Sidewalking Esquimalt Town Centre
I’m really not sure why it took me so long to get to this one, but here it is. Last week I had some time with just my youngest son and so I decided to go for a walk through Esquimalt Town Centre, I have to say I am impressed!
So just over three kilometres to the west from downtown Victoria is Esquimalt Town Centre which is the main commercial district for Township of Esquimalt. Esquimalt has a lengthy pre-settler history, going back thousands of years and there were significant village sites along the shores. Some of the earliest settler buildings in Esquimalt were the HBC farms in central Esquimalt and a small grouping along the shore of the harbour to house potential casualties from the Crimean War. The original town centre was actually well within what we would consider the navy base now, along Pioneer Street and Hospital Road. Commercial activity slowly transitioned up past Admirals Road and by the 1910’s the focal point of Esquimalt was where we would somewhat recognise it today.
That said, when I arrived in the town centre last week, I barely recognised it myself. There seems to be a complete reimagining of the place going on, with significant construction across the area. Perhaps the largest construction project is going on is behind the Municipal hall called the Esquimalt Town Square. It, of course, includes a new public square as well as commercial and residential space and will be building off the already good start that the town centre has.
I walked the entire length of this urban centre and tried to get a sense of the place. For it being mid-week and during the day, it was very active. I was very impressed with the amount of bus service that the area got as it seemed as though at least one would go by in either direction every couple of minutes. The centre has quite a few great amenities with a couple of cafes and a grocery store at either end (Red Barn and Country Grocer). There are a few restaurants a couple of other shops. Perhaps the most visually stunning building is the massive liquor store that sits where the Tudor House Pub used to be.
As I walked along I noticed that one area that the town centre seems to be moving backwards is in sidewalk width, with some of the older buildings having massive sidewalks while some of the newer ones really pushing pedestrians to the edge of the road.
With at least two massive playgrounds, great park space, a water park and the Esquimalt rec centre all right in the centre of the village, this is a great family destination. If you are going to visit, I would strongly encourage a stop at the Esquimalt Roasting Company, I hadn’t been before this visit and was absolutely blown away by the strong flavour of the coffee, just how I like it. It was just a short visit but I saw enough that has me wanting to go back and maybe try some spruce beer from Belle Patate or some grilled pork at the Saigon Char-Broil. There was also an interesting looking Italian restaurant that seemed quite busy when I walked past.
If we want to see the potential for compact high density urban centres with all the amenities, I think that Esquimalt may be the place to watch. I would love to hear other perspectives on the transition of the town centre, is it changing for the good? What still needs to be addressed? Also if I missed a really amazing place in here, please let me know!