District of Oak Bay and the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society

Partner on Welcome House Project for Refugee Families

WORLD REFUGEE DAY: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2018

Renovations championed by a generous and dedicated group of volunteers and businesses are underway at 1531 Hampshire Road as the District of Oak Bay and the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) prepare to welcome a refugee family to the community.

The District of Oak Bay purchased 1531 Hampshire Road as a strategic asset anticipating future uses in the village. While this property will in the future support the growth in the village, the District has agreed to work with the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) to enable an interim affordable housing opportunity for a family who are refugees.

Under the Welcome House cooperative agreement, the District of Oak Bay will:

• Make 1531 Hampshire Road and 1538 Monterey Avenue available on an interim basis to VIRCS for housing

• Agreement is for a minimum of 2 years; a minimum one-year notification is required

Please click here to read the full press release and to learn more about this inititive.