The Esquimalt Village Project’s remediation plan was given the green light by Esquimalt council last week, making project funding the next step before the project moves ahead.
First pitched to Esquimalt council in 2008, the project aims to revitalize the town core by providing residents with additional amenities and services, focusing on both community recreational needs and economic development.
Its proposed location is the area surrounding 1235 Esquimalt Road, former home to the public works yard and municipal hall, and will be comprised of both municipally and privately-owned property. The site also incorporates Bullen Park, the Public Safety Building, and the Archie Browning Sports Centre and parking lot.
Should funding be approved, SLR Consulting will be granted a $200,000 contract to complete remediation this fall, allowing the project to obtain a certificate of compliance from the Ministry of Environment.
Municipal staff will be applying for federal and provincial grants which would cover half the cost of funding.
“It is important that we maintain momentum on the Esquimalt Village Project,” said Mayor Barb Desjardins.
“This is an important next step in the process. Public and stakeholder input into our Economic Development Strategy tell us that residents and the business community are strongly behind the project.”
The site spent the last year undergoing several evaluations, including an archaeological study that found no issues regarding First Nation sites, a geotechnical study that determined the site could support buildings up to 12 storeys high, and a review of land titles which showed no constraints.
A timeline for the implementation of the Village Project has not yet been established.