TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 20, 2026 Report No. DEV-26-035
TO: Council
FROM: Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Year Two Housing Target Progress Report Form July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council:
1. Pursuant to Section 4 (3) (a) of the Housing Supply Act, receive the Year Two Housing Target Progress Report Form attached as Appendix "A" to staff report DEV-26-035;
2. Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or his delegate to, as soon as practicable, publish the report on the Township of Esquimalt's website; and
3. Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or his delegate to, as soon as practicable, submit the report to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On June 25, 2024, the Minister of Housing issued an Order pursuant to the Housing Supply Act in relation to the Township of Esquimalt. The Order, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, set out the following cumulative Housing Targets for the Township:
- Year 1: 81
- Year 2: 185
- Year 3: 325
- Year 4: 510
- Year 5: 754
The Township is required to prepare a Housing Target Progress Report Form after six months from the effective date and then annually thereafter. June 30, 2026, represents the end of year two. The Year Two Housing Target Progress Report Form is attached as Appendix "A". It indicates that a total of 989 net new housing units have been completed in Esquimalt since July 1, 2024. Not only is this well above the Year Two housing target of 185 completed housing units; it is well above the Year Five housing target of 754 completed housing units meaning that Esquimalt has exceeded the provincial expectation in two-years.
BACKGROUND:
The province put housing targets in place in response to a critical shortage of housing. This program responds to housing supply issues which is only one of many variables contributing to the lack of affordable housing. Municipal...
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