Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan

Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan – Executive Summary

The City of Victoria’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan represents a comprehensive, data-driven initiative designed to address complex social challenges and enhance quality of life for all residents. Developed in collaboration with HelpSeeker Technologies, this plan integrates extensive community feedback gathered through surveys, focus groups, and public consultations to create an evidence-based roadmap for a safer, more connected, and resilient Victoria.

A Community-Driven Approach

The report highlights how thousands of residents voiced their perspectives on key local issues through an inclusive engagement process. Using advanced analytics and a multi-level taxonomy, HelpSeeker analyzed this feedback to uncover interconnected challenges shaping community wellbeing.

Key Themes and Findings

Three core, interrelated issues emerged as the heart of the city’s concerns:

• Housing Affordability and Homelessness – Residents cited a lack of affordable, adequate housing and the need for long-term, supportive housing solutions.
• Mental Health and Addiction – Participants identified limited access to mental health and addiction services and called for trauma-informed, community-based approaches.
• Public Safety – Concerns focused on visible homelessness, substance use in public spaces, and feelings of insecurity in parks, downtown areas, and public facilities.

These issues are closely tied to economic barriers, discrimination, and urban infrastructure challenges that influence residents’ sense of belonging and engagement.

Community Solutions and Vision

Victoria’s residents proposed practical, compassionate solutions to strengthen safety and wellbeing across the city. Top recommendations include:

• Expanding mental health and addiction supports and crisis response services.
• Increasing affordable and supportive housing with wraparound services.
• Improving public spaces and urban infrastructure, including better lighting, accessible transportation, and community-centered design.
• Enhancing community connection through cultural events, volunteer opportunities, and intergenerational programs.
• Investing in crime prevention and community policing while balancing enforcement with social supports.

Building a Safer, More Inclusive Future

The findings demonstrate a community deeply invested in creating a more inclusive and compassionate city. By aligning local insights with data-driven analysis, the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan provides a strong foundation for coordinated action among policymakers, service providers, and residents.

‍

Read Full Report:

‍https://hubs.ly/Q03RWctK0