TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 13, 2026 Report No. P&R-26-008
TO: Committee of the Whole
FROM: Robbie Young, Manager of Parks
SUBJECT: Gatherwell Sauna Pilot Program - Partnership Proposal for Esquimalt Gorge Park
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Committee of the Whole recommends that Council direct staff to enter into a one-year trial agreement with Gatherwell for mobile sauna operations at Esquimalt Gorge Park and upon completion of the trial, return to Council for further direction.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Gatherwell, a BC-based sauna operator, has proposed a trial partnership to operate mobile saunas at Esquimalt Gorge Park during the winter months. This would activate park space in the winter season, test a partnership model, and generate municipal revenue with minimal financial risk to the Township. Gatherwell has a successful pilot at Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver (launched December 2025) and has generated positive early results; staff have completed analysis of risk and recommend a structured one-year trial.
BACKGROUND:
Parks and open spaces enrich the well-being of residents and visitors. The use of saunas contributes to health and wellness. Esquimalt Parks and Recreation currently operates a sauna in our recreation centre as it delivers health and social benefits to our residents. Sauna use is associated with a range of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular function, stress reduction, and post-exercise recovery. In addition, the sauna functions as an important social amenity, providing residents with opportunities for informal interaction, connection, and inclusion-key objectives aligned with municipal recreation and public health goals.
When this potential partnership was originally proposed, staff reviewed existing models in the region. This information was presented to the Environmental Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (EPRAC) in April 2026. Response from EPRAC was generally favourable with members noting support of potential partnership noting that it may be complimentary to the dock project, support for the creation of “third-spaces” in the community and that there are many cold-water swimmers that may benefit from this type of partnership. Some concerns were noted regarding fees and affordability, particularly for seniors and other marginalized populations and staff were encouraged to consider the proposal within the guidelines of the Zoning Bylaw and what level of commercialization is acceptable in parks. Gatherwell has presented their proposal which demonstrates success in other jurisdictions in the province. Gorge Park is identified as suitable due to direct water access, existing parking (94 spaces), established community hub status, and available space for temporary infrastructure.
ANALYSIS:
Risks & Benefits
Potential Benefits
• Winter park activation and increased foot traffic
• Possible reduction in vandalism through increased presence
• New wellness amenity serving community interests
• Modest revenue without capital investment
• Limited financial risk to Township
• Revenue generated to support Esquimalt Gorge Park
Potential Risks:
• Community perception of commercial use in Esquimalt Parks
• Demand uncertainty-market conditions may differ from West Vancouver
• Noise and disruption to park users seeking quiet recreation
• Parking pressure in winter conditions
• Limited accessibility for lower-income residents despite affordable pricing
• Operator financial sustainability not guaranteed
• Staff oversight burden may exceed estimates
• Unintended impacts to the local environment
Operational Model
Gatherwell would be responsible for all capital costs, daily operations, staffing, cleaning, waste management, and safety protocols. The Township would manage licensing oversight, community feedback, and impacts to park and neighbourhood - estimated at 5-10 staff hours monthly. The trial would run October 2026 through October 2027 with a mandatory review at six months.
Legal & Liability
The licensing agreement must include robust indemnification language, comprehensive liability insurance (with Township as additional insured), and clear assignment of health and safety responsibility to Gatherwell. Regulatory compliance with Island Health authority and WorkSafeBC standards must be verified before operations commence. Legal counsel review is required for waiver effectiveness and insurance implications.
Key Liability Risks:
• Sauna operations carry inherent risks from heat, water, and injury that can create liability for the Township despite waivers, especially if negligence, inadequate oversight, or vulnerable users are involved.
• Staff will work collaboratively with the operator to mitigate issues as they arise.
OPTIONS:
1. That the Committee of the Whole recommends that Council direct staff to enter into a one-year trial agreement with Gatherwell for mobile sauna operations at Esquimalt Gorge Park, and upon completion of the trial, return to Council for further direction. [Recommended option].
2. That the Committee of the Whole recommends that Council provide alternative direction to staff.
3. That the Committee of the Whole receive Staff Report No. 26-008 for information. [This option would mean that the proposal would not have authorization to proceed.]
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Engaged and Healthy Community
Climate Resilience and Environmental Stewardship
Strong Relationships and Partnerships
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Revenue (Year 1, conservative estimate): $30,000-$50,000
Capital Cost: $0
Staff Oversight: Approximately 5-10 hours monthly
Insurance Implications: Requires legal review; potential premium adjustments
Licensing agreement must establish clear revenue-sharing percentage and payment schedule. Municipality revenue is contingent on operational performance and actual visitor numbers.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
Before Launch:
• Public notice posted on website and at Gorge Park
• Information distributed to residents and regular park users and community partners
• Clear communication about pilot nature and timeline
During Operations:
• Regular updates with transparent performance data
• Community feedback mechanism (email, online form)
• Mid-trial community survey (six-month mark)
Decision Point (April 2027):
• Comprehensive review report with all performance data and community feedback
• Council decision on continuation, modification, or discontinuation
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
• July 2026: Council authorization to proceed with negotiations
• July-September 2026: Legal review, regulatory approvals, licensing agreement finalization, community notification, permits finalized
• October 2026: Trial launch (targeting peak winter season demand)
• April 2027: Six-month operational review and decision on continuation
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Steve Knoke, Director of Parks and Recreation
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. Gatherwell x Esquimalt Sauna Proposal (Full Presentation)