TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 16, 2026 Report No. DEV-26-007
TO: Council
FROM: Alex Tang, Planner and Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Rezoning Application - 851 Old Esquimalt Road
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council give first and second reading to Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, Amendment Bylaw, 2026, No. 3179 and authorize the scheduling of a Public Hearing.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The applicant is requesting to permit the additional permitted use of Group Children’s Day Care Centre on a property that is zoned RD-3 [Two Family/Single Family Residential]. This change is required to accommodate the proposed 28-children day care centre.
Evaluation of this application should focus on issues related to zoning such as the proposed land use, parking, fit with the neighbourhood, and consistency with the overall direction contained within the Official Community Plan.
BACKGROUND:
Applicant: Little Campus Montessori [Victoria Rameix]
Owner: Bishop of Victoria
Parcel Size: Metric: 838 m2 Imperial: 9018 ft2
OCP Land Use Designation: Medium Density Residential
Zone: RD-3
Existing Land Use: Single-Family Residential
Proposed Land Use: Group Children’s Day Care Centre
Surrounding Land Uses:
North: Single Family Residential
South: Multiple Family Residential [4-Storey Apartment]
East: Church
West: Single Family Residential
Chronology:
• January 23, 2026 - Rezoning application received
• February 17, 2026 - Advisory Planning Commission
Advisory Body Recommendations:
Advisory Planning Commission:
• Members were supportive of the additional permitted use of Group Children’s Day Care Centre on the subject property.
• The Advisory Planning Commission resolved that the application be forwarded to Council with a recommendation of approval subject to the condition that Council require that the church agree to the use of this lot while the childcare centre is operational. As Esquimalt attracts more families through densification, more childcare is required. The proposed location is ideal and will form part of the Township’s diverse and thriving economy.
ANALYSIS:
ZONING ANALYSIS:
The RD-3 zone for this property allows for the following permitted uses:
a) Single Family Residential
b) Two Family Residential
c) Home Occupation
d) Boarding
e) Urban Hens
The applicant is proposing the additional use of Group Children’s Day Care Centre.
PARKING ANALYSIS:
Parking: Parking Bylaw, 2025, No. 3089 requires 1 parking space per 5 children permitted as licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act. The RS-1 zone and the RD-1 zone allow the use of Group Children’s Day Care Centre on specified properties and does not require any additional parking spaces.
The subject parcel contains a garage with a corresponding driveway to Old Esquimalt Road. This will serve as the parking space for the day care centre. The proposed amendment to the Zoning Bylaw includes a clause that would exempt this proposal from meeting the requirements of the Parking Bylaw and would require no additional on-site parking space. This is consistent with the parking requirements in the RS-1 and RD-1 zones. Nonetheless, the applicant will provide a parking space. The parking lot behind Our Lady Queen of Peace church on the adjacent lot to the east will serve as the drop-off and pick-up location. A legal agreement will be registered on title to ensure that any childcare centres at 851 Old Esquimalt Road will have access to the parking lot at Our Lady Queen of Peace church for pick-up and drop-off.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council give first and second reading to Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, Amendment Bylaw, 2026, No. 3179 and authorize the scheduling of a Public Hearing.
2. That Council postpone consideration of Amendment Bylaw No. 3179 pending receipt of additional information.
3. That Council defeat Amendment Bylaw No. 3179.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Healthy and Engaged Community
Diversified and Thriving Economy
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no financial implications associated with the proposal.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
One sign indicating that the property is under consideration for a change in zoning has been installed on the Old Esquimalt Road frontage.
The applicant held a public information session on February 11, 2026; the notice for which was mailed to properties within 100m of the parcel. Staff confirm that the applicant has provided the required submissions [Appendix E].
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
Should Council give first and second reading to Amendment Bylaw 3179, the bylaw will proceed to a Public Hearing.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Bill Brown, Director of Development Services, Reviewed
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. Appendix A: Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, Amendment Bylaw, 2026, No. 3179
2. Appendix B: Aerial Map
3. Appendix C: Site Map
4. Appendix D: Applicant’s Letter
5. Appendix E: Applicant’s Public Consultation Summary