TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 15, 2025 Report No. DEV-25-041
TO: Committee of the Whole
FROM: Jakub Lisowski, Planner II Policy, Development Services
SUBJECT: Official Community Plan (OCP) Recalibration 2025 – Council Workshop
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2018, No. 2922 based on comments provided by the Committee.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Council authorized staff to proceed with the Official Community Plan (OCP) Recalibration at their July 7, 2025, meeting (Appendix “D”). Staff request that the Committee of the Whole review and provide comments on the suggested changes to the OCP as listed in Appendix “A” and “B” that is part of the OCP Recalibration process. A table summarizing the proposed amendments is attached as Appendix “C”. A summary of comments from the public engagement process is attached as Appendix “F”.
BACKGROUND:
Council endorsed the OCP Recalibration project at their July 7, 2025, meeting (Appendix “D”). Staff request the Committee of the Whole review and provide comments on the draft changes to the OCP. The OCP with changes included is found in Appendix “A”. A track changes version of the OCP is in Appendix “B”. Staff have prepared a table that describes the proposed changes in Appendix “C”. This table can be read together with the track changes version of the OCP in Appendix “B” to better understand the proposed changes.
Chronology:
• November 30, 2023: Bill 44 Housing Statutes (Residential Development Act) received Royal Assent.
• September 23, 2024: As part of the Council Priorities Plan mid-term refresh, Council instructed staff to arrange for further in-depth discussion of the OCP.
• October 21, 2024: The Committee of the Whole recommended that Council direct staff to initiate Options 1, 2, and 3 for the OCP Recalibration.
• October 28, 2024: Council directed staff to initiate Options 1, 2, and 3 for the OCP Recalibration.
• November 25, 2024: Housing Needs Report completed and approved by Council.
• May 2023 – June 2025: Review of DPA Guidelines.
• June 16, 2025: The Committee of the Whole recommended that Council direct staff to endorse the draft Project Sign-off and proceed with the OCP Recalibration.
• June 17, 2025: The Advisory Planning Commission recommended that Council proceed with the OCP Recalibration.
• July 7, 2025: Council directed staff to proceed with the OCP Recalibration.
• July – August 2025: Stakeholder and public engagement
• July 8: Individual letters sent to stakeholders identified in Appendix “E”
• July 21: Individual letters sent to Kosapsum First Nation and Songhees First Nation
• July 28: Open house at Esquimalt Recreation Centre
• July 31: Open house table at Esquimalt Farmers’ Market
• July 28 - August 31: Online open house
• September 10, 2025: The Design Review Committee reviewed and provided comments on the draft DPA Guidelines of the OCP.
ANALYSIS:
In 2023, the provincial government mandated through amendments to the Local Government Act that all Official Community Plans must:
• Through statements and map designations, provide for at least the 20-year total number of housing units required to meet anticipated housing needs as identified in the most recent Housing Needs Report.
• Include housing policies respecting each class of housing needs required to be addressed in the most recent Housing Needs Report.
Furthermore, the amendments require that Council must adopt an OCP that includes statements and maps in accordance with the above by December 31, 2025. The proposed amendments to the OCP meet the statutory requirements noted above. In addition, a suite of housekeeping amendments is proposed. Appendix “C” contains a table that summarizes all proposed amendments. These proposed amendments do not materially change the use and density provisions in the OCP. A more comprehensive review of the OCP will commence in 2026. The comprehensive review will particularly focus on use and density as well as new rules related to the use of bonus density.
OPTIONS:
1. That the Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2018, No. 2922 based on comments provided by the Committee
2. That the Committee of the Whole direct staff to schedule a follow-up workshop to a future Committee of the Whole meeting.
Note that there is no option presented for recommendation to Council for denial, given that there is a statutory requirement to amend the OCP by December 31, 2025.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
The OCP Recalibration is identified as a project under the “Housing” priority in the Council Priorities Plan 2023-2026.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The budget for this project ($10,000) is for consulting related to stakeholder engagement.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
A communications plan was developed in collaboration with a consultant to guide public engagement for the OCP amendment process. The plan aimed to ensure transparency, encourage participation, and gather feedback from a broad range of stakeholders.
Engagement Activities
The following initiatives were implemented to inform and engage the community:
Targeted Outreach
• A summary of proposed changes was circulated to groups and organizations listed in the OCP Consultation List (Appendix “E”).
• Direct email notifications were sent to individuals who subscribed to receive updates on OCP-related projects.
• Additional outreach emails were sent to local Esquimalt businesses.
Public Events
• An in-person open house was held at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre.
• A staffed information booth was set up at the Esquimalt Farmers’ Market.
• An online open house was hosted to provide virtual access to project materials and feedback opportunities.
Digital Communication
• Project information was posted on the Township’s website and the Engaging Esquimalt platform.
• The OCP project was featured in three separate Township event email campaigns.
• Social media posts were published on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to broaden reach and visibility.
Traditional Media
• News releases were issued to local media outlets.
• An article outlining the proposed changes appeared in the summer edition of The Current newsletter.
• Posters and digital signage were displayed at various Township facilities to promote awareness.
Public Access to Documents
• The proposed amendments were made available for public inspection at Municipal Hall.
The engagement process was designed to be inclusive and accessible, utilizing a mix of in-person, digital, and traditional communication channels. Feedback collected through these initiatives will inform the next steps in the OCP amendment process.
A summary of the engagement results is contained in the Engagement Summary Report (Appendix "F”). As this is an amendment to the OCP, a public hearing will be required.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
• September 16, 2025: Presentation of draft OCP to Advisory Planning Commission
• October 27, 2025: Council 1st and 2nd Readings of Bylaw
• November 17, 2025: Council Public Hearing
• December 1, 2025: Council Adoption of OCP amendments
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Sarah Holloway, Manager of Corporate Services, Reviewed
2. Kristi Bilodeau, Manager of Finance, Reviewed
3. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
1. Appendix “A” Official Community Plan Bylaw – Suggested Changes included
2. Appendix “B” Official Community Plan Bylaw - Track Changes version
3. Appendix “C” Table describing proposed changes to OCP
4. Appendix “D” July 7, 2025, Council Meeting Staff Report (DEV-25-031)
5. Appendix “E” Official Community Plan Consultation List
6. Appendix "F” Engagement Summary Report
7. Appendix “G” Staff Presentation