In July 2025, Council adopted the City's Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, which identifies actions, in collaboration with multi-sector partners, to build a safe, inclusive and connected community where all residents feel welcome.
Community safety and wellbeing require a collective approach to multiple complex issues, such as declining civility and social cohesion, increasing social disorder, inadequate housing supply and homelessness, poverty, inequality, addictions, mental and physical health challenges, criminal activity and other factors.
On July 2, 2025, Council approved $10.35 million to implement 11 priority actions to support the first phase of plan implementation. City-led efforts focus on prevention, intervention and enforcement solutions to meet the community's diverse safety and wellbeing needs.
Highlights of the first phase are noted below.
Implementing new housing and sheltering solutions to help those in need, including:
30 additional spaces at the Rock Bay Landing Shelter in summer 2025
Intention to add 13 additional sober-oriented shelter spaces at the ARC Shelter in April 2026, in partnership with Salvation Army Victoria and BC Housing
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.
Opening two downtown field hubs for Bylaw officers and Victoria Police in February 2026 to support enforcement coordination and collaboration, and act as a launch site for downtown patrols.
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 SOLID Outreach Society and Pacifica Housing to connect outreach workers with unhoused residents to help them access shelter and housing solutions and increase compliance with City bylaws.
Enhancing daily cleaning and garbage removal downtown by the City’s Urban Clean Team.
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.
Partnering with the Downtown Victoria Business Association to launch the Neighbour Network pilot, a new online resource for businesses.
Partnering with the Downtown Service Providers Network to help improve collaboration and coordination among agencies who serve vulnerable populations.
Council Updates
The City is committed to keeping Council and the public informed on progress made. Watch community safety and wellbeing updates to Council below:
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.
