The Township of Esquimalt is surveying residents on where they want a public dock, but has not allocated money to build one.
Mayor Barb Desjardins said interest in another public dock in Esquimalt has always been there but it’s been brought up more and more often since the success of Victoria’s expanded swimming dock at Gorge Marine Park.
The dock off Banfield Park was first installed in 2021 and has been expanded twice by the City of Victoria to meet increasing demand.
Desjardins said there has been a “significant increase” in conversations for the township to add a swimming dock at the Gorge to complement Victoria’s dock so that people can enjoy a swimming route in the Gorge Waterway.
Residents in the West Bay neighbourhood have also expressed interest in an access point in West Bay for kayaking, canoeing and swimming, she said.
However, there are no funds in place for building a dock and none allocated in the upcoming budget that she’s aware of, Desjardin said.
Desjardin said money for a public dock might come from grants or developers via community amenity contributions.
The survey is important because when the money arises, “we will know where and what to put in the water,” she said.
“Esquimalt has so much in terms of beautiful waterfront. To be able to access it a little easier, whether it’s [for] kayaking or swimming would be a great addition,” Desjardins said.
It’s important for people to have access to different ways of cooling as average temperatures continue to rise, she said.
As of this week, residents can participate in a township survey asking for feedback on where they would want to see a public dock installed on Esquimalt shores.
The survey, which closes on Feb. 13, asks participants about how often they visit the waters and shorelines in Esquimalt and where they would like to see a new public dock installed.
The survey says Esquimalt is in active conversation with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations about the study regarding any feedback or concerns they might have.
Currently, the municipality has a single public-use dock at Fleming Beach fronting onto the Salish Sea, which is managed by a fishing club.
That dock was upgraded last year after Esquimalt Anglers Association bought and transported newer wharves from a fish farm from up Island to replace sections of the aging wharves.
There’s a small swimming area near that dock, but it’s mainly meant for boat and kayak users.
Last year, the township began the first steps towards figuring out where a public dock could go in and what it might look like.
Staff with Esquimalt’s parks and architecture departments worked alongside a team of marine biologists to survey the township last September and October.
They picked out 18 possible locations for a public multi-use dock — nine along the Gorge Waterway, seven between Denniston Park and Fleming Beach and two in West Bay.
Parks department manager Robbie Young said the locations were graded for their proximity to washrooms, parking, amenities as well as environmental concerns.
The presence of eelgrass and oyster beds in the Gorge Waterway means any dock site in those waters should be “as environmentally conscious as possible,” he said.
Restoration of the Gorge began in the 1990s, after swimmers abandoned the waterway for six decadces due to pollution and rampant dumping,
The waterway was given a clean bill of health in 2000.
Water recreation in the Gorge was re-popularized a few years later through swimming competitions and other events.
Young said some of the sites identified by the township already have champions, as various water-recreation groups have approached the municipality about the possibility of dock installations over the years.
Young said he’s hoping to hear from the wider community too. “We’re considering all the potential sites at this point.”
Those interested in learning more can also attend an open house held by staff at the Gorge Pavilion on Jan. 23 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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