GVHA’s Vision and Mission

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority introduced a new vision and mission in 2024 to ensure the long-term stewardship of the Victoria Harbour and to highlight the ongoing success of the port as a working harbour. 

Our Vision is to become:

  • Canada’s most ḰʷamḰʷəm (vibrant) and Xʷčičtəs (harmonious) harbour.

Our Mission is:

  • Ensure the long-term stewardship of Lək̓ʷəŋən territory by creating Canada’s first co-managed port​. 
  • Galvanize support and investment in land, sea and people​. 
  • Ensure a productive and inclusive working harbour leading in regional sustainability. 

ḰʷamḰʷəm and Xʷčičtəs are Lək̓ʷəŋən words. They reflect our enduring partnerships with the Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation and the Songhees Nation. We acknowledge and respect both nations for allowing us to use this wording.

ḰʷamḰʷəm is phonetically pronounced QUALM-QUEM in English. Xʷčičtəs is phonetically pronounced WH-CHEECH-TUS.

Listen to the Lək̓ʷəŋən pronunciation of ḰʷamḰʷəm (vibrant).

Listen to the Lək̓ʷəŋən pronunciation of Xʷčičtəs (harmonious).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are vision and mission statements? 

A vision statement defines an organization’s long-term goal. Mission statements describe what an organization will do to achieve its goal. Both help GVHA with its strategic planning and decision-making. 

Why does GVHA want a vibrant and harmonious harbour? 

GVHA operates in a busy working harbour. We want the harbour to be economically, socially, and culturally vibrant. GVHA business is complex and involves numerous partners, organizations, clients and communities.  By working together, we can all ensure the long-term future of the harbour lands and waters. 

Why is Lək̓ʷəŋən language used in the vision? 

GVHA properties are located on traditional territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən people. We wish to acknowledge and respect that association with First Nations by using their language in this this vision statement. The First Nations are the rights holders to the lands where GVHA properties are located. 

What does co-managed mean? 

Co-management is when organizations enter into a collaborative agreement with First Nations. GVHA has worked in partnership with Xʷsepsəm Nation and Songhees Nation since GVHA was created in 2002. 

Why do you want a co-managed harbour? 

Co-management is an opportunity to recognize the historic rights of the Lək̓ʷəŋən people and to take another step towards reconciliation. It’s a natural progression as GVHA has worked in partnership with First Nations since its inception. The Xʷsepsəm Nation and Songhees Nation were founding members of GVHA in 2002. 

It’s also an opportunity. GVHA needs to attract support and investment to ensure the long-term future of its properties. Working in partnership with both Nations will help to ensure the financial and environmental sustainability of these waters and lands.  

How will co-management work? 

GVHA is exploring existing models of and approaches to co-management to learn more about what this may look like for GVHA. This work will be undertaken in partnership with Xʷsepsəm Nation and Songhees Nation, and we will consult with partners and stakeholders throughout this process. 

What does ‘galvanize support and investment’ mean? 

GVHA is seeking both support and financial investment to ensure the long-term future of its properties, which are aging and require updates. 

What do you mean by an ‘inclusive working harbour leading in sustainability’? 

GVHA welcomes everyone. We want no-one to be excluded. We use the term ‘working harbour’ because we serve multiple types of businesses and a wide range of communities. Sustainability refers to environmental sustainability, financial sustainability and having a harbour that adds to our community and social health