Committees
ELSI is governed by consensus-based committees. ELSI membership may change with the agreement of the members and as dictated by the issues being addressed by the committee. Representatives are either appointed by the appropriate agency or organization, or a representative for a particular sector will be selected from applicants in response to advertising.
Many of the ELSI partners have mandated responsibilities for various aspects of environmental management of Esquimalt Lagoon and the adjacent lands. Others are interested in the management of the lagoon for recreational and ecological values and as traditional lands.
Steering committee
The Steering Committee includes representatives from all the partners and makes consensus-based decisions which guide ELSI. Collectively, the representatives act as a community-based, multi-stakeholder body working to address environmental issues in Esquimalt Lagoon and its watershed. The various subcommittees provide information to this decision-making committee.
ELSI Steering Committee Members
- Capital Regional District
- Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada
- City of Colwood
- City of Langford
- Colwood Association for Smart Growth
- Esquimalt Lagoon Enhancement Association (ELEA)
- Go Rowing and Paddling Association of Canada
- Habitat Acquisition Trust
- Local residents
- Parks Canada - Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
- Royal Roads University
- Sea Change Marine Conservation Society
- Victoria Natural History Society
- West Shore Chamber of Commerce
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of every odd month, 2:30- 4:30pm (location varies)
Advisory Committee
Not all partners are active on the ELSI Steering Committee or subcommittees, but keep abreast of ongoing issues or contribute to specific projects. These members are Advisory Members.
Advisory Members
- BC Ministry of Environment
- Capital Regional District Parks
- Department of National Defense
- Esquimalt Nation
- Environment Canada
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Songhees Nation
Meetings: Annually, 2nd Tuesday in September or as needed
sub-committees
Working subcommittees facilitate and implement the Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Plan and coordinate project development and funding. Subcommittees are open to membership for anyone wanting to be involved.
Restoration and Planning Subcommittee
Works in consultation with appropriate partners and landowners, developers and the community to establish clear policies on jurisdiction and to promote environmentally protective land and water uses on and around the lagoon. This subcommittee plans and carries out restoration projects, and promotes maintenance and development practices that minimize environmental impacts to Esquimalt Lagoon.
Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of every month from 2:30-4:30pm at the Colwood Municipal Hall.
Education and Outreach Subcommittee
Promotes and supports Lagoon stewardship through events, outreach and education of visitors to Esquimalt Lagoon and Coburg Peninsula, and to the residential, business, institutional and commerce sectors of the community within the Esquimalt Lagoon watershed.
Meetings: Ad hoc