TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 12 2025 Report No. P&R-25-003
TO: Committee of the Whole
FROM: Robbie Young, Manager of Parks
SUBJECT: Community Dock Consultation
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Committee of the Whole recommend 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; and
c. conduct a wave activity assessment.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Council set a strategic priority under “Engaged and Healthy Community” to explore public dock options throughout the Township of Esquimalt and to provide analysis and recommendations. The purpose of this report is to provide the Committee of the Whole with a summary of the Community Dock consultation undertaken by staff and consultants.
BACKGROUND:
Access to community and shared dock facilities for recreational activities is desired by the residents of Esquimalt. The provision of a dock that provides water access will benefit the health and wellness of our community. This discussion around access priorities will help staff inform Council on the next steps of dock development.
Included in the 2024 budget process was a feasibility study to determine a way forward for water access in the Township of Esquimalt. Staff engaged with Christine Lintott Architects (CLA) and Archipelago Marine Research, and they were contracted to:
1. Create community engagement materials to gather community feedback.
2. Identify public land along the water as potential sites for a dock.
3. Understand the ecological considerations for each potential site.
4. Make recommendations for the community dock, integrating the community feedback and ecological assessments.
ANALYSIS:
• CLA completed a detailed analysis of several locations in the TOE. These results have been summarized in their report. Please refer to Appendix A for the report.
• Appendix B provides ranking criteria and descriptions of each location.
• Upon completion of this process staff have a much greater understanding of potential dock locations in the Township. We now have a robust inventory of potential locations in Gorge Waterway and Strait of Juan de Fuca which are categorized and ranked according to features of desirability, safety and access.
• Staff support the consultant recommendations included in the report.
• Should the staff recommendation be supported, staff will return to council with initial budget considerations for the development of a community dock network beginning with a community dock in Esquimalt Park West
• Potential next steps in the process could include obtaining permits and permissions from Provincial, Federal and other regulatory bodies, obtaining designs, costing, and attributing capital funds to the dock project.
OPTIONS:
1. That the Committee of the Whole recommend 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; and
c. conduct a wave activity assessment.
2. That the Committee of the Whole recommend that Council provide alternative direction to staff.
3. That the Committee of the Whole receive Staff Report No. P&R-25-003 for information.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Engaged and Healthy Community
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
New dock construction is not currently included in the Township’s capital plan. Should Council direct staff to pursue construction of a new dock it will require capital investment. Estimates for dock construction can be varied greatly depending on location, size and other factors.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
Any site selected for dock construction along either shore will require project-specific
strategies to avoid and/or mitigate potential impacts to these and other sensitive
ecosystems. Education will be an important part of ecological protection strategies.
The community has expressed interest in cultural education, which has the potential to
build a sense of stewardship amongst community members.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
Should Council wish to proceed with the next steps in dock development, staff will investigate options and estimates for the construction of a new dock and request capital funds be committed to this project.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Steve Knoke, Director of Parks and Recreation
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:
1. Appendix A - Consultant Report
2. Appendix B - Potential Dock Locations and Rankings
3. Appendix C - Community Dock Survey
4. Appendix D - Consultants Presentation