About the building
Set in the heart of Esquimalt near the scenic Gorge Waterway, Central Block blends modern design with natural surroundings. This contemporary collection of 99 homes offers intelligently designed layouts ranging from junior 1-bedrooms to spacious 3-bedroom residences. Bright, open interiors feature designer-curated finishes and flexible living spaces that adapt to your lifestyle. Surrounded by parks, water views, and urban conveniences, Central Block delivers the best of both worlds — vibrant city living in a relaxed, connected neighbourhood.
Central Block is an Abstract Developments project, and the company's own completion coverage describes about two and a half years of construction with keys handed over in April 2026, so the year shown above may be early. The 99 homes run from junior one-bedrooms to three-bedrooms over two street-level retail units, with nine-foot ceilings in living areas (up to 11 feet in some homes), two colour palettes, oak-look plank flooring and built-in pantries. Launch pricing started at $379,900.
The shared spaces are named for the Gorge waterway across the road: Portage Commons is an indoor co-working space with workstations, breakout rooms and a kitchenette; Portage Gardens is an outdoor seating patio; and the Portage Rooftop has an outdoor kitchen, barbecue, lounge and fire bowl with views over the Gorge. Secure underground parking serves residents and visitors, and there is dedicated kayak storage for the water across the street. A Syriana restaurant is taking one of the retail units.
About Kinsmen Park
Kinsmen Park is an MLS sub-area in the north of Esquimalt, taking in the streets around Tillicum Road, Craigflower Road and Selkirk Avenue where the township meets the Gorge Waterway. The name comes from Esquimalt Gorge Park, which was Kinsmen Gorge Park until 2006; the park's eleven hectares on Tillicum Road include a Japanese garden, a rose garden, beaches and a restored estuary, on the site of the BC Electric amusement park that drew Victorians to the Gorge after 1905. Exact boundaries are not published, so treat this as the Gorge-side part of Esquimalt rather than a hard line.
Housing is a mix of post-war bungalows, duplexes, townhouses and condominium buildings, with the waterfront condos along the Gorge, including Gorge Pointe and the newer Central Block at Tillicum and Craigflower. The Tillicum and Craigflower intersection is the local shopping node, with the Gorge Pointe Pub on the water, and the township's plan designates it for small shops with homes above. Lampson Lions Park and the Gorge Vale golf course are a short walk. Routes 24 and 25 run along Tillicum to Tillicum Centre and Routes 15 and 26 serve the rest of Esquimalt; downtown is about ten minutes by car.
About Esquimalt
Esquimalt is located in the heart of the Capital Regional District on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, just four kilometres west of the City of Victoria. Its name comes from the local First Nations expression “Es-whoy-malth,” meaning “the place of gradually shoaling water,” reflecting the area’s long connection to the sea. Incorporated in 1912, Esquimalt covers approximately 1006 hectares (2,485 acres) of land and water, and water continues to shape the community’s history, culture, and daily life.
The municipality is renowned for its strong naval heritage, serving as the home of Canada’s West Coast naval presence. The Royal Navy first used the area as early as 1837, and while the original townsite has been absorbed into the Canadian Forces Base, the base remains Esquimalt’s largest employer and a central part of community life.
Today, roughly 17,000 residents enjoy Esquimalt’s mix of established and vibrant neighborhoods. Families, young professionals, and retirees alike benefit from a variety of amenities, including scenic waterfront walkways, beautiful parks and beaches, modern recreational facilities, schools, library, and archives. The community also features a range of commercial services and locally owned shops, providing convenience while maintaining a small-town feel.
Residents of Esquimalt appreciate the combination of history, natural beauty, and community spirit. Waterfront trails, marinas, and beaches offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from kayaking and sailing to jogging and picnics. The township’s proximity to Victoria allows for easy access to the city’s cultural, dining, and employment opportunities, while still offering a quieter, community-focused lifestyle. Although well-established, Esquimalt continues to support growth, with opportunities for new residential, commercial, and industrial developments that balance modern needs with the community’s historic character.
