Housing

Housing affordability and homelessness are two top strategic priorities for the City of Victoria.

Housing affordability is an issue for many Victorians with lower income.  There are 41,705 households in Victoria, of which 60% (24,820) are renters. This is almost twice the regional average. Almost half (46%) of all renters spend more than 30% of their pre-tax income on shelter. According the Statistics Canada, anyone spending this much on shelter, faces housing affordability challenges. Housing affordability and homelessness are two top strategic priorities for the City of Victoria.
 
Read the City's 2011 Housing Report [PDF - 656 KB].

Secondary Suites

Secondary suites offer homeowners a variety of benefits and increase the amount of safe, affordable housing in Victoria. A secondary suite is a legal suite, located within a single family detached house and cannot be strata-titled.

In order to encourage a more diverse mix of housing options, the City of Victoria has made installing a secondary suite easier for homeowners. One of these changes is a short-term grant program that will offer homeowners a grant equal to 25% of construction costs of new secondary suites, up to a maximum grant of $5000.  Please note: As of March 2013, the program is fully subscribed. Applications are being accepted for a wait list, in the event of a cancellation.

Read more information on the City of Victoria's Secondary Suites Program.

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Affordable Housing

The City of Victoria is an active partner and a strong advocate for affordable housing throughout the city. We recognize the role that housing plays in creating a strong, vibrant and diverse community.

Since 2004 the City of Victoria has been proactively addressing the affordable housing issue and has been working with many different housing agencies (both private and public) to create opportunities to address housing needs across the housing continuum.

Read more about affordable housing initiatives from 2008-2010 [PDF - 306 KB].

Assisted Housing

The purpose of assisted housing is to provide accommodation for eligible senior citizens, families and individuals. To qualify for assisted housing, applicants are assessed on the basis of need. In Victoria, assisted housing includes a variety of:

  • Self-contained rental units in apartments and townhouses for families, seniors and individuals
  • Co-op housing
  • Complex care facilities
  • Transition housing
  • Shelters
  • Youth housing
  • Supportive housing
  • Group homes

Assisted housing is managed by housing providers. The City of Victoria supports the work of these key housing providers:

Most assisted housing can be applied for through BC Housing

Links to Other Resources