TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: April 20, 2026 Report No. P&R-26-004
TO: Committee of the Whole
FROM: Robbie Young, Manager of Parks
SUBJECT: Ocean Networks Canada Radar Proposal
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Committee of the Whole recommend that Council approves the installation of a marine radar by Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) and the University of Victoria at Saxe Point Park and direct staff to enter into a 10-year license.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) has requested permission to install an oceanographic radar unit at Saxe Point Park to support coastal monitoring and research in the Juan de Fuca Strait. The installation would be permanent, remotely operated, and maintained by ONC.
Staff have reviewed the proposal and find the installation to be low impact, compatible with park use, and consistent with Township objectives. The radar will add to the scientific knowledge base and may contribute to improvements in climate resilience and environmental stewardship. All costs and liabilities would be assumed by ONC through a 10-year agreement. The proposal is presented for Council’s consideration (Appendix A).
BACKGROUND:
Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is an ocean observing facility hosted and owned by the University of Victoria (UVic), and managed and operated by the ONC Society, a not-for-profit established in 2007. ONC delivers ocean data from its cabled, mobile and community-based observing networks that represent an essential component of Canada’s ocean observing science capacity. Representatives from ONC will attend the Committee of the Whole meeting to provide an overview of the organization and the proposed installation and to respond to questions.
ANALYSIS:
ONC proposes to install an oceanographic radar unit at Saxe Point Park to collect data on coastal and marine conditions. The equipment would be permanently mounted, remotely operated, and maintained by ONC.
The proposed location has been selected to meet operational requirements while minimizing visual and physical impacts. Installation would involve limited surface mounting, would not restrict public access, and would not interfere with existing park users. The radar does not generate noise and would require only periodic maintenance.
ONC presented to EPRAC on November 26, 2025, for their consideration. Their comments generally indicated support for the project and request for education signage nearby, however they did question if the project could be located elsewhere due to the desire to not interrupt the beautiful vista in Saxe Point Park. ONC indicated that the Saxe Point location would be ideal as it is geographically preferred to other nearby locations. Further to this it was also clarified that all information collected would be publicly available and ONC does not generate profits on their research.
The natural park setting and viewpoints of Saxe Point Park are greatly valued by Esquimalt residents. As such, any alteration or change to this could have a negative impact and should be considered. Photos included in Appendix A.
Environmental Impact:
The proposed radar installation is not expected to result in adverse environmental impacts. The equipment is passive in operation, does not emit pollutants or noise, and requires minimal physical disturbance for installation. Minimal ground excavation or vegetation removal is anticipated.
The project supports environmental monitoring and research objectives by contributing data that improves understanding of local coastal processes and marine conditions. Staff consider the proposal consistent with responsible environmental stewardship of waterfront parkland.
OPTIONS:
1. That the Committee of the Whole recommend that Council approves the installation of a marine radar by Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) and the University of Victoria at Saxe Point Park and direct staff to enter into a 10-year license.
2. That the Committee of the Whole provides an alternative direction.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Climate Resilience & Environmental Stewardship
Strong Relationships & Partnerships
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no financial implications for the Township of Esquimalt. All costs associated with installation, operation, maintenance, and removal would be the responsibility of Ocean Networks Canada.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
Ocean Networks Canada has engaged with the Township as part of the review of the proposed installation. Representatives from ONC attended a meeting of the Environmental, Parks, and Recreation Advisory Committee (EPRAC) to provide an overview of the project and respond to questions from Committee members.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
Staff to work with ONC on next steps should the recommendation be approved
Anticipated timeline for installation is the Summer of 2026.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Steve Knoke, Director of Parks and Recreation, Reviewed
2. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
3. Sarah Holloway, Manager of Corporate Services, Reviewed
4. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
Appendix A: Ocean Networks Canada Proposal