Victoria is a welcoming city.
We recognize that communities are healthier, happier, and more productive when everyone is welcomed and can thrive.
Below are some resources from the City of Victoria and other organizations as you start your journey in a new city.
Victoria is a city where learning opportunities abound. We have a number of public and independent education facilities, and are fortunate to host some of the top universities in the country.
Public elementary, middle and secondary schools are available throughout Greater Victoria. Three school boards govern public schools in Greater Victoria.
Several independent schools also operate within Victoria. For more information visit the Federation of Independent School Association website.
Licensing and funding of childcare is the role of the provincial government via ChildCareBC and Island Health. If you are searching for childcare or need resources for childcare providers, connect with the Child Care Resource & Referral Centre.
Greater Victoria's health care needs are served by Island Health ( formerly Vancouver Island Health Authority).
Island Health provides services through a network of hospitals, clinics, centres, health units and residential facilities. Across the Island, more than 17,000 health care professionals, technicians, and support staff provide excellent care and services. For more information on hospitals and health services in Victoria visit the Island Health website.
There are a number of resources to assist you in finding accommodation and housing.
Greater Victoria has a number of employment industries including tourism, government, high tech and education.
The City is one of 10 member municipalities in the Greater Victoria Public Library system.
The library system is a rich asset, well-used by residents across all the Greater Victoria region. There are two branches within the City of Victoria boundaries: the downtown Central Branch at 735 Broughton Street, and the sxʷeŋ’xʷəŋ taŋ’exw James Bay Branch. These two branches are part of a system of 12 library branches across the region.
Victoria City Council selected sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch as the name for the new Greater Victoria Public Library that opened to the community in 2018.
Pronounced s-hweng hw-ung tongue-oo-hw, sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ is the Lekwungen name of the First Nations territory now known as James Bay, on which this library is situated.
The land was named after the Lekwungen family group who lived in the area. The word sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ means “people who talk through their nose,” which is how the Lekwungen ancestors described the family group due to their accent.