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Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Initiative

About ELSI

ELSI is a multi-stakeholder group working to protect, enhance and restore the health of Esquimalt Lagoon. Find out more about the background and role of ELSI.

ELSI Partners

The ELSI partners include several government agencies, First Nations, community and environmental groups and local residents that are interested in pursuing a common approach to the environmental management of Esquimalt Lagoon.

Committee & Subcommittees

ELSI consists of the main steering committee and two subcommittees. Community involvement with the subcommittees is encouraged.

Area of Interest

ELSI's area of interest includes the Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the watershed that drains to the lagoon.

Vision & Goals

The ELSI partners have developed a vision and goals for Esquimalt Lagoon.

Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Plan

The ELSI partners have worked together to develop a coordinated stewardship plan for Esquimalt Lagoon.

Initiatives and Projects

ELSI works on a number of initiatives and projects that are designed to protect and enhance the environmental quality in the lagoon.

The Future of Coburg Peninsula Park at Esquimalt Lagoon Learn all about the consultation process....

Volunteer Opportunities

ELSI is always in need of volunteers to help implement the various components of the Stewardship Plan. Find out how you can get involved!

Publications

Copies of ELSI publications are available.

Agendas and Minutes

Minutes and agendas for the ELSI committee and subcommittee meetings are available.

ELSI News &
Current Initiatives

Pilot Dune Restoration

Volunteers needed in the month of October to weed then plant native plants. Individuals and groups welcome!

Over the last two years, ongoing degradation of the dune habitats by visitors, increasing development, recent storm events have denuded and eroded approximately 35% of the dune habitat along Coburg Peninsula.

Healthy retention and stabilization of the dune habitat is critical to the spits’ role as protector of this unique aquatic estuary, spit barrier lagoon, of which there are very few in Canada.

The goals of the project are to (1) restore native dune habitats through the establishment demonstration restoration plots (2 in trampled; 1 in broom-infested area; 1 in healthy habitat) and the realignment of beach access points and benches, (2) monitor the effectiveness of two restoration techniques (restrict access and natural regeneration vs. restrict access and supplemental planting), and (3) increase visitor and resident stewardship and awareness of dune habitat through interpretive signs, education and by engaging them in the restoration. 

Working in partnership with the City of Colwood, community volunteers and the various other members agencies of ELSI, the restoration of this unique system will be realized ensuring that the system is stable enough to withstand the expected future impacts in the area and continue to protect the aquatic features the Esquimalt Lagoon supports.

Esquimalt Lagoon Watershed Model

Esquimalt Lagoon Watershed

ELSI partnered with Stream Team/Opening Minds with Water to develop an interactive model of the Esquimalt Lagoon watershed. Find out how you can book the Esquimalt Lagoon Watershed model for your school or community event.

Interpretive signs
at Esquimalt Lagoon

ELSI is working with the Victoria Natural History Society and the City of Colwood to install interpretive signs at Esquimalt Lagoon. Next time you visit the lagoon be sure to watch out for the new signs!

Harbour Shorekeepers

Members of ELSI and Esquimalt Lagoon Enhancement Association conduct an annual Shorekeepers survey to monitor a section of the shoreline at Esquimalt Lagoon. Find out more about harbour shorekeepers and how you can get involved.

Mudflats

Community Contaminant
Monitoring Program

ELSI is working with the community to implement a long-term community contaminant monitoring program for Esquimalt Lagoon. Find out how you can get involved with this program.