TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: December 15, 2025 Report No. P&R-25-011
TO: Council
FROM: Robbie Young, Manager of Parks
SUBJECT: Community Dock Grant Application
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council direct staff to apply for the 2026 Wave Prize; and that staff be directed to continue the capital project work to bring this project forward for approvals when ready.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This report follows Staff Report No. P&R-25-003 which directs staff to report back to Council on the creation of a network of docks and water access infrastructure with Gorge Esquimalt Park West being the initial location. Staff have provided a preliminary concept and cost estimate that indicates the project is feasible pending capital allocation and/or successful grant funding.
BACKGROUND:
Council directed staff in 2024 to complete a study to explore water access options within Esquimalt. Staff retained Christine Lintott Architects (CLA) to lead this process. Through engagement sessions and technical reviews, CLA identified potential dock locations, conceptual layouts, and preliminary environmental considerations. Community feedback emphasized the following priorities:
• Enhanced recreational access to the Gorge Waterway
• Inclusive and accessible amenities
• Protection of sensitive ecosystems
• Opportunities for cultural interpretation and stewardship
The study confirmed strong community support for a dock at Esquimalt Gorge Park West
In May 2025, Committee of the Whole recommended: That Council receive Staff Report No. P&R-25-003 for information and direct staff to report back to Council with budget considerations to: a) create a network of docks and water access infrastructure with Gorge Esquimalt Park West being the initial location; b) provide community educational outreach; c) conduct a wave activity assessment; and d) concurrently with the development of an option in Esquimalt Gorge Park West, explore the options for kayak access in West Bay as well as smaller interventions such as swim ladders in appropriate locations.
The proposed Community Dock Project supports active recreation, accessibility, and ecological stewardship at Esquimalt Gorge Park West. Engagement results confirm strong community interest in improved water access for swimming, paddling and small craft activities
ANALYSIS:
Leveraging third party funding for dock construction will reduce the financial burden to the Township. Staff will continue to explore grant programs and partnership opportunities that support water access, recreation, and environmental stewardship. These may include provincial and federal infrastructure programs, accessibility grants, and collaborations with community organizations
The Wave Prize, offered by Swim Drink Fish, is currently open for applications until January 9, 2026. This grant supports projects that create swimmable piers or similar infrastructure aimed at swimming and water recreation. Five grants are available, ranging from $3 million to $15 million, and applicants must provide a 20% funding contribution.
Staff intend to apply for the Wave Prize grant of $3,000,000 to begin work on the dock network at the following preferred locations:
1. Gorge Park West
2. Arm Street Park
3. McNaughton Water Access
To secure a Wave Prize grant, the Township must signal its intent to cover a portion of the costs for the project. The intent is to allocate $652,500 from reserves for the first dock in the network (Gorge Park West) to strengthen our application. This grant application does not require an irreversible funding commitment by Council at this time. Instead, the project remains in the design stage and subject to the Council capital project approvals process, likely not before receiving the results of the grant application.
Work completed by Christine Lintott Architects (CLA), and Archipelago Marine Research (Appendix A), and subsequent conceptual input from McElhanney Ltd. (Appendix B) confirms that Esquimalt Gorge Park West is the optimal location for the Township’s first community dock, forming the anchor point for a broader Township-wide dock network. Community input collected in 2024-2025 shows sustained demand for improved water access.
The preliminary order-of-magnitude cost estimate for the proposed dock concept at Esquimalt Gorge Park West is approximately $652,500. This estimate is based on McElhanney’s conceptual design and includes:
• Professional Services: $62,000 (site survey, environmental assessment, regulatory submissions, engineering support)
• Proposed Dock Construction: $460,000 (mobilization, steel pipe piles, aluminum gangway, aluminum floating dock)
• Contingency (25%): $130,500
The assumptions identified in the report are clear, this estimate is:
• Intended for budgetary planning purposes only; actual tender pricing may vary.
• Taxes, permitting costs, and unforeseen site conditions are not included.
• Scope changes may result in cost variations.
Prior to construction of a dock, further work would include on site explorations, which include a formal wave activity assessment, regulatory preparation, design refinement, and development of educational outreach materials.
Staff are also actively collaborating with the Salish Sea RV Marina to examine options for kayak access in West Bay.
Staff have preliminarily identified locations where swim ladders/stairs could also be explored as part of a phased water-access enhancement strategy.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council direct staff to apply for the 2026 Wave Prize; and that staff be directed to continue the capital project work to bring this project forward for approvals when ready.
2. That Council provide alternative direction.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Engaged and health community
Climate resilience and environmental stewardship
Strong relationships and partnerships
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Anticipated expenditures for Dock at Gorge Park West:
• Year 1: Site investigations and permitting - $62,000
• Year 2-3: Construction (pending tender results) - $590,500
Total estimated project cost: $652,500 (including contingency).
To safeguard against cost overruns, the Township would work with and implement the following measures:
• Budget Contingency: A reserve is built into the budget to cover unexpected expenses.
• Smart Procurement: Competitive tendering and value engineering will optimize costs.
• Strong Oversight: Ongoing financial tracking and a cross-functional oversight team will ensure transparency and timely response to any issues.
Operational costs are expected to be minor, less than $5k annually. Maintenance and asset management would be the responsibility of Esquimalt Parks department. Maintenance costs could be offset by potential park rental opportunities. Public docks in the region are generally treated as parks (free to access, support access for everyone, connecting residents to nature).
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
Future engagement will include:
• Consultation with Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations
• Public updates via Township channels
• Ecological education on shoreline protection
• Continued collaboration with Salish Sea RV Marina regarding kayak access opportunities for West Bay residents
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
• Apply for external funding to offset capital costs
• If successful, return to Council to provide update and seek go/no-go approval for the capital project
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Steve Knoke, Director of Parks and Recreation
2. Ian Irvine, Director of Financial Services and Information Technology
3. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services
4. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
1. Community Dock Engagement Summary (CLA)
2. McElhanney Dock Concept Technical Memo