Saanich Recreation Services Department supports the right of all Saanich residents to be included, with equal opportunity and participation, in all departmental programs and services. In addition, the Department acknowledges cultural diversity and ethno-cultural community groups as sources of strength and enrichment. It is committed to responding to the changing demographics of our community and to strengthening neighbourhoods by:

• Fostering increased understanding of diverse cultures
• Working with and through Saanich's ethno-cultural groups
• Forging partnerships to provide the best lifestyle programs and services possible.

Multilingual Recreation Guide

We are delighted to bring you a simplified guide to our programs and services in Korean, Japanese, Punjabi, Hindi, Spanish, Chinese, French and English. Look for it at your nearest Saanich Recreation Centre.

Programs & Services

"Speak Well" English Conversation Program
Practise your English through small and informal group discussions with Canadian volunteers. Learn important English skills such as pronunciation, grammar and new vocabulary. This FREE program is ideal for young or mature adults who are immigrants, refugees or international students. Every Wednesday from 7-8:30pm at the Gordon Head Lawn Bowls Club. For further information, call 250-475-5427

We offer a variety of music, art, dance, language, craft and cooking courses and camps which focus on other cultures. These kinds of programs, some for children and some for adults, will help develop imagination, social skills, problem solving and critical thinking skills as they relate to discovering other cultures. These programs are held at our 4 recreation centres and our off-site locations. Check our Active Living Guides and Find a Program tab in the Register Now link to find out more about these programs.

ESL Youth Drop-In

Every Wednesday  6:00 - 9:00 pm @ Gordon Head Recreation Centre.

Designed for 13 year olds and older, this FREE drop-in is a place to come for casual, social engagement with other teens for whom english is a second language.  Safe, supervised, fun!  For more information, call Jason at 250-475-5427 or email jason.jones@saanich.ca 

Community Resources, Partners and Translation Assistance

Inter-Cultural Association:
250-388-4728
Website: www.icavictoria.org
email: admin@icavictoria.org

Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society:
250-361-1914
Website: www.vircs.bc.ca
email: info@vircs.bc.ca

Group Tours

If your group would like a personal guided tour of our centres and facilities, please contact Jason at 250-475-5427.

Volunteer in your Community

As a newcomer to Victoria, you may be interested in volunteering with us as a way of getting to know your community and the people who live in it.

Check out "Volunteer with Us" to find out more or call Laesha Berry at 250-475-5502.