Twenty-eight new transitional apartments for people coming out of the correctional system are set to open in Victoria in the spring of 2026.
A six-storey building to be constructed at 736 Princess Ave. will include 28 studio apartments and a new headquarters for the John Howard Society of Victoria, which provides employment, housing, mentorship and restorative-justice programs.
The building, which will be owned and operated by the John Howard Society, will feature a cafe with outdoor seating to be staffed by John Howard clients to help them gain work experience and educational spaces with a demonstration kitchen and classrooms.
Construction starts this month and residents are expected to move in in 2026.
Manj Toor, executive director of John Howard Society of Victoria, said many people who enter the criminal justice system are homeless, while those with homes can lose them while they are serving their sentence.
When they’re released, some are unable to pay deposits and fees to sign rental agreements, Toor said.
Affordable housing and supportive services are critical for finding stability after incarceration and reducing recidivism, Toor said.
The $17.9-million project is funded by B.C. Housing, Correctional Services Canada, John Howard Society, the Northpine Foundation and the City of Victoria.
