Friday November 28, 2025 | ESQUIMALT, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Esquimalt’s street banners began as a way to celebrate the community’s heritage, people, and seasonal events. Over time, some banners weather and are damaged and the township launched new banners earlier in 2025.
Rather than have the old banners end up in the landfill, township staff piloted a new program to turn the banners into reusable shopping bags.
Each handcrafted shopping bag is made from durable nylon and sewn by skilled community-based sewers. The result is a useful and beautiful item that reflects both creativity and care.
“These bags are beautiful, completely unique, and a great example of the circular economy in action right here in Esquimalt,” said Acting Mayor Duncan Cavens. “This keeps banners out of the landfill, gives this artwork a second life, and supports local skilled workers at the same time. That’s a win for everyone.”
Shoppers got a sneak peek at the bags at a recent Esquimalt Farmers Market holiday market event. The bags, which have a built-in pouch for easy folding, come with a story card that explains the community origin of the bag.
The bags are for sale starting today November 28 at the Esquimalt Recreation Center. Prices are $15 for one and two for $20.
Learn more at WhyEsquimalt.ca/banners2bags
Banner program:
The initiative was part of the Township’s broader commitment to public art to enhance public spaces, foster community identity, and honour Esquimalt’s diverse cultural heritage, as stated in a news release from the municipality today.
Esquimalt’s street banner revitalization program has had a budget of about $50,000 over three years, says Terése Finegan, Acting Director, HR & Community Relations & Manager of Economic Development, Township of Esquimalt.
Banners are updated seasonally. Old nylon banners are being repurposed into reusable shopping bags which will be available for sale in fall 2025 as part of cost recovery, says Finegan.
Heritage and landscape:
Esquimalt has a strong mission around public art.
Artists were invited to respond to the theme “Reflecting Our Heritage and Landscape” and explore one or more elements such as:
- The natural beauty and biodiversity of the Gorge Waterway.
- The cultural diversity of Esquimalt’s community.
- The initiative aims to enhance awareness in our community surrounding inclusion, diversity, and equity
- The traditions and contributions of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People, including the Kosapsum Nation and Songhees Nation.
Placemaking and wayfinding:
The heritage-theme banner initiative supports goals outlined in Esquimalt’s 2023–2025 Economic Development Action Plan, particularly in the areas of placemaking, wayfinding, and place branding.
It also reflects the objectives of Esquimalt’s Public Art Plan (issued in 2021) by fostering community identity, celebrating local heritage, and enhancing public spaces through art. The project was funded by the Township of Esquimalt through allocated funds for the revitalization of street pole banners.
Esquimalt budget 2025 showed $122,915 in the public art reserve.
===== RELATED:
- Streetlight banner refresh in Esquimalt (December 9, 2024)
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