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 was the OCP updated in 2025?

The Township of Esquimalt updated 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.


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.


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 was the OCP updated in 2025?

The Township of Esquimalt updated 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.


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.


Page last updated: 19 Jan 2026, 08:54 AM