Memos of understanding: Oak Bay, Saanich, Victoria and UVic

The Districts of Oak Bay and Saanich and the City of Victoria are strengthening their existing partnerships with the University of Victoria through the development of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between the individual municipalities and the university. The MOUs will build on a shared vision for the region including collaborations on economic, social, environmental and technological interests.

The partnerships will create opportunities for all parties to support community values and goals for a livable, prosperous and sustainable region today and in the future. The agreements formalize our strong regional network, and leverage municipal and academic expertise, to better serve stakeholders.

“Universities have a civic duty to be innovative and engaged partners working to make a real difference to the well-being of our region,” says President Kevin Hall. “UVic is committed to working with our partner municipalities to deliver social, economic and environmental change in our communities. Partnering with the region’s municipalities will allow us to explore the ways we can play a larger, more supportive role in local initiatives.”

Discussions will take place over the summer months on the details of the memorandums of understanding with each municipality. The agreements will include initiatives that serve the interests of the cities, the university and residents. Areas of possible collaboration include truth, respect and reconciliation; equity, diversity and inclusion; tourism; technology; infrastructure and economic inclusion.

“We’ve enjoyed a long and productive working relationship with the university and this agreement opens the doors to building on that strong foundation,” says Mayor of Oak Bay Kevin Murdoch. “By embracing our shared values, and establishing shared goals, we have the potential to effect real, lasting, positive change in our communities.”

Partnership through UVic’s student workforce is a key initiative on which the groups wish to capitalize. The mutual benefit of students gaining crucial work experience and regional organizations having ready access to a highly skilled talent pool is a collaboration on which the parties wish to expand. In addition to employment opportunities, the MOUs will explore opportunities for lifelong learning and micro-credentials, a need that became even more prominent in the past year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on area workplaces.

“We’re excited to formalize our partnership to support expanded collaborations in areas of shared interest,” says District of Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes. “In addition to increasing economic prosperity for all, the focus is on issues facing our region including climate, technology, housing, mental health and vibrant communities. These are priorities on which the university and Saanich closely align.”

Another area of shared priorities between the parties lies in preparing our cities for the future.

“The City and UVic have a strong relationship built on shared values and a long history of collaboration,” says Mayor of Victoria Lisa Helps. “Victoria 3.0 outlines our economic plan for Victoria’s future and UVic continues to be an integral partner in helping us support the vibrancy of the region.”

Once signed, the MOUs remain in effect, with periodic reviews by all parties.

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 A media kit containing media release with partnership logos is available on Dropbox