. Successfully supporting 4 between July and August.
• The Community Development department functioned in a support role for the following community events:
o Buccaneer Days
o Fort Macaulay Historical Tour
o Esquimalt Farmers market every Thursday in Memorial Park and every Monday in Esquimalt Gorge Park
o Memorial Park Music Fest - every Tuesday night in Memorial Park over the summer
o TD Victoria International Jazz Fest
o SNAFU-Unexpected Spectacles
o Alectoria Theatre
o Japanese Cultural Fair
o Gorge Bio Blitz
Arena Programs
• The arena's ice was removed from April to mid-August to host a variety of activities, including minor and adult ball hockey, lacrosse, special events, roller derby, and summer camps.
• During this period, the Archie Browning Sports Centre hosted both Victoria Esquimalt Lacrosse Association (VELAX) Call of the Wild Tournament and Capital City Chaos Roller Derby Tournament.
• By August 23rd, the ice was ready, and we welcomed back the Cougars for the 2025/2026 ice season under new ownership.
II. COMMITTEES
The Environmental, Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee met on June 25, 2024.