Esquimalt council has endorsed a community gardens policy which allows the township to facilitate the creation of community gardens where available lands exist, where neighbours have been consulted and are supportive and where a community gardening group demonstrates an interest and commitment to operating the site.

The policy also supports Esquimalt’s commitment to sustainability and food security.

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After delays with the Royal Canadian Legion’s proposed 17-storey highrise at 622 Admirals Rd., Coun. Don Linge says better communication is needed between council and the advisory planning committee.

In September, council voted to table the decision on the controversial $80-million residential development until staff could review the official community plan.

The incident represents a situation where the APC heard valuable information from the proponents and the public that weren’t necessarily passed on, Linge says.

He suggests a joint meetings between the two bodies.

Coun. Barbara Desjardins wants APC minutes to be included in council’s meeting package, prior to hearing from developers.

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Shoreline Community Middle School programming will continue to run strong with the help of Esquimalt.

The municipal granted $2,000 for projects which include a youth drop-in called Nights Alive, of which between 60 to 75 per cent of regular attendees are from Esquimalt.

The association is also piloting an after-school program and 14 of the 20 participating families are from the municipality.

raldous@vicnews.com