History
The name Esquimalt (pronounced Ess-KWY-malt) comes from the First Nations word which means “the place of gradually shoaling water”. Located about five minutes west of downtown Victoria, Esquimalt was settled as an agricultural area to provide agricultural products to the forts in the area. Today it is a vibrant community with some of the world’s finest natural harbours. One of the most notable features of the area is the naval base, home of the Royal Navy’s Pacific Squadron, which was established in 1865. The naval base is the largest employer in the Esquimalt. As Esquimalt continued to be developed, several things brought change to the region, including the discovery of gold along Fraser River. Within just a few short years, the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway was constructed, and along with the Navy presence, enhanced the appeal for Victoria’s wealthy business people to relocate to the area. Even more changes were to come to Esquimalt in the years that followed, and today Esquimalt is an eclectic mixture of commercial, industrial, and residential development. Demographics Esquimalt has a temperate climate with warm, sunny summers and mild, wet winters which offers a wide range of year-round activities. Temperatures range from a low of 5.5 degrees C (42 degrees F) in January to a high of 30 degrees C (69 degrees F) in July. Things to Do Some of the activities the city offers center around recreational facilities with an indoor swimming pool, a curling rink, and a recreation centre. The city’s public library is located in the community’s main shopping district which lies along Esquimalt road. However, the really serious shoppers make their way up the road to the Tillicum Shopping Centre, or on into Victoria. Esquimalt has plenty of outdoor activities as well, not least of which is the top-ranked Gorge Vale Golf Club. And it’s easy to see why water sports are popular here since Esquimalt is surrounded by water on all sides. Kinsmen Gorge Park gives great views of the long and narrow Gorge which connects the Portage Inlet with Victoria’s harbour. Saxe Point Park combines rugged beaches and views with quiet family picnic spots, and Macauley Point Park has magnificent views of Victoria’s skyline and a boat ramp on Fleming Bay. Education Esquimalt is a well-established city with a small-town feel. The population of Esquimalt is about 17,000 and its students attend a number of top-notched schools which are part of the Greater Victoria School District 61. However, the city does have its own Esquimalt Community High School. Although all of its services were developed many years ago, the city’s leadership is progressive and committed to community sustainability and healthy growth. Esquimalt Real Estate Esquimalt real estate offers a mixture of high-quality residential properties, some situated on excellent waterfront properties, and an active business community which includes a light industrial district. Military families who are posted at CFB Esquimalt, also referred to as DND Esquimalt, may choose to live on base, but others choose to buy Esquimalt real estate. Military members receive substantial relocation benefits from the federal government which results in little if any expense to buy and or sell real estate. When seeking your new Esquimalt home, two of the most attractive residential areas are Saxe Point and Rockheights. No matter what your preference or situation, you’ll find a strong community spirit awaiting you.
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