The City of Victoria recognizes that complex community challenges — including limited housing supply and homelessness, social disorder and isolation, the toxic drug crisis, unmet mental and physical health needs, and poverty — require a collective response.
In July 2025, Council adopted its inaugural Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, built on a model of collaboration with service organizations, emergency responders, businesses and all orders of government, to strengthen belonging, social cohesion and safety for everyone in the community.
City-led efforts focus on prevention and intervention (upstream responses) and enforcement solutions (downstream responses) to meet the community’s diverse safety and wellbeing needs.
Upon adoption, Council directed City staff to begin the first phase of implementation. Existing staff were reorganized to form the Community Safety, Wellbeing and Partnerships department and an initial $10.35 million was approved to support priority actions and investments which align with the plan’s recommendations in 2025 and 2026.
Ongoing funding for plan implementation is determined through the City’s annual budget process, while advocacy efforts directed to senior orders of government are led by Mayor and Council.
Here is a snapshot of current efforts:
Partnering with Disability Alliance BC to help launch the Right Fit Program.
The Right Fit team works closely with housing providers in Victoria and across the Capital Region to assess accessible housing inventory and deliver a peer-led model to support clients through the housing search, application, move-in process, and accessing independent living supports.
The Community Housing Renewal Grant Program is a one-time funding opportunity offered by the City to support projects that preserve and enhance existing non-market housing in Victoria.
Up to $1 million in total funding is available to support strategic investments that improve and preserve existing housing, increase sustainability and enhance resident wellbeing.
Partnering with the Bridges for Women Society to launch a new employment readiness program for women impacted by trauma and violence.
This program supports women living in transitional housing in Victoria, aged 19+ (cisgender, transgender, non‑binary and Two‑Spirit people who identify as part of the women’s community), who have experienced trauma, violence, abuse or neglect and who want to reclaim their lives and are working toward employment, education or greater economic stability.
Funding will support the program’s creation, delivery and operating costs, including staffing, group‑based learning, coaching and materials for up to 20 women in 2026/2027.
Implementing new housing and sheltering solutions to help those in need, including:
30 additional spaces at the Rock Bay Landing Shelter in summer 2025
Delivering the Spark Program for Enhanced Youth Safety and Wellbeing in partnership with Public Safety Canada and 16 established local organizations. The Spark program runs through spring 2026 and includes 19 projects focused on strengthening safety, wellbeing, stability and belonging for children and youth under age 30.
Partnering with Peer2Peer Indigenous Society to support their relocation program's transportation costs; the program empowers individuals who wish to relocate home to their family, culture and Nations.
Partnering with Victoria Youth Empowerment Society (VYES) to expand the Supported Independent Living program to reduce waitlists, strengthen transitions to independence and promote housing and financial stability among youth. Funding helps support their dedicated program to provide transportation services to help youth access appointments and health supports, and assist unhoused youth living in Victoria with a means to return safely to their home community.
Partnering with Pacifica Housing to collect data and connect outreach workers with unhoused individuals to help support them accessing shelter and housing solutions.
Hiring 10 new officers in Community Safety and Bylaw Services to support the delivery of programs and education, connect vulnerable residents with outreach and support services, investigate complaints, provide a visible presence and conduct enforcement.
Expanding Victoria Police presence downtown through a new dedicated Beat Team of seven police officers and an additional two dedicated officers to support Bylaw staff.
Opening two downtown field hubs for Bylaw officers and Victoria Police in March 2026 to support enforcement coordination and collaboration, and act as a launch site for downtown patrols.
Partnering with the Downtown Victoria Business Association to launch the Neighbour Network pilot, a new online resource for businesses.
Enhancing daily cleaning and garbage removal downtown by the City’s Urban Clean Team.
Partnering with the Downtown Service Providers Network to help improve collaboration and coordination among agencies who serve vulnerable populations.
Everyday City Services and Programs
Several plan recommendations are being put into action across the organization through the City's everyday services and programs in 2026.
The Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan was guided by an 11-member Community Leaders Panel convened by Mayor Alto. The panel included Indigenous, business, public health, housing, law enforcement, fire prevention, local service provider and neighbourhood leaders.
Learn about the community engagement that helped inform the development of the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.
