Marking 100 years of history is no small feat, but the Esquimalt centennial committee and historian Sheri Robinson did a bang-up job.
The committee's efforts in promoting the 100th anniversary of the township's incorporation, getting residents and business owners involved in the celebration and leaving a legacy for future generations were recognized with awards of honour last week by Heritage B.C.
Robinson, who was also on the committee, was singled out for her research work compiling information and stories for the book, Esquimalt Centennial, 1912-2012.
"It was really special good news for us," she said. "I was so thrilled they recognized and honoured Esquimalt in this way."
Bruce Devitt, vice-chair of centennial committee, said the group adopted a credo early on that in leaving a legacy they would "honour the past and leave something for today."
The legacies were two-fold: the walkway in Memorial Park off Esquimalt Road that is an ongoing project, and the inclusion of information about the centennial year and its activities, on the townships's website.
"Our whole idea was, 'enjoy the celebration but leave something for the future,'" Devitt said.
People can still purchase personalized paving stones for the walkway project, which is part of the township's Memorial Park upgrade. To find out how, or read more about the centennial, visit esquimalt.ca/cultureHeritage/2012.
Historic gift idea
• The 100th anniversary retrospective book, Esquimalt Centennial, 1912-2012, is a detailed resource for the municipality's history. It's still available for purchase, for $30, at the township hall, the archives beneath McDonald's at 1149A Esquimalt Rd., plus Munro's and Bolen bookstores.