Esquimalt Launches Urgent Review of Official Community Plan

UPDATE: Esquimalt is poised to finally review its Official Community Plan (OCP) after more than two decades of waiting. The Esquimalt Council has just announced that they will initiate a comprehensive OCP review, contingent on funding approval in the 2026 budget.

During a critical committee meeting on December 8, 2023, the motion to launch the review was passed, although Councilor Duncan Cavens opposed it. The move aligns with the council’s priorities for 2023-2026, which includes preparing a project scope by early 2026. Mayor Barbara Desjardins emphasized the urgency of the review, highlighting that the community has undergone significant changes over the years. “We keep hearing from the community where the pressure points are,” she stated. “To have full participation, we need to start sooner rather than later.”

The OCP is crucial as it outlines Esquimalt’s long-term vision for land use, development, environmental protection, and housing. It directly influences council decisions and guides developers, providing clarity to residents about their community’s future.

While Mayor Desjardins advocates for quick action, Councilor Meagan Brame cautioned against rushing the process. “Every time we rush it, we don’t do it as well as we can,” she warned, advocating for a more deliberate approach. Cavens echoed her concerns, questioning the capacity of the council to take on this significant task with many ongoing projects. “I’m very concerned with what to include because we’ve got a lot on our plates already,” he said, challenging whether a review should be committed to before the council is ready.

The OCP will not only set development permit areas and outline energy conservation goals but also incorporate regional, provincial, and federal requirements. Any major changes to the plan will require public consultation and hearings, as mandated by the Local Government Act.

Going forward, the council faces a critical decision on whether to endorse the staff’s recommendation to initiate this major review. If approved, work on the OCP could begin in early 2026, with the actual review extending into the next council term. The impact of this review will be felt across the community, shaping how Esquimalt will grow and respond to the evolving needs of its residents.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds. The community’s future hangs in the balance as Esquimalt prepares for a much-needed overhaul of its official community plan.