Archives > Mandate

The purpose of the City of Victoria Archives is to identify, acquire, preserve, and provide access to archival material in the form of civic and private records documenting the history and governance of the City of Victoria and its community.

1. The Archives provides services to ensure proper management and control of all civic records, in all formats and media, from their creation to final disposition as required by federal and provincial legislation and City bylaws, policies, and procedures.

2. The Archives ensures the preservation and accessibility of the City's archival records: those civic records identified for long-term retention through the archival and records management process. The Archives is the official repository for all inactive civic records of enduring administrative, legal, fiscal, or historical value to the City.

3. The Archives also acquires private or non-governmental archival materials documenting the history and governance of Victoria. Private records include those of elected civic officials, boards and commissions related to the administration of the City, and other organizations and individuals.

4. The Archives provides proper facilities, environment, and resources to preserve the archival material in its care for as long as its continuing value to the City endures.

5. The Archives is a public institution and therefore open and equally accessible to all classes of researchers. Archival material will be available for research under conditions in accordance with sound archival practices, the available resources, any legal or ethical obligations, and the physical integrity of the materials.

6. The Archives promotes awareness and appreciation of the heritage of the City of Victoria and its community through the acquisition and presentation of archival records and cooperation with other heritage organizations and archival institutions.

7. The Archives provides services to ensure that the commercial and non-commercial re-use of its holdings is carried out in an appropriate manner for the benefit of the City. Re-use of archival materials includes publication, resale, internet use, broadcasting, advertising, display, and other public uses of original or copied material in any format or medium.

Passed in Committee of the Whole on 11 March 2004
Passed in Council on 25 March 2004

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