Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins Announces Retirement After 18 Years

Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins, who has served for nearly two decades, announced her decision not to seek re-election in the upcoming municipal election scheduled for 2026. This marks the conclusion of an 18-year tenure, making her the longest-serving mayor in the history of Esquimalt, a suburb of Victoria, British Columbia.

During a council meeting on October 27, Desjardins expressed her feelings about stepping down, stating, “It’s a bittersweet feeling.” She emphasized the community’s transformation, noting, “Esquimalt has undergone a transformation that is exciting, and after what will be 18 years, there can be a new vision.”

Desjardins first joined the Esquimalt council in 2005 and became the township’s 22nd mayor in 2008. She successfully secured re-election four additional times, in 2011, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Reflecting on her early days in office, she remarked on the community’s struggles at that time, stating, “When I started, Esquimalt was a community that was shrinking slightly, losing businesses, not having development.” Today, she believes the township is thriving, citing its appeal as a “very sought-after community.”

Achievements and Challenges

Desjardins highlighted several accomplishments during her tenure, such as the construction of the Gorge Pavilion and securing $17 million from the McLoughlin Amenity Fund. She also mentioned the development of a long-awaited public safety building. Despite these successes, Desjardins acknowledged that the achievements belong to the community. “It’s not one person,” she noted. “It’s the community that embraced all of that and said, ‘We like where this is going.’”

Despite her pride in the township’s progress, Desjardins expressed regret over unresolved issues related to Esquimalt’s policing situation. She stated, “I would say not resolving that to a satisfactory place, where there would be cost control and better governance, is one thing I regret.” As she approaches her final year in office, she plans to prioritize this issue, along with supporting the economic development strategy and initiating a full review of the township’s official community plan.

Desjardins’ decision not to seek re-election reflects a personal shift as well. “I think we’re in a good place,” she explained. “Now there’s a perfect opportunity for me to step back and allow a whole new generation of people to come in and help create that vision.” She added a personal touch, mentioning her new role as a grandmother, indicating a desire to focus more on family.

Looking Ahead

Although stepping back from her official role, Desjardins assured the community that she would remain active. “I’m not done yet,” she quipped. “I’m still here to do things for the community, just in a different direction.” Her commitment to Esquimalt remains strong, and she aims to ensure that the community continues to flourish even after her departure from office.

As her tenure comes to a close, Desjardins leaves behind a legacy of growth and resilience, paving the way for the next generation of leaders in Esquimalt.