The Esquimalt Village Project is one step closer to becoming a reality, with the Township of Esquimalt signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Aragon Investments Ltd. to proceed with the acquisition and development of the lands next to Municipal Hall, on Esquimalt Road.
“This is a very big deal,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins, who made the announcement at last night’s Council meeting. “We view this project as the catalyst for development in Esquimalt for years to come, and look forward to working with Aragon as a community development partner.”
The village will include a number of sustainable and progressive initiatives, including:
- alternative management methods for rainwater and energy
- bicycle and pedestrian-friendly spaces, with easy access to transit
- maintaining heritage trees on-site
- green building concepts in all buildings and infrastructure
Architectural firm D’AMBROSIO architecture + urbanism has designed a plan for the project that includes civic, residential and commercial uses.
The design is of a six-story building with rental units and ground floor commercial space. The village will also feature a 17,000 sq.ft. public square and a through-block art walk.
The Esquimalt Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library will be relocated at a separate structure.
There are also plans for a teaching and administrative space for the Justice Institute of BC, Canada’s leading public safety educator.
Construction is expected to commence in the spring of 2017 and be completed within two years. The public will be invited to view and provide comment on project design.
