A new 135-unit purpose-built rental development in Esquimalt will be opening its doors to residents this fall.
The new building, dubbed ‘Anchor,’ is located at 829 Old Esquimalt Road, the former site of the Esquimalt Bingo Hall.
Anchor features 64 one-bedroom, 63 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom units.
In addition to the 135 new homes, the development also includes two ground-floor live-work units for small businesses or professional services.
Other amenities at Anchor will include underground resident parking, electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle storage, a bike repair and cleaning station, a social lounge with office pods, outdoor terraces with lounge seating and BBQ areas, a furnished guest suite and a pet spa.
Denciti Development Corp, who brought this project to fruition, are promoting the new building as being intended for “workforce” housing.
Being that Anchor is in close proximity to major employers, including CFB Esquimalt, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards and Victoria General Hospital, the developers believe this project may be able to help mitigate employment retention issues.
According to Denciti, employment retention struggles are expected to be exacerbated as the Capital Regional District continues to grow.
The developers noted that the projected growth rate will see an increase of 18.8% as the region’s population is expected to reach 551,000 by 2046.
“Anchor reflects what Esquimalt is all about. This is a connected, walkable community that is thoughtfully growing and evolving,” said David Fawley, principal at Denciti Development Corp.
“Esquimalt’s clear vision for housing and community planning created the opportunity to deliver more housing choice in a location where people want to build their lives.”
The Township of Esquimalt has been working to add to their housing stock since being assigned housing targets by the Province in 2024.
Since that time, Esquimalt has exceeded their targets. Between July 1st, 2024, and July 1st, 2025, the Township had a goal of 81 net new builds but completed 369. In the first six months of the second year, Esquimalt completed 224 net new builds, exceeding their annual goal of 96.
“Council recognizes the need in creating diverse housing options in Esquimalt and this new rental building is a welcome addition,” said Esquimalt Mayor Barbara Desjardins.
“We also recognize that commercial spaces are an important part of creating a vibrant community—the spaces offered here will support adding new business to the township.”
Leasing is now underway, and residents will begin moving in this fall.
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