City: CA / Victoria
Useful contacts for jobs, language courses, public authorities, residence, housing, family, health, transport, businesses, universities and social services in Victoria.
Jobs | Training | Careers
Address
Unit 201, 1483 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 3K4
Telephone | Fax
250-388-0858
Opening hours
Mon/Tue/Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm; Wed 8:30 am–6 pm; Thu 8:30 am–3 pm. Weekends and statutory holidays closed.
More information
Official provincial listing for the downtown WorkBC centre, with its own location, telephone and weekday timetable. The provider offers job-search resources, career advising, workshops and assessment of possible employment supports. The provider website returned a server error locally, so this readable government location page is selected instead. Resource access, case management and funded training have different eligibility checks; attendance does not establish work permission, funding approval or a job offer.
Address
Suite 201, 3962 Borden Street, Victoria mailing address, BC V8P 3H8; Saanich municipality
Telephone | Fax
250-479-9675
Opening hours
Mon/Tue/Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm; Wed 8:30 am–6 pm; Thu 8:30 am–3 pm; weekends closed.
More information
Publicly funded employment service delivered by a contracted provider in the Greater Victoria area. Staff can arrange telephone, video or outreach support when a visit is difficult. Ask about the resource room, career planning, job-search workshops and eligibility for individual training or job-start supports. Although the contact page labels the number toll-free, it is an ordinary 250-area number; no free-calling guarantee is inferred. Registration and financial assistance are separate decisions.
Address
Suite 102, 808 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2B6
Telephone | Fax
250-388-4728
Opening hours
Office Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm; reception 10:30 am–2:30 pm. Weekends/statutory holidays closed; career appointments arranged separately.
More information
Local nonprofit support for skilled newcomers reconnecting overseas education and experience with work in British Columbia. The current page specifies permanent residence for no more than six years, intermediate to advanced English and stream-specific pre-arrival experience; youth aged 19–30 have a different Stream 3 experience threshold. Services can include mentoring, credential and licensing guidance and assessed training support. Confirm the appropriate stream and current eligibility; the programme does not issue professional licences or guarantee employment.
Address
BEAMS drop-in centre, 1452 Elford Street, Victoria, BC; Sidney WorkBC is a separate outside-city service at 9860 Third Street
Telephone | Fax
BEAMS 778-265-2585; Sidney 250-656-0134; WorkBC toll-free 1-888-993-2299; cashier training 250-388-3500
Opening hours
BEAMS drop-in Mon/Tue/Thu 10:30 am–4:30 pm; office Mon–Fri 9 am–4:30 pm. Sidney WorkBC Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Wed until 7 pm.
More information
Nonprofit adult employment page covering several distinct programmes and sites. BEAMS supports people facing barriers such as unstable housing, mental-health challenges or substance use, with employment readiness, community activities and possible short training. The same page lists outside-city WorkBC offices and a separately scheduled free cashier course. Eligibility and available supports vary; do not travel to Elford expecting Sidney services or assume a listed course has a current open cohort.
Address
CanAssist, CARSA, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2
Telephone | Fax
General enquiries 250-721-7300; contact page also lists 250-721-7299
Opening hours
CanAssist office Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm. Job-coach meetings arranged individually, in person or online; no evenings or weekends under the programme FAQ.
More information
Free employment preparation for Southern Vancouver Island residents aged 15 or older who identify as having a disability or mental-health barrier. The current eligibility list includes Canadian citizenship, permanent residence or granted refugee status, legal work entitlement and no current Opportunities Fund grant. Coaching, training and potential wage-supported experience are assessed individually. Students may participate; entry waits can range from weeks to months. Meetings may be at the office or an agreed community venue.
Address
1004 North Park Street, Victoria, BC V8T 1C6
Telephone | Fax
250-361-9433
Opening hours
Six- or eight-week classroom cohorts followed by possible work experience; intake and the actual class timetable are arranged with programme staff. No weekly walk-in class schedule is advertised.
More information
Local youth employment programme for people aged 18–30 facing barriers to work, including newcomer, Indigenous and disabled participants. The provider specifies legal work eligibility, Canadian citizenship, permanent residence or protected-person status, and not currently working or studying full time. Training includes career exploration and employment skills, with a living allowance during the classroom period. A work-experience opportunity can follow but is not a promise of a permanent job; confirm the next cohort and intake requirements.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Federal job-search and labour-market service with separate resources for newcomers, young people and people with disabilities. Search Victoria and the realistic commuting area, then read the employer, qualifications, location and closing date. Optional Plus-account tools provide application tracking and matching; this directory only reads public information. A posting or profile does not create work authorization or professional recognition, and an advertised vacancy may close before an application is considered.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Public search covering more than 500 British Columbia occupations, with duties, education, skills, earnings and labour-market information. Use a name, NOC code or occupational category to compare possible routes before selecting training. Statistics and forecasts describe groups rather than a personal salary offer or guaranteed Victoria vacancy. A profile can identify a regulated occupation, but the responsible regulator must assess any overseas qualification and licensing requirements.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial trades authority explains how workplace training and classroom learning combine toward a trade credential. The guide separates foundation programmes without a sponsor, youth routes and supports for underrepresented groups. Explore the intended trade, sponsor requirements and assessment route before committing to tuition or employment. Grants, loans and tax credits have different conditions, and previous apprenticeship credit requires review; reading the guide does not register an apprentice or award a qualification.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Provincial workplace-safety guidance for workers under 25 and anyone new to a job or unfamiliar hazards. The collection includes rights and responsibilities, safety talks, videos and practical publications, including newer exposure-prevention material. Safety questions can be directed to 604-276-3100 or 1-888-621-7233; these are not emergency-dispatch lines. General learning complements employer orientation and does not replace site-specific training or an injury-reporting process.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Official municipal employment page linking current vacancies, the hiring process and special hiring programmes. Work spans parks, recreation, water, fire protection, planning and administration; benefits and flexible arrangements depend on the actual position. Read the posting and selection criteria rather than assuming every role offers the same work pattern. People and Culture publishes 250-361-0232 for enquiries; an online candidate profile is not an employment offer, and no account or application was tested.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Provincial recruitment gateway with separate external, internal and executive opportunities, useful in the provincial capital as well as across British Columbia. Search the actual work location and remote, hybrid or on-site arrangement, then check position-specific eligibility and closing instructions. Applicant inventories and temporary appointments have separate rules. Public recruitment information does not guarantee an interview, immigration sponsorship, continuing vacancy or permission to work.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Federal guide to educational credential assessment for immigration purposes, including designated organisations and specific professional bodies. A report can describe overseas education and may assist a job search, but it does not guarantee a position or a licence to practise a regulated profession in British Columbia. Assessment purpose, fees, processing and validity must be checked before payment. The fresh official index was read separately after the local request timed out; no successful local content check is claimed.
Address
Suite 602, 620 View Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1J6
Telephone | Fax
250-386-2269
Opening hours
Office Mon–Fri 9 am–4 pm; statutory holidays and Christmas–New Year closure. Face-to-face meetings require advance arrangement; staff may be working in the community.
More information
Local nonprofit matching people with volunteer opportunities and offering free individual advising, including support for youth and people facing barriers. Volunteering can build connections and practical experience, while workshops and organisational training have their own arrangements. It is distinct from paid employment, licensing or immigration permission; check the actual role, safeguarding requirements and any costs. Most learning events are online unless stated otherwise, and office hours do not promise an unscheduled adviser will be present.
Universities | Colleges
Address
Jamie Cassels Centre, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2. Registrar first floor A-Wing; graduate office A206; advising A203; awards A202. Mail: PO Box 3025 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 3P2
Telephone | Fax
Registrar 250-721-8121; graduate admissions 250-472-4657; advising 250-721-7567 ext. 6; awards 250-721-8423; Welcome Centre 250-721-8949
Opening hours
Registrar/Welcome Centre/awards Mon–Fri 9:30 am–4 pm; graduate office same, closed noon–1 pm. Advising Mon/Wed–Fri 8:30 am–4 pm, Tue 8:30 am–noon; statutory holidays closed.
More information
Public research university with separate undergraduate records, graduate admissions, academic advising, financial-aid and recruitment teams. The own page gives the actual room, phone and timetable for each rather than one campus-wide schedule. Prospective applicants should use recruitment; questions after applying may go to an assigned admissions assistant. Programme prerequisites, English requirements, tuition category and immigration permission need separate checks. A conversation with the registrar does not establish admission, funding or study-permit eligibility.
Address
Interurban campus, Liz Ashton Campus Centre, second floor, 4461 Interurban Road, Victoria, BC V9E 2C1. Lansdowne teaching campus: 3100 Foul Bay Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5J2
Telephone | Fax
Admissions/recruitment/registration 250-370-3550; toll-free 1-877-554-7555; general 250-370-3000
Opening hours
Domestic admissions phone and in-person Mon–Fri 9 am–4 pm, excluding holidays and published closures. International admissions and class schedules are separate.
More information
Public college offering academic, career, trades and transfer pathways. The current domestic admissions page directs face-to-face enquiries to Interurban, so the Lansdowne campus address must not be substituted for this counter. Staff help with application status and admission documents; people still choosing a programme should use Future Student Recruitment, and international applicants have a separate team. Compare entry requirements, tuition and placement conditions before enrolling; a college course does not automatically transfer or establish immigration permission.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Official EducationPlannerBC institution profile for the public university at 2005 Sooke Road, Colwood, in Greater Victoria; it lists admissions at 1-877-778-6227. The university offers undergraduate and graduate certificates, diplomas and degrees using campus, online and blended cohort delivery. This entry is a digital institution overview, not an assertion of a staffed walk-in counter or its hours. Compare the precise campus, programme prerequisites, residency requirements and fees. The university’s main site was blocked locally; its own doctoral programme office was separately readable.
Address
Nanaimo campus, Building 200, third floor, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5 — outside Victoria
Telephone | Fax
Registration/admissions 250-740-6400 or 1-888-920-2221 ext. 6400; advising 250-740-6410; general 250-753-3245
Opening hours
Registration centres Mon–Fri 8:30 am–3:30 pm under own FAQ. Fall notice: campuses close Dec 24, 2026 at 3 pm and reopen Jan 4, 2027 at 8:30 am. Confirm any department-specific visit.
More information
Public island university offering degrees, trades and applied programmes, included as an explicitly outside-city alternative. The admissions office is in Nanaimo rather than a Victoria branch; other regional campuses have separate contact routes. Review the actual teaching location, application fee, documents and deadline before arranging travel. The current fall guidance distinguishes registration appointments, waiting lists and personal-record checks. Admission, course availability, tuition classification and study permission are separate matters.
Address
Comox Valley campus, 2300 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC V9N 8N6 — outside Victoria. Other campus services at Campbell River, Port Alberni and Mix̱alakwila have separate locations
Telephone | Fax
Comox 250-334-5000; Campbell River 250-923-9700; Port Alberni 250-724-8711; Mix̱alakwila 250-949-7912; future students 1-800-715-0914; international 250-334-5033
Opening hours
Student Services and Registration Mon–Fri 9 am–4 pm. International office Mon–Fri 9 am–4 pm Pacific. Historic July/August exceptions on the page are not treated as current October closures.
More information
Public college with academic, trades, professional and university-transfer options in northern and central Vancouver Island communities. This is a regional alternative rather than a Victoria campus. The own department directory identifies the right campus telephone and timetable; the Comox campus page confirms its physical address. Some programmes offer dual admission or distance components, but location, prerequisites and transfer arrangements must be checked individually. Application or advising does not guarantee a seat, funding or immigration permission.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Public British Columbia university offering online and distance certificates, diplomas and degrees across arts, business, education, science, technology and other fields. The page links individual subjects and explains flexible study alongside work or family commitments. Tuition-free Adult Basic Education for eligible B.C. residents is a distinct offering, not a claim that every degree course is free. Confirm prerequisites, assessment, pacing, fees and credit recognition with TRU and any receiving institution before registration.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Public Alberta university providing distance study accessible from Victoria. The current guide describes undergraduate open admission from age 16, while noting programme exceptions and different graduate requirements. Individualized courses can offer flexible timing, whereas grouped study follows a preset schedule. Check the intended course, tuition, completion limits and transfer recognition; online access is not a local Victoria campus or a promise that every qualification has no prerequisites.
Address
Abbotsford: B211a, Building B, 33844 King Road, BC V2S 7M8. Chilliwack: A1312, Building A, 45190 Caen Avenue, BC V2R 0N3. Both outside Victoria
Telephone | Fax
604-854-4501; Canada toll-free 1-888-823-8734; general 604-504-7441
Opening hours
Both counters Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 9 am–4 pm; Wed 9:30 am–4 pm. Statutory holidays closed. The optional queue app is separate from confirmed service availability.
More information
Public university included as an outside-city British Columbia alternative, with its two registrar offices clearly identified. Staff handle admissions, registration, records, fee and transfer questions through the appropriate channel. Select the correct campus and programme before travelling; neither office is a Victoria location. A queue entry or a registrar enquiry does not guarantee enrolment, transfer credit or a tuition decision, and international study permission remains a separate requirement.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Search UVic programmes by interest, subject and credential type. The readable catalogue distinguishes degrees, minors, certificates, diplomas, interdisciplinary study and distance options across business, humanities, education, engineering, health and science. A listing is a starting point for comparing pathways rather than an admission offer. Open the particular programme for entry prerequisites, required courses, costs and application deadlines; a distance label does not imply every component can be completed without campus attendance.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Province-wide planning service for comparing public institutions, programme subjects, tuition, length and location. The page separates exploration, a comparison list and the application route; a free portal account does not remove institutional application or course fees. Programme and career pathways can help narrow a search, but applicants must read the institution’s current requirements and deadlines. Admission questions after an application should go directly to the college or university.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Official B.C. transfer-information service with course-to-course credit, block transfer, degree partnerships, Adult Basic Education and English-as-an-Additional-Language equivalencies. Search the sending and receiving institution and the relevant course date or agreement. A published pathway is not automatic admission and may not cover an overseas or unlisted course. Confirm grades, residency requirements and formal assessment with the receiving institution before paying tuition solely for a planned transfer.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial student-aid guide covering full-time and part-time applications, grants, loans, designated institutions and repayment. Funding depends on individual eligibility, residency/status, school and course load; applying for admission does not itself secure aid. The current page highlights private-school funding changes from August 1, 2026 and separate processing queues. Published processing dates describe current administration rather than a personal payment promise, and grants and repayable loans must be distinguished.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Publicly supported collection of open textbooks and course materials searchable by subject and B.C. course code. Resources can support independent study or a registered class, with use and adaptation governed by each open licence. Free digital materials do not confer college admission, academic credit or a credential, and optional printing can cost money. The catalogue was blocked by local Cloudflare protection; fresh own indexed collection and quality guidance were read separately, not counted as a successful local content retrieval.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Official directory of public post-secondary admissions and registrar contacts, useful when comparing institutions beyond Victoria or following up after an application. The directory includes separate domestic, international and graduate routes where provided. Use the named institution’s own current contact page for detailed hours and required documents; an older contact link may have moved. The directory is not a central admissions office and cannot issue an offer, decide tuition status or assess study-permit eligibility.
Libraries
Address
735 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC V8W 3H2
Telephone | Fax
250-940-4875
Opening hours
Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 10 am–6 pm; Tue/Thu 10 am–7 pm; Sun 1–5 pm from Oct 18–Dec 20, then holiday pause. Closed Nov 11 and Dec 25/26, 2026; Dec 24 closes 1 pm and Dec 31 closes 5 pm.
More information
Regional public library’s downtown central branch, with physical collections, multilingual materials, computers, Wi-Fi and bookable study spaces. The own branch page highlights a Heritage Room and local-author collection. Borrowing, room booking and printing have separate conditions; an open building does not guarantee an available computer or reserved room. Current own indexed branch and holiday information was read after local Cloudflare blocking, and dated maintenance notices are not treated as a continuing outage.
Address
385 Menzies Street, Victoria, BC V8V 2H2
Telephone | Fax
250-940-4875
Opening hours
Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat 10 am–6 pm; Thu 10 am–7 pm; Sun closed. Closed Nov 11 and Dec 25/26, 2026; Dec 24 closes 1 pm and Dec 31 closes 5 pm.
More information
Regional public branch behind the B.C. Legislature, with children’s collections, study rooms, computers and a community room. The Lekwungen branch name and signage recognise local language and reconciliation; it is not a university or private library. A 24-hour materials return is separate from staffed opening. Check room availability, event age requirements and card conditions before visiting. Own current indexed information supplies the branch contacts after local access protection; no live booking was tested.
Address
101–3521 Blanshard Street, Victoria mailing address, BC V8Z 0B9; Uptown, Saanich
Telephone | Fax
250-940-4875
Opening hours
Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat 10 am–6 pm; Thu 10 am–7 pm; Sun closed. Closed Nov 11 and Dec 25/26, 2026; Dec 24 closes 1 pm and Dec 31 closes 5 pm.
More information
Regional public library at Uptown shopping centre, not Emily Carr University in Vancouver. It offers a children’s area, French and world-language collections, bookable computers, a study room and library assistance. The automatic 24-hour book return does not extend staffed service hours. Ask about the particular programme or borrowing requirement; drop-in computer use depends on availability. The branch’s own indexed page was read separately from its locally blocked response.
Address
101–503 Park Place, Victoria mailing address, BC V9A 0H6; Esquimalt municipality
Telephone | Fax
250-940-4875
Opening hours
Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 10 am–6 pm; Tue/Thu 10 am–7 pm; Sun 1–5 pm Oct 18–Dec 20, then holiday pause. Closed Nov 11 and Dec 25/26, 2026; Dec 24 closes 1 pm and Dec 31 closes 5 pm.
More information
Regional public branch at Esquimalt Town Square, with children’s resources, study spaces and a digitisation Lab. Local Indigenous and English signage reflects the surrounding communities. The Lab has its own booking and orientation conditions rather than unrestricted walk-in use throughout every branch opening hour. Public computers, Wi-Fi, printing and newcomer guidance are available under their service rules. Own indexed branch information was read after local protection; book-drop access and staff availability remain distinct.
Address
1442 Monterey Avenue, Victoria mailing address, BC V8S 4W1; Oak Bay municipality
Telephone | Fax
250-940-4875
Opening hours
Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 10 am–6 pm; Tue/Thu 10 am–7 pm; Sun closed. Closed Nov 11 and Dec 25/26, 2026; Dec 24 closes 1 pm and Dec 31 closes 5 pm.
More information
Regional public neighbourhood branch beside Monterey Recreation Centre, serving readers and families with computers, multilingual children’s books and library help. The own page explicitly says this location has no study rooms or pods; choose another branch if a private meeting space is needed. Recreation-centre hours do not substitute for library hours, and borrowing or programme access has its own conditions. Own current indexed material was read after a local Cloudflare block, without testing reservations.
Address
3110 Tillicum Road, Victoria mailing address, BC V9A 2B7; next to Pearkes Recreation Centre, Saanich
Telephone | Fax
250-940-4875
Opening hours
Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 10 am–6 pm; Tue/Thu 10 am–7 pm; Sun 1–5 pm Oct 18–Dec 20, then holiday pause. Closed Nov 11 and Dec 25/26, 2026; Dec 24 closes 1 pm and Dec 31 closes 5 pm.
More information
Regional public branch next to Pearkes Recreation Centre with study space, computers, children’s resources and Saanich Archives. It is part of Greater Victoria Public Library rather than a separate City of Victoria department. Check current archives assistance, programme dates and borrowing conditions; a listed room or computer is not a capacity guarantee. The shared public telephone is published by the branch itself. Own indexed location and Sunday-opening guidance were read separately after local protection.
Address
University of Victoria, inside Ring Road, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2. Mail: PO Box 1800 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 3H5
Telephone | Fax
Ask Us Desk 250-721-8230; library administration 250-721-6673
Opening hours
Own October 2026 calendar: Mon–Thu 7:30 am–11 pm; Fri 7:30 am–9 pm; Sat/Sun 10 am–9 pm. Holiday/exam exceptions and service desks differ; consult the actual date.
More information
University research library rather than a municipal branch. The Ask Us Desk handles borrowing, equipment and room questions; specialist research, archives and digital-scholarship services have separate arrangements. The local page confirms contacts and location but its calendar is loaded separately, so the own indexed October grid was read for dated hours instead of older summer or exam announcements. Public building access does not confer student borrowing privileges or remote access to licensed databases.
Address
Lansdowne: Alan Batey Library & Learning Commons, 3100 Foul Bay Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5J2. Interurban: Liz Ashton Campus Centre, third floor, 4461 Interurban Road, Victoria, BC V9E 2C1
Telephone | Fax
Lansdowne 250-370-3619; Interurban 250-370-3828
Opening hours
Fall 2026: both libraries Mon–Thu 8 am–8 pm, Fri 8 am–6 pm. Lansdowne Sat/Sun noon–5 pm; Interurban weekends closed. Statutory holidays closed.
More information
Public-college academic libraries with different weekend access at the two campuses. Library, research assistance, writing support and AskAway chat are distinct services; use the correct campus telephone and location. Borrowing, study-space use and licensed databases depend on user status and library policy, so campus access does not create student privileges. The current own Fall 2026 table was read locally and replaces generic college-office hours.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Volunteer digital library of free ebooks for online reading and download, with a strong emphasis on older literature whose United States copyright has expired. Search authors, subjects or reading lists and inspect each book’s rights information before reuse in Canada. A U.S. public-domain determination is not automatically a Canadian permission statement. This is a reading collection, not a local lending desk, current commercial textbook subscription or accredited course.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Canadian digital heritage collections covering monographs, newspapers and serials, historical government publications and maps. These materials can support family history, historical research and reading, but historical administrative documents are not current government guidance. The provider explains that older content and metadata can preserve harmful and distorted perspectives; read critically and check dates and provenance. Digital access does not replace a municipal library card or staffed research appointment.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Discovery service for scholarly, peer-reviewed books available through open access. Search by subject, language or publisher, then follow the record to the actual edition and its licence. The directory’s services and data are free, but a selected title does not necessarily match a prescribed course textbook or professional qualification. This international research resource complements local libraries without conferring university enrolment, course credit or Vancouver Island borrowing privileges.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Online library infrastructure for peer-reviewed open-access academic books in many languages and disciplines. Browse a subject or publisher collection and verify the chosen edition, licence and accessibility features before downloading or adapting it. Free access does not remove copyright conditions or guarantee that every current commercial textbook is included. This is a digital research and learning collection rather than a Victoria campus library membership or recognised academic credential.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Québec’s provincial digital heritage collection offers newspapers, maps, photographs, recordings and historical civil-register materials that can be explored from Victoria. It supports French reading and Canadian research, while subscription resources can have separate membership or residence conditions. Historical registers do not issue current civil-status certificates. The current October 26 archive-centre early-closure notice concerns physical Québec locations, not an asserted noon shutdown of the digital collection.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Community-maintained digital library of source texts, translations and historical documents. Compare a transcription with its scan or source edition when exact wording matters; completeness and proofreading vary between works. Copyright and reuse depend on the edition and jurisdiction, and historical legal material is not current law. This is an online reading supplement, not a staffed Victoria library, municipal borrowing card or guarantee of academic credit.
Family | Youth
Address
471 Cecelia Road, Victoria, BC V8T 4T4
Telephone | Fax
250-388-5251
Opening hours
Own contact page: Mon–Fri 8:30 am–5 pm. Family groups, school counselling and youth sessions have separately arranged timetables.
More information
Neighbourhood nonprofit providing early-years activities, family outreach and more intensive youth and family support. The current service overview distinguishes families with children under 12, youth aged 10–18, school-based counselling and self-sufficiency programmes. Some services involve referral or individual assessment; contact the relevant worker rather than assuming every group is a drop-in. The current own reception hours replace broader external recreation-building schedules and do not guarantee an immediate counselling appointment.
Address
1240 Gladstone Avenue, Victoria, BC V8T 1G6
Telephone | Fax
250-381-1552; Family Programs Coordinator ext. 116
Opening hours
Own centre/programme pages: Mon–Thu 9 am–9 pm, Fri 9 am–5 pm, weekends closed. Shared footer/contact page instead says Mon–Fri until 9 pm; confirm Friday access and the actual group time.
More information
Neighbourhood nonprofit offering a mix of registered and drop-in activities for families, parents-to-be, youth, seniors and the wider community. Some community-led activities are free, while recreation courses can charge fees and require registration. The own indexed centre and contact pages contain conflicting Friday closing times, retained here after local connection failures. The contact page also says the childcare waitlist is full; a programme listing does not establish a childcare place or current group capacity.
Address
Unit 103, 771 Vernon Avenue, Victoria, BC
Telephone | Fax
250-385-1114
Opening hours
Mon/Tue/Thu 9:30 am–4 pm; Wed 11 am–4 pm; Fri/weekends/statutory holidays closed. Individual groups and counselling are separately scheduled.
More information
Local charity supporting single-parent families through resource navigation, counselling, mentoring, parenting courses, clothing and practical family programmes. The current own site publishes its Vernon Avenue location and office hours rather than the older Gorge Road address found in some directories. Membership, programme eligibility, registration and available supplies vary by service. Office access is distinct from a counselling appointment or a guarantee of bursary, hamper, clothing or other financial assistance.
Address
Oaklands Community Centre, Unit 1, 2827 Belmont Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 4B2
Telephone | Fax
250-370-9101 ext. 1
Opening hours
Reception Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm. Tiny Tykes Mon/Tue/Thu 9:30–11:30 am during listed terms. Parent & Baby Fridays 11:15 am–1 pm, Sept 18–Dec 18, 2026. No statutory-holiday or SD61 Pro-D sessions.
More information
Community association playgroups with parent or caregiver participation. Tiny Tykes is for children five and under and operates as a drop-in, with a suggested donation and capacity limits; the current baby group for ages 0–9 months requires registration and does not accept drop-ins. The freshly read autumn baby timetable differs from an older indexed winter session, so old dates were not reused. Confirm the current term, spaces and child-to-adult limit; a playgroup is not unaccompanied childcare.
Address
533 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1K7
Telephone | Fax
Programme page 250-383-3514 ext. 116; Alliance line 250-361-3923; office 250-383-3514; after-hours KEYS 250-386-8282
Opening hours
Current programme/footer: Mon–Thu 9 am–5 pm, Fri 9 am–2 pm. Contact-page body retains older 10 am–6 pm/10 am–2 pm hours. Office Mon–Thu 9 am–5 pm, Fri 9 am–4 pm; confirm club access.
More information
Drop-in support for youth aged 13–19, with meals, laundry, showers, clothing, hygiene supplies, computers and staff connections. The programme also describes supervised work-experience and separately scheduled summer recreation. Current programme hours differ from the older contact-page body and 2020/2022 notices, so the disagreement is explicit. The shelter telephone provides after-hours support; it does not make the Alliance Club a 24-hour drop-in or guarantee accommodation.
Address
2117 Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC V8T 3Z9
Telephone | Fax
250-386-8282, answered 24 hours; cell 250-217-1471
Opening hours
Shelter telephone answered 24 hours a day. Admission and stay arrangements are assessed individually; the main VYES office timetable is not the shelter intake schedule.
More information
Voluntary ten-bed emergency shelter for youth aged 13–18 who lack a safe housing alternative. The current programme states no cost to youth or caregivers, typical stays of one to seven nights and possible extensions based on need. Youth aged 16 or under require verbal consent from a legal guardian. Referrals can come from young people, families and community agencies, but capacity and suitability must be assessed; a telephone enquiry does not reserve a bed.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Municipal search tool for registered recreation and drop-in activities, with filters for early years, children, youth and adults, plus activity type and location. The catalogue helps compare a suitable session but does not establish a booking or place. Programme fees, age restrictions, cancellation conditions and subsidy options vary. Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre lists 250-361-0732 for enquiries; the online overview is distinct from any particular facility’s opening timetable.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Official local registration guide distinguishes current-year intake from the 2027–2028 application windows: early French immersion January 11–15, 2027, and English kindergarten January 25–29. Children must meet the school-year age rule and provide the required address and status documents. Newcomers are directed to the Welcome Centre at 250-475-4157, while study/work-permit holders use the international education route. Catchment identification and an online submission do not by themselves guarantee placement at a particular school.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Public early-learning overview for children aged 0–5 attending with a parent or caregiver. The district lists six school-based centres and an advertised Monday–Friday 8:45–11:45 am programme window, with registration and visit booking as separate steps. Use the actual school contact and calendar before travelling; school holidays, capacity and individual site arrangements matter. This is supervised parent-and-child learning rather than a daycare place or automatic kindergarten registration.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial help with eligible childcare costs, assessed using residence and immigration status, family income, a qualifying reason for care and the actual care type. The current guidance says families around $111,000 annual income may qualify, with some exceptions and deductions; it is not a universal payment threshold. Recreational drop-in care and certain informal household arrangements are excluded. Estimates are guidance rather than approval, and applications and annual renewals require the specified evidence.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial child benefit administered by CRA alongside the Canada Child Benefit. The current July 2026–June 2027 maximums are $1,750 for the first child, $1,100 for the second and $900 for each additional child, reduced according to family income. Tax filing, benefit registration and updated residence information affect eligibility. Maximum figures are not personal entitlements; the announced children and youth disability supplement begins in July 2027 rather than being treated as already payable.
Address
Telephone, text and online support across Canada; no public walk-in address for this service
Telephone | Fax
Call 1-800-668-6868; text CONNECT to 686868
Opening hours
Phone/text support 24/7. Dedicated live-chat page: 7 pm–midnight Eastern, new chats until 11:15 pm. Other own FAQ/footer times conflict; check the current chat banner.
More information
Young people can speak with a professional counsellor by telephone or connect with a trained volunteer crisis responder by text. The channels have different privacy and confidentiality arrangements; texting is not described as anonymous. Fresh own indexed service and FAQ material was read after local access blocking, including contradictory chat-hours notices that were not silently combined into a guaranteed schedule. This service supports youth but does not replace emergency response; no phone call, text or chat was initiated.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Canadian nonprofit resources for discussing online media, privacy, advertising, cyberbullying and digital citizenship with children and teenagers. Guides, activities and tip sheets can support age-appropriate family conversations and help parents understand different platforms. Free reading material is distinct from separately arranged training or workshops. The collection is educational rather than an individual clinical or legal advice service and cannot monitor a child’s accounts or guarantee online safety.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Official guide to applying for autism-related funding, selecting eligible supports, equipment and training, and managing approved funding. The July 2026 notice says the existing programme continues during transition, with new applications accepted until March 2027 and families to be contacted about future eligibility. Funding depends on the relevant criteria and approved expenses; it is not a clinical diagnosis or a promise of any chosen service. The funding team lists 250-387-3530 and 1-877-777-3530 for administrative questions.
Health
Address
1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8
Telephone | Fax
Main 250-370-8000; toll-free 1-877-370-8699; ICU visiting enquiries 250-370-8560
Opening hours
Emergency Department 24/7. ICU visiting flexible; avoid routine ICU calls 7–9 am and 7–9 pm during shift change. Outpatient clinics have separate appointment hours.
More information
Public Island Health hospital providing emergency assessment and acute care. The current own location page explicitly confirms round-the-clock emergency access, with clinical urgency determining order rather than arrival time. Its separate outpatient and specialist schedules must not be mistaken for Emergency Department closure times. Ask the relevant unit about visiting and bring coverage information when available; public operation does not mean every service or every patient’s costs are covered. No diagnosis or individual treatment recommendation is made.
Address
1 Hospital Way, Victoria mailing address, BC V8Z 6R5; View Royal municipality, outside the City of Victoria
Telephone | Fax
Main 250-727-4212; ICU visiting enquiries 250-727-4154
Opening hours
Emergency Department 24/7. Main entrance locked 9 pm–5:30 am with intercom access; emergencies use the Emergency Department. ICU visits flexible; avoid routine calls 7–9 am/pm.
More information
Public regional hospital, distinct from Royal Jubilee and from Vancouver General Hospital. The own page updated October 20 confirms 24-hour emergency care; the main-door night restriction does not close the Emergency Department. Outpatient, laboratory, visiting and maternity arrangements differ and may require appointments. Check the correct hospital and unit before travelling, since similarly named wards exist at both local hospitals. Assessment is based on urgency and coverage depends on the individual situation.
Address
1107 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC V8V 3P8
Telephone | Fax
Current patient-booking number 1-833-688-8722
Opening hours
Location table and regional guide: daily 8 am–8 pm. The same location page’s booking paragraph says calls when opening at 8:30 am; confirm the current booking window. Appointments required.
More information
Public same-day care for concerns that need attention within roughly 12–24 hours but are not emergencies. The current Island Health regional guide requires telephone booking, so this is not described as unrestricted walk-in access. A team member assesses the request and may offer same-day or next-day care or direct the caller elsewhere; calling does not guarantee a place. The own page contains an 8 am versus 8:30 am opening/booking discrepancy, preserved here rather than silently selecting a guaranteed schedule.
Address
Unit B, 547 Michigan Street, Victoria, BC V8V 1S5
Telephone | Fax
Current patient-booking number 1-833-688-8722
Opening hours
Daily 8 am–8 pm. By appointment; call during opening hours under the current regional guide. Capacity and assessed need determine access.
More information
Public urgent and primary care at the Michigan Street site, separate from community-project programmes in the same wider building. The current own clinic and regional pages direct patients to the central booking number, superseding older local-number directories. Staff may provide care through a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse or other team member depending on need. This is not an emergency department or a guarantee of ongoing family-doctor attachment; provincial coverage and any applicable fees require individual checking.
Address
890 Esquimalt Road, Victoria mailing address, BC V9A 3M4; Esquimalt municipality
Telephone | Fax
Current patient-booking number 1-833-688-8722
Opening hours
Daily 8 am–8 pm. Appointment-based access by calling during opening hours; this is not 24-hour emergency care.
More information
Public Greater Victoria urgent-care team for non-emergency concerns needing attention soon. The current patient-facing location page and same-day-care guide publish the central booking number; older medical-recruitment material lists a different local line and is not used for patient booking. A team assesses the request and the appropriate professional or alternative service. An available building timetable does not guarantee an appointment, immediate treatment or eligibility for every funded service.
Address
Second floor with elevator access, 546 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1K8
Telephone | Fax
250-383-3552; front desk ext. 1
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 9:30 am–4:30 pm; lunch closure 12:30–1:30 pm; statutory holidays closed. Most same-day services booked by phone from 9:30 am.
More information
Island Health-operated centre for young people aged 12–24 and caregivers. The current own page gives Yates Street, replacing old Douglas Street clinic listings. Nursing, counselling and peer support have different access arrangements from ongoing doctor attachment, case management or specialist services. Many supports need no referral, but some require intake or existing attachment; the team does not book appointments by email. Published opening and free-service descriptions do not guarantee same-day capacity or access to every programme.
Address
Johnson clinic/pharmacy: 713 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC; dental on second floor. Dr Joe Haegert clinic: 576 Burnside Road East, Victoria, BC
Telephone | Fax
Primary care 250-385-1466; Burnside ext. 2; pharmacy 250-385-8469; dental 250-383-5957
Opening hours
Johnson clinic Mon/Tue/Thu 9 am–6 pm, Wed 9 am–8 pm, Fri 9 am–3 pm, Sat 10 am–2 pm. Burnside Mon–Thu 9 am–4 pm, Fri 9 am–3 pm. Pharmacy Mon–Thu 9 am–6 pm, Fri 9 am–3 pm. Dental Tue–Thu 9 am–4 pm, Fri 9 am–3 pm. Sundays/statutory holidays closed; pharmacy/dental weekends closed.
More information
Nonprofit community health services focused on people affected by poverty and barriers to care. The current detailed page lists both Johnson and the newer Burnside clinic; an older overview still anticipates the second centre opening in fall 2026. Primary care currently says it is not accepting new patients, while the pharmacy welcomes new clients. Dental, pharmacy, mobile outreach and counselling have distinct intake and costs or coverage rules; clinic opening must not be interpreted as unrestricted walk-in attachment.
Address
Unit 101, 3960 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8X 4A3; ground floor, Quadra Centre
Telephone | Fax
Consistent main line 250-592-3479; youth text 250-812-9374. One appointment paragraph instead prints 250-592-2479, conflicting with the repeated main number.
Opening hours
Main tables Mon/Tue/Fri 9 am–4 pm, Wed/Thu 9 am–8 pm; older still-live Sept 2025 notice closes Thu 4 pm. Last Wed monthly in-person closure 1–4 pm. Current booking line Mon–Fri 9–11:30 am; returning-call/attached-primary-care lines also 1:30–3 pm. Pickup: ordered tests 9 am–4 pm, products noon–4 pm weekdays.
More information
Nonprofit appointment-based sexual and reproductive health service; no walk-ins. Current booking guidance has shorter phone hours than the location page, and a still-published Thursday closure notice conflicts with the regular table, so confirm edge-of-day visits. Youth-text age wording also varies between sections. Services, medication, store products and provincial coverage have separate conditions; gender-affirming clinical access is limited to specified existing patients. The old Camosun clinic note ends in April 2026 and is not treated as a current autumn session.
Address
63 Gorge Road East, Victoria, BC V9A 1L2
Telephone | Fax
Current patient-booking number 1-833-688-8722
Opening hours
Daily 8 am–8 pm. Appointment-based access; call during opening hours under the current same-day-care guide.
More information
Public urgent and primary care at the Gorge Road site. The provider directs people first to their own family clinician when available and otherwise offers assessment for suitable non-emergency concerns. A team may arrange an appointment or redirect to another service according to need and capacity. The current patient-facing number replaces older locally listed numbers for this purpose. This centre is separate from the hospital Emergency Departments and does not promise immediate access, ongoing attachment or universally free care.
Address
2945 Jacklin Road, Victoria mailing address, BC V9B 5E3; Langford, outside the City of Victoria
Telephone | Fax
250-474-1114
Opening hours
Provincial late-night pharmacy listing: daily 8 am–midnight. Call to confirm current dispensing, holiday changes and stock.
More information
Private pharmacy included for access beyond ordinary office hours in the Greater Victoria area. The provincial listing specifically describes late-night prescription support and publishes this address, phone and daily timetable. Prescription costs, dispensing fees and coverage vary, and a long opening window does not guarantee a particular medicine is in stock. Eligible people may obtain take-home naloxone and associated training under the described programme. This is not an emergency department or an assurance of an available pharmacist for every service.
Address
Telephone service throughout British Columbia; no walk-in destination for this helpline
Telephone | Fax
8-1-1 in B.C.; deaf/hard-of-hearing relay 7-1-1
Opening hours
Navigators/nurses 24/7; pharmacists daily 5 pm–9 am. Dietitians and qualified exercise professionals Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm.
More information
Provincial telephone service offering health information, interpretation and help finding appropriate care. Nurses and navigators operate around the clock, while overnight pharmacy advice and weekday specialist teams have different schedules. A nurse may connect a caller with a physician following assessment, but routine prescription refills and sick notes are not promised through that route. The published B.C. arrangements must not be assumed unchanged in another province; immediate emergencies use 9-1-1.
Address
Telephone and text support across Canada; no public walk-in address for this service
Telephone | Fax
Call or text 9-8-8; immediate emergency 9-1-1
Opening hours
Call/text 24 hours daily, every day of the year.
More information
National crisis support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress and for those concerned about someone else. A person does not need to be certain that their situation meets a particular label before contacting a responder. The official service offers support at any hour but does not replace emergency response for immediate danger or a recent serious injury. Privacy and safety arrangements follow the service’s own terms rather than an invented promise of absolute anonymity. No call or message was initiated.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Official provincial guide explains residence, lawful status and physical-presence conditions for MSP. Certain study or work permit holders with permits of six months or longer may be deemed residents under additional rules; maintained-status cases and children born to refugee claimants have specific provisions. Enrolment is required, but reading a page does not establish immediate coverage or eligibility for every prescription, dental service or treatment. Ask Health Insurance BC about an individual case before relying on assumed benefits.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Federal temporary, limited coverage for eligible groups until provincial or territorial insurance applies. The current official page describes eligible basic care as free, a $4 co-payment for each eligible prescription fill or refill and a 30% client share for eligible supplemental benefits. Providers must be registered with IFHP and benefit limits still apply. Confirm costs before non-emergency care; Medavie support in Canada is 1-888-614-1880. The official page was freshly read through the browser tool after local connection failure.
Housing
Address
828 View Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1K2
Telephone | Fax
250-361-3521; fax 250-361-3541
Opening hours
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 9 am–noon and 1–4 pm. Wednesday telephone only, same hours; closed to walk-ins. Weekends/statutory holidays closed.
More information
Local non-profit advocacy helps with tenancy disputes and selected provincial income or disability assistance matters. Explain the issue early because an eviction or tribunal deadline can be short. TAPS expressly does not find housing or complete housing-subsidy applications, and its remit does not cover general criminal, family or federal-benefit cases. Reception assesses whether the organization can assist; an initial visit does not guarantee representation or a particular tribunal outcome.
Address
216–852 Fort Street, Joseph Building, Victoria, BC V8W 1H8
Telephone | Fax
250-383-6166 ext. 1
Opening hours
Drop-in Mon 1–3 pm, Tue 10 am–noon, Thu 1–3 pm; other times by appointment. Programme lists Mon–Thu 9 am–4:30 pm; contact page says 9 am–4 pm. Call before visiting.
More information
Non-profit support may help eligible adults address a temporary rent or essential-utility shortfall. The published loan ceiling is $3,000 with no interest but a $1 monthly fee; ability to repay, income, local residence and a viable plan to stabilize housing are assessed. Limited grant funding is not promised. This is not automatic debt cancellation or an immediate apartment allocation. The own pages disagree on the general afternoon closing time, so use the specific drop-in windows or arrange an appointment.
Address
826 Cormorant Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1R1
Telephone | Fax
250-385-2131 ext. 2000
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 9 am–4 pm; closed for lunch noon–1 pm.
More information
Local housing outreach assists with housing searches, BC Housing applications, benefits and connections to health or legal support. This Cormorant Street service is separate from Pacifica’s Fisgard administrative office. Bring questions about the relevant housing route rather than assuming every property uses the same application. Staff support and referral do not guarantee an available unit, a rental subsidy or acceptance by a particular landlord; programme and building eligibility must be checked.
Address
Walk-in: 625 Fisgard Street; mailing: 631 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1R7
Telephone | Fax
General/vacancies 250-388-6422; after-hours housing emergency pager 250-388-1690
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm; weekends/holidays closed. Emergency pager is for damaging maintenance situations, not general applications.
More information
Regional non-profit housing provider owned by the Capital Regional District. Ask the rental team which application route applies to an affordable, subsidized or other property and whether the desired building has vacancies. Income, household and operating-agreement conditions can differ. The own contact page distinguishes the walk-in entrance from the mailing address, and the emergency line from ordinary rental enquiries. Applying does not establish an immediate right to a unit.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Local non-profit directory identifies emergency shelters including Rock Bay Landing, Sandy Merriman House and Next Steps. These services offer different accommodation and access arrangements, so contact the individual shelter rather than treating the organization’s administrative address as a bed-intake desk. The own directory lists Rock Bay Landing at 535 Ellice Street, 250-383-1951, and separate contacts for the other sites. A listed shelter or bed count does not prove a vacancy tonight.
Address
Telephone advice for tenants across British Columbia; no walk-in destination for this infoline
Telephone | Fax
1-800-665-1185; Lower Mainland 604-255-0546
Opening hours
Mon/Tue/Thu 1–5 pm; Wed 4:30–7:30 pm; Fri 9 am–1 pm.
More information
Free provincial tenant information and referrals can help a Victoria renter understand a notice, repair issue or next procedural step. Staff first ask about location, housing type and whether the Residential Tenancy Act applies. This is legal information rather than a promise of representation, an appeal extension or an outcome. Keep the lease, notices and dates handy, and use the tribunal’s own current instructions for filing and evidence deadlines.
Address
Provincial telephone service; the branch’s in-person information office is in Burnaby, outside Victoria
Telephone | Fax
Victoria 250-387-1602; elsewhere B.C. 1-800-665-8779; Lower Mainland 604-660-1020
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 9 am–4 pm, except statutory holidays; last Wednesday of month opens 11 am.
More information
Official provincial staff explain tenancy rules, rights, responsibilities and the dispute process, but do not give legal advice. General enquiries and formal applications are separate: the branch expressly does not accept dispute applications or evidence by ordinary email. Service BC offices can handle specified paper documents or fees, while in-person information officers are at Burnaby. Check the current process and deadlines for the actual dispute rather than relying on rules from another province.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial guide sets out household, residence, immigration-status, income and asset criteria for long-term subsidized housing. Families, seniors, eligible people with disabilities and some single people or couples have different conditions; sponsored and temporary-status situations require careful checking. Rents are generally geared to income subject to minimums and provider rules. The Registry is an application route, not a guarantee of a vacancy or a short wait, and some providers use separate applications.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
RAP may assist eligible low-income families renting in the private market. Current published criteria include a dependent child, annual household income of $60,000 or less, assets below $100,000, tax filing and 12 months in B.C., alongside status and rent-burden conditions. Subsidized housing, shareholder co-ops and most income-assistance recipients are excluded, with specified exceptions. Existing clients reapply each year; an online estimate does not approve a benefit.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
SAFER provides eligible private-market renters aged 60 or older with assistance subject to provincial residence, income, status and rent-burden conditions. The current annual income threshold is $40,000, with a small rounding difference in the page’s monthly figures. Applicants normally need 12 months in B.C. and an annual tax return. Subsidized housing and several other arrangements are excluded. Confirm the household calculation and renew annually; turning 60 does not automatically trigger payment.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Plain-language B.C. resources cover renting, eviction, repairs, roommates, strata housing and co-operatives. The separate guides matter because a roommate, a co-op member and a tenant under the Residential Tenancy Act may have different remedies. Use the practical steps and current linked law to prepare questions, then seek case-specific advice where needed. This educational collection does not create a lawyer-client relationship or suspend a notice, payment obligation or tribunal deadline.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Law librarians curate B.C. legal resources from non-profits, government and the legal profession, with a directory of mostly free or low-cost help. Housing and tenancy topics sit alongside family, employment, immigration and debt information, making the site useful when a housing problem crosses several areas. A listed service may have geographic, income or case-type restrictions. Read the individual provider’s access conditions; inclusion does not guarantee representation or an appointment.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Municipal overview links renter resources, maintenance and repair information, redevelopment-related eviction rights and housing initiatives. These city policies complement provincial tenancy law rather than replacing the Residential Tenancy Branch. The housing strategy and reserve funds are not an individual promise of a home or rent payment. Use the linked renter material for the City of Victoria jurisdiction and verify whether a property is actually within that municipality.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial portal organizes rules for starting, maintaining and ending a tenancy, rent, notices and dispute resolution. Use the current official form and the instructions relevant to the precise tenancy situation; manufactured homes and excluded living arrangements have separate rules. Published guidance is general and cannot decide an individual dispute. Keep copies and check service and filing dates directly, since a housing search or informal negotiation does not automatically stop a legal deadline.
Public transport
Address
Telephone service; operator administration at 520 Gorge Road East, Victoria, BC V8W 2P3 is not a passenger bus terminal
Telephone | Fax
250-382-6161; lost property 250-995-5637; administration 250-385-2551
Opening hours
Trip-information agents Mon–Fri 6 am–7 pm, Sat 7 am–7 pm, Sun 8 am–7 pm; recorded routes after hours. Lost property Mon–Fri 8 am–4 pm; administration Mon–Fri 8 am–4 pm.
More information
Public regional bus information covers journeys, fares and accessibility across Greater Victoria. The own contact page distinguishes passenger-information hours from lost-property and administrative hours; none is a universal timetable for all routes. Plan the specific route, direction and date and check alerts before travel. A printed or online schedule is not a guarantee against disruption, and the Gorge Road administrative address should not be used as an assumed departure stop.
Address
Client Registrar, 2401 Burnside Road West, Victoria mailing address, BC V9B 6J6; outside central Victoria
Telephone | Fax
250-727-7811; Taxi Saver 250-995-5618; fax 250-479-5660
Opening hours
Service Mon–Thu 7 am–10 pm, Fri 7 am–midnight, Sat 8 am–midnight, Sun/holidays 8 am–10 pm. Office Mon–Fri 8 am–4:30 pm.
More information
Door-to-door shared transit serves registered people whose permanent or temporary disability prevents independent use of conventional buses. Registration is free, while travel has fares and reservation requirements; it is not an on-demand taxi guarantee. Drivers help with boarding and alighting. The own page separates operating hours from the registration office timetable and explains that some people use both accessible fixed-route buses and handyDART according to their needs.
Address
11300 Patricia Bay Highway, Sidney mailing address, BC V8L 5J4; North Saanich, outside Victoria
Telephone | Fax
General 1-888-223-3779; terminal lost property 250-656-5571 ext. 4
Opening hours
Sailings and check-in cut-offs vary by route/date; consult the live schedule. General phone Mon–Fri 7 am–10 pm, Sat/Sun 7 am–7 pm. These are not terminal departure hours.
More information
Main Greater Victoria vehicle and foot-passenger ferry terminal links the region with Tsawwassen and island destinations. It is well north of downtown, so allow time for ground transport and the required check-in window. The terminal page publishes accessible boarding features and independently managed parking. A reservation, vehicle ticket and a connecting bus ticket can have separate conditions; availability, sailing operation and parking occupancy must be checked for the actual journey.
Address
Passenger docks include Empress causeway and Fisherman’s Wharf. Mailing/HQ only, not tour departure: 343A Bay Street, Victoria, BC V8T 1P5
Telephone | Fax
250-708-0201; water-taxi option 2, current-service information option 1
Opening hours
Own seasonal page: Oct 10–31, 10 am–5 pm; Nov 1–Mar 15 weekends only, 11 am–5 pm. Contact page also retains generic daily 10 am–9 pm wording and a weekend-only banner; confirm current operation.
More information
Private paid harbour service offers short water-taxi journeys as well as sightseeing. The current own seasonal table differs from generic FAQ hours, so the discrepancy is retained rather than presenting summer hours as a promise. Weather and tide can affect service and dock access. Boats require passengers to take boarding steps and cannot carry someone remaining in a wheelchair; folded equipment may fit subject to size. The Bay Street office is not an assumed departure dock.
Address
Scheduled Victoria pickup stops only; operator expressly has no ticket office in Victoria
Telephone | Fax
1-888-788-8840, option 1 then option 1; lost property 1-800-567-3288
Opening hours
Telephone office Oct–Apr 8 am–3:30 pm Pacific; May–Sept 6:30 am–4:45 pm. Listed closures include Nov 11, Dec 25 and Jan 1. Departures vary by booked stop/date.
More information
Private paid coach service combines selected bus and ferry journeys. Confirm the exact stop, luggage allowance, accessibility and whether the fare includes the ferry crossing, since meeting a coach onboard has separate conditions. The current operator FAQ explicitly rules out a Victoria walk-in ticket office. Limited same-day driver sales are first come, first served at specified stops and do not guarantee a seat or discounted fare. No ticket purchase or booking was attempted.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Local programme supplies discounted fares to eligible partner agencies, which distribute assistance to low-income people accessing their services. The Community Social Planning Council expressly does not hand tickets or passes directly to individuals. Ask a participating support agency about current criteria and available allocation; historical recipient stories do not establish today’s capacity. Programme administration is 250-383-6166 ext. 3, with the own contact page advising a call before any office visit.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Official current fare overview lists a $3 single ride, $6 DayPASS, $85 adult 30-day pass and $45 youth/senior concession pass, with children aged 12 and under riding free. Post-secondary and other programmes have separate conditions. Compare the product that fits the actual journeys and check proof-of-age or institutional rules. This page explains fares rather than granting a subsidy, and a pass or fare balance does not reserve a seat on a particular bus.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
BC Transit explains how to use an Umo app or reloadable card, load the applicable fare and validate it when boarding. A physical card offers an option for someone without a suitable smartphone. Confirm the Victoria fare product and any institutional benefit before adding money; a free card is not free transit. Customer assistance is 1-877-380-8181. No account, payment method, pass purchase or personal data was created or tested during research.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Municipal programme offers qualifying City of Victoria residents aged 13–18 a regional Youth U-PASS, with proof of age and residence required. Attending a school inside the city does not qualify a young person who lives in another municipality. Youth unable to apply online can ask the City Hall Public Service Centre, 250-385-5711. The city page also distinguishes municipal bus-stop infrastructure from BC Transit’s responsibility for routes and operations.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Municipal maps and self-guided routes distinguish protected lanes, multi-use paths, shared streets and painted facilities. Choose a route suited to the rider’s confidence and current conditions; ordinary navigation apps may not select the most comfortable route. Temporary construction, weather and shared-path users still require attention. The city’s wayfinding pilot and cycling maps are planning resources rather than a guarantee that every road segment is separated from traffic.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
City directory links municipal parkades, surface lots, street parking, accessible spaces and current payment instructions. The page states city parkades are free on Sundays, holidays and after 8 pm, but this must not be extended to every street space or privately operated lot. Read the signs at the actual location and distinguish a parking payment from a ticket-review request. Parking Services is 250-361-0260; no payment or permit application was tested.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Official guide normally gives new B.C. residents 90 days to switch a valid licence, with specific tourist, qualifying student and seasonal agricultural-worker exceptions. Exchange arrangements depend on the issuing jurisdiction; other applicants may need knowledge and road tests, proof of experience, accepted ID and fees. A licence may need an ICBC-approved translation and additional verification. The page is procedural guidance, not permission for every newcomer to drive indefinitely.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial programme targets eligible low-income seniors and people receiving B.C. disability assistance, rather than all newcomers or all low-income residents. The September 2026 update flags sponsorship-related changes affecting some seniors for 2027. The pass works on qualifying BC Transit and TransLink services but expressly excludes handyDART and West Coast Express. Fees or renewal invoices can apply; contact 1-866-866-0800, weekdays 9 am–4 pm, for the applicable route.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Airport authority directory compares public transit, taxis and other ground transport serving YYJ outside downtown Victoria. Follow the actual operator link for pickup point, current fare, luggage and accessibility arrangements, and allow extra time for a transfer between the airport and a regional bus. A listed provider is not a guarantee that a vehicle will be waiting for a particular flight. Airport information and airline departure schedules are separate from transport-operator hours.
Business | Enterprise
Address
Public Service Centre, main floor, City Hall, 1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P6; application mailing paragraph separately prints V8W 1P8
Telephone | Fax
Business Licences 250-361-0572; zoning 250-361-0316; general 250-385-5711
Opening hours
City Hall Mon–Fri 8 am–4:30 pm; application reviews and inspections follow separate schedules.
More information
Municipal licensing team explains documents and approvals for operating within the City of Victoria. Check the proposed location and zoning before committing to premises; a provincial registration does not replace municipal permission. The city describes roughly ten working days for a complete application, rather than guaranteeing that date. Licences require annual renewal and fees, and the own page contains different postal codes for general City Hall contact and the application mailing paragraph. Confirm postal routing before sending originals.
Address
201C–633 Courtney Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1B9
Telephone | Fax
250-383-7191
Opening hours
Not available
More information
Local membership organization connects businesses through networking, advocacy, member resources and events. It is not a government licence office or a promise of public financing. Membership, booths, advertising and some events have charges, so compare the actual offer and eligibility before joining. Own home, team and contact pages publish the Courtney Street office and phone but no public opening timetable was found; call before visiting.
Address
Telephone and online support for B.C.; head office outside Victoria: Suite 201, 1726 Dolphin Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R9. Vancouver office by appointment.
Telephone | Fax
1-800-643-7014; Kelowna local 250-868-3454
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm Pacific; weekends/holidays closed. Vancouver in person by appointment.
More information
Non-profit supports self-identifying women entrepreneurs with advice, mentorship, learning and financing resources across B.C. Free introductory resources and advice are distinct from workshops with fees or repayable loans. Ask about the appropriate programme, business stage and eligibility rather than assuming every newcomer can receive funding. Victoria users can contact the provincial team remotely; neither listed mainland office is represented as a local Victoria walk-in centre.
Address
777 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1G9
Telephone | Fax
250-483-3214
Opening hours
Published general office hours Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm. Programme activity has separate restrictions.
More information
Non-profit technology-sector organization offers community connections, workspace information, events and industry resources. Membership or workspace charges can apply. The own accelerator page currently states VAP and Start-up Visa activity is paused indefinitely, including coaching calls, playbook reviews and new commitment certificates; older programme descriptions must not be read as an open intake. Some online market-validation training remains mentioned. Ask the team what support is currently available without assuming investment or immigration approval.
Address
Municipal contact at City Hall, 1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P6; arrange the specific Hub consultation
Telephone | Fax
Business Hub 250-361-0629; City switchboard 250-385-5711
Opening hours
City Hall opens Mon–Fri 8 am–4:30 pm; Hub consultations and event sessions require their own arrangements, not a guaranteed all-day walk-in adviser.
More information
City’s first contact helps entrepreneurs navigate municipal processes and find relevant business resources. Current material describes the 2026–27 Launch Victoria pilot cohort, which must not be mistaken for guaranteed open enrolment. Support links include sustainability programmes and downtown grants with their own boundaries and eligibility. Ask which permit department or external adviser fits the business; a Hub conversation neither issues a licence nor awards financing.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Government-supported online search identifies potential permits and licences across municipal, provincial and federal levels. Choose the actual municipality and business activities, since a Victoria mailing address can be in another local jurisdiction. The tool is free to consult, while resulting licences, inspections and applications can have fees. Its suggested list supports planning and should be confirmed with the issuing authorities before opening or changing activities.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Public development bank provides a free business-plan template, instructions, glossary and example to help organize a venture and its financial assumptions. The download asks for contact and business information; no form was completed during research. A template is educational support, not a loan approval or a guarantee that projections are accurate. BDC expressly leaves responsibility for the completed plan with the user, so adapt it to the Victoria market and obtain appropriate advice.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
National non-profit’s FAQ targets entrepreneurs aged 18–39 who meet programme requirements, including Canadian citizenship or already-obtained permanent residence. A pending permanent-residence application is not sufficient. Financing is repayable lending with assessment and mentorship conditions, rather than a grant or guaranteed approval. Eligibility can depend on ownership and the business stage. The own FAQ was read through current official indexed content after local Cloudflare blocking; no credit check or application was attempted.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Federal guide sequences planning, choosing a name, registration, permits, financing support and tax-help resources. These are distinct steps: a business number is not a municipal operating licence, and incorporation does not itself establish immigration permission to work. Use the B.C. and Victoria authorities for local rules alongside federal obligations. The current official page was read through the browser after local connection resets; linked support programmes require their own eligibility checks.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Official naming guide asks businesses to choose a distinctive, understandable name and links the separate checks and registration stages. A name that sounds appropriate is not automatically available, registered or protected as a trademark. Follow the relevant B.C. registry and federal intellectual-property processes for the actual structure and intended activity. The guidance was freshly read through the browser after local connection failure; no name search fee, filing or reservation was made.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Federal tax portal separates registration, charging and collecting, returns, remittances and rebates, with links for special circumstances. The current page also directs holders of temporary SINs beginning with 9 to Business Registration Online. Provincial PST is a separate obligation in B.C.; use the applicable threshold, supply and exemption rules rather than charging a tax simply because a business exists. Browser content was read after local transport failure; no registration or tax return was submitted.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial guide covers business structure, registration, permits, taxes and hiring responsibilities. It directs readers to the local government or First Nation for zoning and licensing and distinguishes PST, federal GST and corporate-tax accounts. Employers may need WorkSafeBC coverage, payroll deductions and compliance with employment and pay-transparency rules. This is a planning guide with linked procedures, not individualized legal or tax advice or an authorization to operate.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial workers’ compensation authority explains when a business or employer must register and how coverage differs for workers, contractors and proprietors. Do not assume that calling someone self-employed removes every insurance responsibility. Review the actual working arrangement and the authority’s current rules before hiring or accepting a contract. Reading the guide does not create coverage, establish an exemption or complete a registration; premiums and optional protection have separate conditions.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial sales-tax guide explains registration for businesses selling or leasing taxable goods, software, services or accommodation under the applicable rules. Exceptions and special business arrangements require individual checking; PST is separate from CRA’s GST/HST system. Use the official guidance to determine whether and when registration is required, keep the relevant records and seek professional advice for uncertain transactions. No eTaxBC account, tax payment or registration was tested.
Immigration | Public authorities
Address
Bay Centre, 4th floor, Suite 450, 1150 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 3M9
Telephone | Fax
General 1-800-622-6232; SIN 1-866-274-6627; EI 1-800-206-7218; CPP/OAS 1-800-277-9914; passports 1-800-567-6868
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4 pm. Published upcoming closure Nov 11, 2026. Programme telephone hours differ from office hours.
More information
Federal counter handles listed services including Social Insurance Numbers, pensions, employment insurance and specified passport services. Check the service and required original documents before travelling; benefits and passport eligibility are programme-specific. The current own location page places the office in the Bay Centre, not a different Douglas Street address. An office visit does not guarantee an immediate benefit decision, urgent passport acceptance or completion of immigration matters handled by IRCC.
Address
Physical: 403–771 Vernon Avenue, Victoria mailing locality; Saanich municipality. Mail: PO Box 9408 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9V1
Telephone | Fax
250-387-6121; fax 250-952-4124
Opening hours
Victoria counter Mon–Fri 9 am–4:30 pm. Provincial contact-centre telephone hours are separate.
More information
Provincial service centre assists with the services listed for this location, including selected government documents and transactions. The current own directory explicitly excludes ICBC driver licensing at Victoria, so a driver-licence exchange needs the correct ICBC office. Confirm the actual service and required documents before attending. Federal immigration permits, SINs and CRA taxes remain with their respective federal authorities; Service BC is not a universal substitute for them.
Address
1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P6
Telephone | Fax
Main 250-385-5711; urgent public works 24-hour line 250-361-0400
Opening hours
City Hall Mon–Fri 8 am–4:30 pm. Urgent public-works reporting line 24 hours; specialist departments may require arrangements.
More information
Municipal switchboard and department directory direct residents to city responsibilities such as permits, business licences, local infrastructure and bylaw questions. The urgent works number covers matters such as flooding, fallen trees or blocked storm drains; it is not a replacement for emergency 9-1-1. Canada has no general city-hall newcomer registration that automatically enrolls a person in federal or provincial services. Identify the actual requirement and jurisdiction before providing documents.
Address
Victoria Law Courts, Room 134A, 850 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC V8W 1B4
Telephone | Fax
250-382-4620; fax 250-384-8850
Opening hours
Mon–Thu 9 am–noon and 1–3:30 pm. Friday closed to the public. Western Communities outreach has a different limited schedule.
More information
Official provider directory lists the Victoria legal-aid intake service, distinct from the court registry in the same building. Eligibility depends on finances and whether the matter falls within covered case types; not every tenancy, immigration or family problem qualifies for funded representation. Call about the current intake process and required documents. The office’s Friday closure must not be replaced with the courthouse’s general weekday opening hours.
Address
850 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC V8W 9J2
Telephone | Fax
250-356-1478; civil fax 250-387-3061; criminal fax 250-356-6279
Opening hours
Published public hours Mon–Fri 9 am–4 pm; hearing and filing arrangements may differ.
More information
Justice Education Society’s court-location page and the provincial courthouse directory identify the staffed Victoria courthouse. Confirm the correct registry, court level and filing method for the actual matter, since legal aid, court schedules and public registry access are separate services. Staff can explain administrative procedure but do not act as a person’s lawyer. A directory entry does not extend a filing deadline, establish that a case belongs in this court or reserve a hearing.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Official guide separates applications for citizens/permanent residents from temporary residents whose SIN begins with 9 and is linked to immigration documents. A permit must authorize work where required; possession of a SIN does not itself expand work permission. The current October 2026 page explains that plastic cards are no longer issued and offers record-update and protection information. Use only the official route and protect the number; no personal information or application was tested.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Federal portal separates visiting, work and study permits, permanent residence, asylum, citizenship, PR cards and application updates. Select the actual status and programme rather than assuming a municipal or provincial office can change immigration conditions. Current eligibility, fees and processing information belong to the specific route and can change. General settlement support does not guarantee an immigration outcome; no account, questionnaire submission or application was opened.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Official work portal distinguishes employer-specific and open permits, extensions, changes of conditions and specific programmes. An open permit is available only in qualifying situations; a job offer, a SIN or presence in B.C. does not by itself give unrestricted work permission. Use the applicable instructions for the current location and status, including expiry and re-entry issues. The own current indexed page was read after local connection resets; no eligibility determination or application was performed.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Federal guide covers choosing a designated institution, obtaining or extending a study permit and rules for working while studying or after graduation. The current page flags that changing post-secondary schools may require a new permit through an extension application. Admission to a college is separate from immigration approval, work authorization and post-graduation permit eligibility. Check the exact programme and current conditions rather than assuming every language course supports the same immigration route.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
March 2026 official guidance explains first returns, income records, benefit eligibility and fraud prevention for newcomers. It gives April 30, 2027 as the ordinary filing date for a person arriving in 2026, with separate self-employment rules and payment deadlines requiring individual checking. Tax residence differs from immigration status, and benefit amounts depend on family circumstances. Keep income and arrival records and consult CRA for the actual year; no tax return, account or benefit application was submitted.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial guide explains the card as government ID, its use for health services and how a BC Services Card account can support online sign-in. Getting or replacing a card, updating personal details and enrolling in health insurance are related but distinct procedures. Do not assume that displaying a card proves every treatment is covered or that all government records are shared. Check the appropriate card type and accepted identification before attending an issuing office.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Official finder helps locate federal financial, health and other support programmes. It is a starting point for reading eligibility and application instructions rather than an award decision. B.C. and municipal assistance may need separate searches, and immigration status, residence, income or family circumstances can affect access. Follow the linked programme’s current conditions; no personal answers, sign-in, benefits application or financial information was entered during research.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Federal guide explicitly says departments do not automatically share an address update because their systems are not connected. Follow the separate instructions for CRA, Service Canada benefits and any pending IRCC application, and separately update provincial health and identity records where required. Postal forwarding alone does not update these accounts. This directory is useful after a Victoria move but no address, account or personal record was changed during research.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Provincial guide distinguishes certificates, copies, record searches and corrections, each with eligibility, evidence and fees. B.C. maintains its own vital-event records; a birth or marriage elsewhere generally requires the authority where that event occurred. Contact Victoria 250-952-2681 or B.C. toll-free 1-888-876-1633 for the relevant process. The mailing address is not described as an open public counter, and no order, identity check or payment was attempted.
More services | Integration
Address
Suite 102, 808 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2B6
Telephone | Fax
250-388-4728
Opening hours
Office Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm; new-client registration reception 10:30 am–2:30 pm; weekends/statutory holidays closed.
More information
Recognized local settlement organization helps individuals and families plan their next steps, navigate housing, education, health information and community services. Bring the immigration documents relevant to the actual programme so staff can check eligibility. The current own Douglas Street address takes precedence over older Balmoral Road listings. General orientation, employment support and funded language classes have different criteria, and staff support does not itself grant immigration status or guarantee housing.
Address
1004 North Park Street, Victoria, BC V8T 1C6
Telephone | Fax
250-361-9433; fax 250-361-1914
Opening hours
Not available
More information
Provincially funded programme offers free settlement and employment support to eligible people not covered by federal settlement funding. Own criteria include specified work/study permit holders, naturalized citizens, refugee claimants and other listed groups; international post-secondary students must lack comparable institutional services. Contact staff to check the exact route and current English-workshop schedule. The programme and own contact pages publish no fixed general office timetable; no old newsletter class time is assumed current.
Address
Unit 2, 1218 Langley Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1W2
Telephone | Fax
250-388-7350; toll-free 1-888-388-7350; Emploi CB contacts 604-757-7308 / 604-757-6924
Opening hours
Tue–Fri 10 am–4 pm. Events and employment consultations have their own arrangements.
More information
Local francophone association brings French-speaking residents together through activities, cultural events and service connections. It can be a useful point of contact for a French-speaking newcomer living in predominantly English-speaking Greater Victoria. Membership and event charges may differ from publicly funded employment or settlement programmes, so ask about the relevant service rather than assuming all activities are free. Ask which French-language orientation or referral support is currently available in the Capital Region.
Address
Lansdowne campus, 3100 Foul Bay Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5J2; confirm room and campus for the assigned course
Telephone | Fax
ELD registration 250-370-4951; general 250-370-3000; toll-free 1-877-554-7555
Opening hours
Starts in January, March, May and September; full/part-time and day/evening options. Course and assessment times are assigned; no single public ELD office timetable is stated.
More information
Public college offers eight English levels, including academic and health-care pathways. The provincial guide lists Camosun among institutions providing tuition-free ELL for eligible domestic students such as citizens, permanent residents and refugees, while books, student fees or other costs can remain. International applicants use separate admission and fee arrangements. Ask registration about assessment and the correct course; a language course does not automatically provide a study permit, professional licence or admission to another programme.
Address
Suite 102, 808 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2B6; online streams also available
Telephone | Fax
250-388-4728 ext. 2106
Opening hours
Day classes Mon–Fri 9–11:30 am or 12:30–3 pm by level; evening groups Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu 6–9 pm. Reception for new clients 10:30 am–2:30 pm weekdays.
More information
Federally funded LINC provides free practical English for eligible permanent residents or refugees aged 17 and older under the provider’s published rules. Level assessment, programme eligibility and space must be checked before enrolment. Some levels run online and others in person; the evening pattern is twice weekly, not every evening. Preschool childcare is mentioned for students but is subject to arrangements and availability. LINC is distinct from paid ESL lessons and separate language-test registration fees.
Address
Main Victoria location: Suite 102, 808 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2B6; outreach sites elsewhere have separate schedules
Telephone | Fax
250-388-4728
Opening hours
Programme lists Victoria Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm; central contact page restricts new-client reception to 10:30 am–2:30 pm. Confirm registration before visiting; outreach hours differ.
More information
Provincial newcomer support includes orientation, employment information, short-term English training and group activities for specified asylum seekers, claimants, permit holders, international students or naturalized citizens. Staff determine which services match the person’s circumstances. The programme’s broad Victoria registration window differs from the current general reception notice; both are retained. Do not copy Sooke or Westshore outreach hours onto the Douglas Street office or assume eligibility for federal LINC.
Address
1004 North Park Street, Victoria, BC V8T 1C6; confirm teaching room at registration
Telephone | Fax
250-361-9433; fax 250-361-1914
Opening hours
Pathway beginner Fri 9:30–11:30 am; beginner Mon/Tue 1–3 pm; intermediate Wed/Thu 1–3 pm; pronunciation Thu 9:30–11:30 am and Fri 1–3 pm. Confirm current cohort.
More information
Own current course page describes practical English for adults, including newcomers and visitors. New students pay a $25 registration fee; the listed 12-class rates are $100 for permanent residents/citizens and $275 for international visitors. Pronunciation is free for existing VIRCS students, which must not be turned into a claim that every ESL course is free. The page offers a free CLB level test; clarify whether separate official examination services have different fees and recognition.
Address
Programme office: 216–852 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1H8. Public clinics take place at separately listed partner locations.
Telephone | Fax
250-383-6166 ext. 6
Opening hours
Contact page office Mon–Thu 9 am–4 pm; call ahead. ID clinic dates/venues follow the live calendar. Anawim safe storage separately Mon–Fri 9:30 am–2:30 pm.
More information
Non-profit assistance helps underserved people obtain or store specified Canadian identity documents. Current services include Canadian birth certificates, BCID and BC Services Card support, while the page expressly excludes PR cards, citizenship applications and overseas birth certificates. Remote referrals are currently closed, and clinics must be checked by date and location. Safe storage is at Anawim House, 953 Caledonia Avenue, not the Fort Street office. Assistance is not the issuing authority’s approval.
Address
A10–830 Pembroke Street, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9
Telephone | Fax
+1-250-385-0014
Opening hours
Own contact page regular hours Mon–Thu 10 am–4 pm; programme footer says office by appointment only. Statutory holidays closed; summer exceptions do not set the October timetable.
More information
Local charity offers free one-to-one tutoring for adults aged 19+ in reading, writing, numeracy and technology, with matching based on personal goals and available tutors. Digital help can support everyday online tasks and reduce isolation. The own programme explicitly says intensive English instruction and clinical rehabilitation may need other providers. The appointment-only footer is retained alongside regular contact hours, so call before attending rather than assuming walk-in tutoring or an immediate match.
Address
Second floor, Continuing Studies Building, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2; mail PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2
Telephone | Fax
ELC 250-721-8469; reception/registration 250-472-4747; fax 250-721-8774
Opening hours
Business hours Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm Pacific; weekends/holidays closed. Campus closure Dec 25–Jan 1. Teaching dates vary by programme.
More information
Public university centre offers paid intensive, academic and short-term English programmes. Its fee table separates tuition/activities, housing/meals and student-service costs, so a quoted tuition figure is not the full stay cost. Published conditions and immigration requirements apply, with programmes generally requiring age 18+ unless explicitly a youth option. Confirm the chosen session and refund terms; no course, homestay, test, application or payment was booked.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Provincial newcomer resource organizes preparation, essential arrival steps, health insurance, identity, employment, education and life in B.C. It helps distinguish a SIN from a BC Services Card and provincial health enrolment, rather than suggesting a single registration completes everything. Follow each responsible authority’s current requirements and the provider’s programme eligibility. Machine-translated versions carry the province’s accuracy caveat; no status, benefit or document was applied for.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
CBC/Radio-Canada learning platform uses authentic audio and video with comprehension activities and practical language challenges. It is a self-paced supplement for French or English, accessible through the web or app, rather than a formal LINC class or a recognized immigration language examination. Canadian media content can help with everyday listening and cultural context. Device, account and content-access conditions should be checked; no account, app installation or personal learning profile was created.
Address
Online service
Telephone | Fax
Online service
Opening hours
Online service
More information
Official guide describes no-cost government-funded language classes for eligible permanent residents and protected persons, with language assessment before enrolment. Local delivery can be online or in person and childcare or transport support exists only in some locations. A course level and an official examination are different credentials; citizenship proof has specific requirements. Temporary residents should ask about provincial alternatives rather than assume universal federal eligibility.
Address
Online directory
Telephone | Fax
Online directory
Opening hours
Online directory
More information
Federal directory lets readers locate funded settlement, employment and language services by place, language and service type. The current October 2026 page flags a time limit introduced from April 1, 2026 for economic-class permanent residents, so an old assumption of indefinite access is unsafe. Other eligible groups and specific temporary-status pathways have separate rules. The directory excludes Quebec providers and asks people to contact an organization before attending; search controls were not submitted.