Fondation francophone du Grand Victoria

UNITED FOR A STRONG AND VIBRANT FRANCOPHONE COMMUNITY

all under the same roof

The Francophone community of Victoria has finally made a long-standing dream come true — the opening of a Francophone community centre.

This landmark project is a testament to the power of solidarity and collective commitment. When the Francophone community comes together around a shared vision, anything is possible. Let’s keep building, strengthening, and shining a light on our Francophone community in Victoria.

build the francophone community with us !

Becoming a Builder of the Community Means…

Committing by making a donation to ensure community spaces are accessible to everyone;
Seizing a unique opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the future of Victoria’s Francophone community;
Supporting a meaningful project led by the SFV, one that brings people together and helps our community grow.

Our Story

A Foundation Committed to Victoria’s Francophone Community
Since its creation in 1967 by members of Victoria’s Francophone community, the Foundation has been dedicated to supporting Francophones in the region. Initially focused on awarding scholarships, the Foundation shifted its priorities in 2016 to better respond to the current needs of the Francophone community.

The Foundation is governed by a board of directors made up of seven members, either elected or appointed by local Francophone organizations. This board ensures sound governance, strict adherence to policies, and compliance with Canadian charitable regulations.

Our Mission

The Foundation contributes to the development of inclusive French-language services and projects by rallying around causes that matter to the Francophone community of Greater Victoria.

ACCESSIBILITY PROJECT

Promoting accessibility for an inclusive Francophone community in Victoria

Accessibility aims to remove physical and social barriers, allowing everyone to fully participate in daily activities. By ensuring universal access to spaces, products, and services, we strengthen the social inclusion of people with reduced mobility within Greater Victoria’s Francophone community.

This principle of inclusion is essential to collective well-being and the vitality of a community. As with any renovation or construction project, unforeseen challenges have led to increased costs related to the installation of accessible features.

That’s why we need your support—to help make these spaces truly accessible for all.

Make a Donation

Milestones and Success Stories

Project 1 – Building Acquisition

A New Francophone Cultural Hub in the Heart of Victoria

On August 15, 2023, the Société francophone de Victoria (SFV) acquired the building located at 1218 Langley Street, right in downtown Victoria. This new Francophone cultural centre is now a vibrant space for gathering, creativity, and celebration for the entire French-speaking population of the region.

An Investment with Lasting Impact:

A building: the headquarters of Francophone life in Victoria;
A one-stop centre for all services and programs.

A place:

A place that ensures the sustainable growth of the French language and Francophone culture;
That allows the public to learn and master French;
That celebrates and promotes the arts;
And where people come together for cultural events.

Milestones and Success Stories

Project 2 – Improving Accessibility for an Inclusive Cultural Centre in Victoria

The elevator and gallery located at the back of the building are under construction and nearly complete. However, the funds currently available are not enough to finish the work.

That’s why this fundraising campaign aims to raise $50,000 to complete the installation and make the spaces at the Maison de la francophonie fully accessible to everyone.

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How It All Began: The Story of Victoria’s Maison de la francophonie

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The Origins

The acquisition of the building at 1218 Langley Street in Victoria to house the Maison de la francophonie marked a major turning point in the history of the Francophone community in Victoria and the surrounding region.

In the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, the Francophone community had a visible and vibrant presence in the premises of St. Jean-Baptiste Church, where most French-language activities took place. In the early 1980s, cultural activities gradually moved away from religious ones, and the Société francophone de Victoria (SFV) relocated to more central spaces—better positioned to connect with its members.

Securing Long-Term Space

Since then, the SFV has had to relocate numerous times—whether due to a lack of suitable spaces or because of high rental costs. Each move brings significant logistical and financial challenges. Everything must start over: sharing the new address, updating documents, covering the cost of moving furniture, and more.

As a tenant organization, the SFV has always been at the mercy of its surroundings. Program and activity development is often slowed down—or even interrupted—because nothing is guaranteed: neither the location nor the space to host them.

A Project Taking Root

In 2017, an initial community committee was formed to explore the feasibility of acquiring a building to house a Francophone community centre. In 2020, the committee came under the leadership of the Société francophone de Victoria.

At the end of 2021, the building’s owner approached the SFV with the intention to sell. The organization expressed interest and began the process: commissioning expert reports, drafting and submitting grant applications to federal, provincial, and municipal governments.

It was a long journey… but on August 15, 2023, the dream became a reality.

A Francophone Point of Reference

The Maison de la francophonie embodies the long-awaited dream of Victoria’s Francophone community — the result of 40 years of collective effort.

Owning a space means finally being in control. And that changes everything: it allows for investment in better services, programs, and activities, and gives the freedom to plan for the future without the fear of having to move again. A permanent address becomes a landmark.

When people think “French,” they think of the Maison. A place for everyone — where the community comes together.

One Roof, One Community

The Maison has become the heart of the regional Francophone community. Its stability has enabled the growth of activities and fostered collaboration among organizations, united in their mission to promote the French language and culture.

By the end of 2024, six organizations will share the space: Radio Victoria, the Alliance Française of Victoria, Collège Éducacentre, the Francophone Historical Society of Victoria, Carrefour 50+CB, and Franco Queer de l’Ouest. Four commercial tenants also occupy the third floor.

The acquisition of the Maison has rekindled community spirit, encouraged new leadership, and strengthened Francophone pride.