Community Housing Renewal Grant

To apply for the Community Housing Renewal Grant, fill out and submit a site project form before 4 p.m. on July 31, 2026. Be sure to attach the budget estimate report and all supporting materials in the form. An applicant can have more than one project site in a single grant application.

A complete application includes: 

• Project site form(s)
• Budget estimate report (with project quotes, if possible)
• Project plans or renderings (when available)
• Project schedule and timeline (PDF)
• Supporting documentation if needed 

The grant aims to support physical capital improvements in existing, multi-unit, non-market housing in the City of Victoria that preserves and enhances existing non-market housing stock increasing use and availability of existing non-market housing stock. Projects may also:

• Enhance social connection and resident wellbeing through upgrades to building or common spaces
• Reduce the number of vacant units 
• Improve climate readiness of units, buildings or common spaces
• Improve physical accessibility of units or buildings 
• Improves building safety, security and/or emergency preparedness
• Improve energy efficiency or reduce emissions of units, buildings or common spaces

Community housing is non-market, multi-unit housing owned and/or operated by non-government, non-profit organizations. 

• Non-market housing is housing owned or operated by a non-profit society, with rents/monthly housing charges set at a price not set by housing market forces.  
• A multi-unit building is housing that contains four or more dwelling units – units made up of one or more rooms, designed as a residence for a single household with a sleeping area, kitchen and a separate bathroom. 
   

Capital projects under the program are a physical improvement that extends the useful life of a building or site or enhances it beyond its original condition. A project should align with the grant objectives and can consist of multiple components or elements within one or more buildings or sites that meet eligibility requirements.

Capital costs are:

• Costs required to construct a project, including materials, equipment, labour and servicing. 
• Costs required to bring a project into compliance with all applicable codes and legislation (including environmental legislation) as well as professional costs like engineering, architect or permit fees.
• Capital costs do not include administration fees, project management fees, organizational staffing, operational or programming costs. 

Actions to prepare for and respond to projected impacts of climate change such as increased frequency and duration of extreme heat and precipitation events. 

Only capital projects are eligible. Projects must meet the following criteria: 

• Located within existing non-market multi-unit rental or cooperative buildings or sites in the City of Victoria
• Construction not yet started
• Minimum value: $25,000
• Building age must be at least 20 years old
• For outdoor amenity upgrades, the site must contain a non-market building that is at least 20 years old 
• Not currently supported by other City of Victoria housing grant opportunities such as the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund. 

A diverse range of projects could be eligible for the grant if they align with the program objectives and meet all eligibility criteria. All applications will be compared against other submissions and must meet the primary grant objectives to be considered for funding.

Example projects may include: 

• Renovation or repairs to units that are currently sitting empty
• Creation or improvement of indoor or outdoor amenity spaces that foster social connection
• Creation of urban agriculture or communal gardens
• Installation of outdoor shade infrastructure
• Installation of fencing or security cameras
• Installation of naturalized landscape and rainwater management treatments
• Installation of window coverings and awnings to support passive cooling 
• Energy efficiency upgrades such as windows, envelope or insulation improvements, heat pumps or other mechanical cooling equipment 
• Accessibility upgrades to units or buildings (e.g., elevators, lifts, accessible unit conversions)

Submission of an example project does not guarantee funding under the program. All projects will be evaluated using the set evaluation criteria outlined in the grant guidelines. 

If you are unsure if your project is a good fit for the grant, email housing@victoria.ca to discuss with staff before you apply. 

To be eligible, applicants must be:

• A non-government, non-profit society in good standing with the Province of B.C. and not operating as a business.  
• The owner or operator of the building or site

Only one application can be submitted from an organization.  See the program guide for full description of evaluation criteria.

• Staff will review and evaluate applications based on eligibility, established criteria and fund availability.
• 75 per cent of the grant funds will be distributed to successful applicants following execution of the grant agreement. 
• The remaining 25 per cent of funds will be distributed once all eligible work has been completed and a final report has been submitted with documentation that meets City standards.
• Successful applicants must have a signed agreement with the City that outlines grant conditions.
   

The City will make decisions on all grants under the program by Aug 30, 2026.

Applicants are responsible for all required permits and approvals necessary for the work. The award of grant funding does not grant other City approvals that may be required. All approvals from the property owner must be obtained prior to the submission of a grant application.

Reporting on how funds are spent must be submitted to the City by Oct. 15, 2027, and include:

• A completed final project report (link)
• Photo documentation
• A completed budget report with invoices for eligible work (link)

Applicants may be required to submit confirmation from a coordinating professional that all work has been substantially completed.