We are a group of Greater Victoria residents dedicated to improving our region’s shared places.
Our Mission: to inspire people, neighbourhoods and communities to create vibrant public places that promote health, happiness and well-being.
We focus on what happens in ‘the public realm’ in Greater Victoria – in our places, green spaces, on our streets and informal gathering areas. Placemaking is about bringing neighbours, businesses, specialists, visitors and others together to collaborate in creating great places.
“Placemaking is transformative of both places and people as it creates connection, social cohesion and even happiness by the very act of working together.” – Former City of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps
Great places are what give a community its identity and drive the local economy. Sense of place is also the essence of tourism – people want to visit places that have ‘that special something.’
Here in Greater Victoria, BC, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, our group is dedicated to making one of North America’s most attractive urban settings even better. Greater Victoria Placemaking Network helps municipalities, private developers, community groups and businesses launch projects that enhance the liveability of our urban spaces.
From street configurations to plaza dynamics to community engagement activities, placemaking is concerned with not only the spaces in our cities but the human interactions that make cities great. Greater Victoria Placemaking Network (GVPN) partners with organizations and businesses to conduct urban exploration events, organize educational and engagement activities, and provide at-cost consulting services.
We are a volunteer, non-profit Society* and we welcome your involvement!
* registered BC Society number S-0064132