Esquimalt Official Community Plan | 2025 Update

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What is an Official Community Plan (OCP)?

Official Community Plans (OCPs) describe the long-term vision of communities. They are a statement of objectives and policies that guide decisions on local government planning and land use management. Municipalities, regional districts and the Islands Trust have the authority to develop official community plans under the Local Government Act.

Why is the OCP being updated now?

The Township of Esquimalt is updating its Official Community Plan (OCP) to meet a Provincial requirement that all local governments ensure their OCPs include enough land use capacity to accommodate 20 years of housing needs and to incorporate statutory housing policies. This update must be completed by the end of 2025.


What is the goal of this OCP update?

The current OCP already provides sufficient land use capacity to meet the 20-year housing targets, so no changes to existing land use designations are anticipated. Instead, the Township is considering targeted amendments to align the plan with new Provincial requirements and improve clarity.

This is not a major update, but a recalibration to reflect today’s priorities. A comprehensive review and full OCP update is planned to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2030.


How can you get involved?

  1. Read our information boards with details about the proposed changes.

  2. Staff are preparing a report to council that will share the results of the public engagement. This will be presented to council in early fall, 2025.


What is an Official Community Plan (OCP)?

Official Community Plans (OCPs) describe the long-term vision of communities. They are a statement of objectives and policies that guide decisions on local government planning and land use management. Municipalities, regional districts and the Islands Trust have the authority to develop official community plans under the Local Government Act.

Why is the OCP being updated now?

The Township of Esquimalt is updating its Official Community Plan (OCP) to meet a Provincial requirement that all local governments ensure their OCPs include enough land use capacity to accommodate 20 years of housing needs and to incorporate statutory housing policies. This update must be completed by the end of 2025.


What is the goal of this OCP update?

The current OCP already provides sufficient land use capacity to meet the 20-year housing targets, so no changes to existing land use designations are anticipated. Instead, the Township is considering targeted amendments to align the plan with new Provincial requirements and improve clarity.

This is not a major update, but a recalibration to reflect today’s priorities. A comprehensive review and full OCP update is planned to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2030.


How can you get involved?

  1. Read our information boards with details about the proposed changes.

  2. Staff are preparing a report to council that will share the results of the public engagement. This will be presented to council in early fall, 2025.


Page last updated: 03 Sep 2025, 04:15 PM