TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 11, 2026 Report No. DEV-26-019
TO: Committee of the Whole
FROM: James Davison, Manager of Development Services
SUBJECT: Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing Options Follow Up - Targeted Consultation
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Committee of Whole recommend that Council direct staff to proceed with a Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) workshop as outlined in staff report DEV-26-019 and bring back a summary of input and recommended bylaw/policy updates for Council consideration.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Council has directed that staff initiate a project to review and potentially provide significant updates to the Small-Scale Multi-Family Housing related bylaws in Esquimalt. Council's intent was to conduct thorough engagement and fact-finding in order to make policy decisions in this area in an expedited manner.
This report provides a basic framework for a one-day workshop that will provide an interactive forum that will allow all interested parties, including residents, developers, and designers, to gather in one place and discuss various issues that have arisen because of the implementation of SSMUH developments in Esquimalt. The workshop will be supported by an experienced facilitator and include a mixture of presentations providing a solid background on the issues related to SSMUH such as the legislative framework, design considerations, and financial feasibility. These presentations will be delivered by professionals with experience in the field. The presentations will be followed by various facilitated methods that allow participants to share ideas and concerns and learn from each other and work collaboratively towards issue identification and solutions. The facilitator will prepare a summary report following the workshop similar to the one prepared after the May 5, 2017, Affordably Housing Workshop hosted by the Township. Material will also be available on-line so that people wh...
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