TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 14, 2026 Report No. DEV-26-039
TO: Council
FROM: Alex Tang, Planner and Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Development Variance Permit Application – 899 Esquimalt Road
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Motion on the floor from the September 14, 2026 Special Council meeting:
That Council deny Development Variance Permit No. DVP00189 for the variance requested to accommodate the lease of unit 101 [Strata Lot 68] of 899 Esquimalt Road for the purpose of a temporary leasing office as outlined in Staff Report DEV-26-039.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The applicant is proposing to lease unit 101 [Strata Lot 68] of 899 Esquimalt Road for the purpose of a temporary leasing office for a care retirement residence to be built at 817 Esquimalt Road. The applicant needs a variance to Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, 67.107 (6) (a) to reduce the required minimum area dedicated to Health Clinic use to allow for this temporary leasing office.
BACKGROUND:
On June 28, 2017, the Township received a rezoning application for a 13-storey building at 899 Esquimalt Road. The Design Review Committee had concerns with the height of 13 storeys and recommended approval with one of the conditions being the reduction in height to conform to the Official Community Plan. In response, the applicant amended the proposal to consist of 12 storeys.
On May 15, 2018, the applicant’s amended 12-storey proposal was presented to the Advisory Planning Commission. The applicants also clarified their density bonus amenities to include:
? Provision of 40 rental housing units at 20% below market rate at an off-site development in the Township of Esquimalt.
? Design, construction and provision of a kayak dock.
? Provision of 5 free publicly available electric vehicle charging stations.
? Built Green Canada Silver certification.
? Burial of the hydro lines directly in front of the proposed development on Esquimalt Road; a...
Click here for full text