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QuicklinksThe City of Victoria has created the Department of Sustainability to focus on providing professional expertise on a wide range of social, environmental and economic sustainability issues. One of the primary goals of the department is to work with the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, community groups, downtown businesses and other levels of government to address critical social issues facing the city. This department is also responsible for spearheading the Victoria Sustainability Framework, developing sustainable policy and promoting sustainable practices. In addition, the Department coordinates and administers all City grant programs and is responsible for pursuing funding opportunities that arise from public and private grant programs. The City of Victoria's has a proven track record of leadership on sustainability issues. In September 2008, the City of Victoria was recognized by the Ethisphere Council, as a 2020 global leader in sustainability. Also in September 2008, the City of Victoria received the LiveSmart BC Green Cities Award and $50,000 from the Province of BC for demonstrating leading initiatives and partnerships to greener, healthier communities. Late in 2008 Victoria ranked number one of 27 Canadian cities rated in the GreenApple Canada Smart Transportation Ranking on sustainable urban transportation practices. The City has undertaken many corporate and community initiatives in a number of different areas. Corporately these include: In the community, initiatives are underway for: Victoria Sustainability Framework The City of Victoria is committed to making our community sustainable for future generations, so we're looking at how we can improve our daily operations and outline how Victoria can become a healthier, greener, more resilient community based on shared sustainability principles. The City is creating a comprehensive sustainability framework to guide decision-making and operations over the long-term. Building on existing policy, the framework will identify long-term sustainability goals, priorities for action, and provide measures to help us track progress. As an integrated planning and decision-making tool, the Framework will help us determine how current City initiatives contribute towards sustainability and identify where the municipality can do more. Practical outcomes might be green purchasing policies, new standards for managing stormwater, or new services such as organic waste collection and bike sharing. Engaging public, staff, and key stakeholders in this process will enable the framework to reflect the input of Victoria's citizens, and ensures the City is focusing attention and resources accordingly. More on the Victoria Sustainability Framework Social Sustainability The Department of Sustainability coordinates and leads efforts to improve and enhance the social and economic health of our community; working to create a City that is safe, vibrant and people-centered. The Department of Sustainability leads, supports, facilitates and co-ordinates social planning initiatives of the City of Victoria. Current areas of focus are housing, homelessness and harm reduction.
Secondary Suites The City of Victoria has made changes that will make installing a secondary suite even easier for homeowners. One of these changes is a 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. Council approved this grant program on February 19, 2009 and the official launch date for the program was March 30, 2009. Those considering applying for this grant should note that building permits for secondary suites issued prior to the start of this program will not be eligible for the grant funding. More information on the City of Victoria's Secondary Suites program... Financial Sustainability For More Information City of Victoria
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