TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 21, 2026 Report No. DEV-26-042
TO: Council
FROM: Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Development Capacity Study Final Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council receive the Esquimalt Development Capacity Study Draft Findings Report August 2026 Version 2.1 attached as Appendix “A” to staff report DEV-26-042 for information.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In order to provide Council, commissions, residents, developers, businesses, and staff with a clear understanding of the development capacity of the Township for future residential development, Licker Geospatial Consulting was engaged to produce a report that analyzes a number of variables including land use, sanitary sewer, water, electricity, traffic, transit, recreation and parks, tree canopy, and emergency services that may constrain or be constrained by potential future residential development both temporarily and spatially. Identifying these constraints will help Council in its decision-making processes related to land use and infrastructure. The study will also provide valuable background information in the upcoming development of Development Cost Charges and Amenity Cost Charges Bylaws as well as the major review of the Official Community Plan.
BACKGROUND:
Since reporting preliminary results to the Committee of the Whole on May 11, 2026, the consulting team has now completed its data analysis. The final analysis is similar to what was reported to the Committee of the Whole in May, namely, based on the proposed land use policy in the Official Community Plan, there are no major constraints to future development. The study does identify areas with localized sanitary sewer and water servicing limitations, however, capacity in these areas could be increased through infrastructure upgrades. In addition, electrical capacity is not currently identified as a limiting factor based on discussions with BC Hydro. ...
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