In 2000, organizations with an interest in or jurisdiction over Esquimalt Lagoon, Coburg Peninsula and the surrounding lands came together to discuss environmental issues and explore opportunities for partnerships. Many of these agencies and stakeholder groups decided to work together and the Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Initiative (ELSI) was formed. ELSI was established to address issues related to the environmental quality of the lagoon and to facilitate coordination between multiple government agencies and partners involved in managing the area.

ELSI is led by a consensus-based steering committee chaired by the Harbours and Watersheds Coordinator from the Capital Regional District (CRD). The Steering Committee’s role is to implement actions to achieve the goals of the Stewardship Plan. A part-time coordinator funded by the CRD initiates and manages projects, seeks funding and organizes ELSI.

Our Vision

To protect, enhance and restore the health of the Esquimalt Lagoon for present and future generations of people, plants and animals.

Our Goals

  1. Promote and support lagoon stewardship and the education of lagoon visitors, residents and the surrounding community
  2. Prevent further loss or destruction of habitat and wildlife
  3. Reduce contaminant inputs to the lagoon
  4. Promote environmentally protective recreation uses in the lagoon area, and
  5. Promote environmentally protective land uses.