Reconciliation Contribution Fund

In 2015, the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada made clear that municipalities like the City of Victoria have a key role to play in reconciliation, and that reconciliation is about more than words, it must also include actions.

What is the Reconciliation Contribution Fund?

In 2022, the City of Victoria established the Reconciliation Contribution Fund to create an opportunity for anyone to contribute a voluntary amount to the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation.  

People have asked for a tangible way for Victoria residents and businesses to make a meaningful contribution towards reconciliation. The Fund will be used by the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation to achieve the goals and aims of their communities.

Your contribution, in addition to the City’s $200,000 Reconciliation Grant, are efforts to start recognizing that the wealth generated by our City and its residents – including in the form of property ownership and associated taxes – is rooted in the lands and waters of the lәkwәŋәn, (Lekwungen) peoples.

The Reconciliation Contribution Fund and the Reconciliation Grant are meaningful ways for the City, residents and businesses to participate in reconciliation.

How Does the Fund Work? 

The 2023 Mayor's Letter.pdf [PDF - 122 KB] that residential and commercial property owners received with their tax notice included information about the Reconciliation Contribution Fund. As a Victoria property owner, you have the option to contribute an amount equal to 5% or 10% of your property taxes or another amount of your choosing.

This voluntary contribution is to be made in addition to, and separately from, your annual property tax payment. The full value of your voluntary contribution will be provided directly to the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.

Anyone -- renters, business owners or people who don’t live in the City but do live on Lekwungen lands has the option to contribute to the Reconciliation Contribution Fund. 

Ways to Contribute

There are many ways to contribute. 

Interac e-Transfer:
You can contribute by e-Transfer. Set up the e-Transfer through your financial institution’s online banking system and e-Transfer the City of Victoria using email address: reconciliation@victoria.ca. No password is required.
NOTE: You do not need to submit the Remittance Form below when you contribute by e-Transfer.

In Person:
You can make a contribution to the Reconciliation Contribution Fund by cash, debit, credit card or cheque at the Public Service Centre at Victoria City Hall, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (except on Statutory Holidays).
NOTE: You do not need to submit the Remittance Form below when you contribute in person.

By Mail:
You can contribute by mailing a cheque payable to: City of Victoria
(Please do not place cash or your credit card information in the mail.)

NOTE: When contributing by a mailed cheque, you need to include your completed Remittance Form (see below) and mail to: City of Victoria #1 Centennial Square Victoria, BC V8W 1P6

*REMINDER TO PROPERTY TAX PAYERS: 
Your voluntary additional contribution to the Reconciliation Contribution Fund must be made as a separate payment from your Property Tax payment.

 

The two amounts cannot be combined into one payment.

 

At this time, an official donation receipt for tax purposes will not be issued for your contribution to the Fund.