Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. Contributions by Jackie Carle, EMFRC

  • Construction is underway on a new Work Point MFRC and Community Centre expected to open in late 2026.
  • The new facility will provide expanded programming, wellness services, deployment support, and family resources.
  • The project reflects years of advocacy to better support military families across Esquimalt and Greater Victoria.

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After more than a decade of advocacy, planning, and community discussion, military families in Esquimalt will soon have a new dedicated space to connect, access support, and build community close to home. 

Construction is now underway for a brand-new Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) and Community Centre location on Anson Street in Work Point, with the facility expected to open in late Fall 2026. The project marks a significant milestone for military families across Esquimalt, Greater Victoria, and the surrounding region. 

A final rendering of the new Work Point MFRC and Community Centre location.

On May 22, the Esquimalt MFRC (EMFRC) hosted an outdoor barbeque celebration for those in the Defence community and revealed signage for the new location alongside Maritime Forces(Pacific)/Joint Task Force(Pacific) (MARPAC/JTF(P)) and Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt leadership.  

“The event was an opportunity to formally announce this project and let our community members know about it,” said Jackie Carlé, Executive Director of the EMFRC. “We are so excited to be able to extend service delivery to the Esquimalt and Greater Victoria area. Families living throughout Esquimalt, Greater Victoria and beyond will now all be able to receive services and support in this fully accessible and inclusive new space.” 

The new modular facility was officially approved in February 2024 by Captain(Navy) (Capt(Navy)) Kevin Whiteside, Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt, after years of identified need within the local military family community. According to the MFRC, demand for additional meeting and program space in the Esquimalt area has been consistently raised by families and has been a strategic priority of the organization’s board for many years. 

“Modular builds are not what they used to be; they are beautiful, viable buildings. Additionally, if there was ever a requirement to relocate the facility, this could happen with a modular build,” shared Carlé. “The construction timelines are also very good, and with a modular there is no requirement for any deep digging or foundation work, and this is very important to us from an Indigenous perspective. Our Base Commander supported the build on this site and secured First Nations approval for use of this land to support services to military connected families.” 

Capt(Navy) Kevin Whiteside, CFB Esquimalt Base Commander (left) and Jackie Carlé, EMFRC Executive Director during the May 22 community barbeque. Photo: Geoff Howe

Once complete, the new Work Point location will expand access to family-focused programming and services in one of the region’s key military communities. The facility will offer information and referral services, deployment support, counselling and wellness programming, workshops for all ages, and supports specifically designed for children and youth. It will also serve as a community gathering space and a morale mail drop-off location for deployed members and their families. MFRC programs and services will continue to be offered at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (CPAC) location in Colwood. 

The barbeque celebration was also an opportunity for the EMFRC Board of Directors to thank Capt(Navy) Whiteside for his dedication and efforts regarding the new EMFRC prior to his departure later this year. 

“I was so pleased to be able to present the Base Commander with a Military Family Coin to commemorate his stalwart support and leadership during the event,” said Carlé. “It was a great opportunity to acknowledge his dedication to this community, and specifically his care and concern for military connected families.” 

As construction progresses towards a winter 2026 opening, the new location is more than a building. For many local military families, it is the realization of years of advocacy and a long-awaited investment in the wellbeing, resilience, and connectedness of the Defence community in Esquimalt. 

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Questions on the new Work Point MRFC and Community Centre?
Learn more and contact the EMFRC here