BC Healthy Communities Society (BCHC) is a province-wide not-for-profit organization that facilitates  the ongoing development of healthy, thriving and resilient communities.

We provide a range of programs, services, planning processes, events and resources to support communities, local governments, health authorities and multi-sectoral groups to collaborate around a shared vision for a common purpose.

Launched in the Fall of 2005, BCHC’s Central Office is located in the Dock Centre for Social Impact in Victoria, BC.

Mission

To promote the Healthy Communities Approach, offering a shared platform for dialogue, collaboration, learning and action

 “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”. – Marcel Proust

Vision

All BC communities continually create and improve the social, environmental and economic assets that support health, well-being and the capacity to realize their fullest potential.

Guiding Principles

BCHC is principle-based and committed to being an international leader in the Healthy Communities movement. We are engaged in promoting and supporting positive, long-term change in how we understand and act upon the well-being of our communities. All our activities reflect our commitment to the following principles:

1. Holistic
   Address all determinants of health, well-being and healthy human development: social, environmental, economic, physical, cultural, psychological and spiritual.
2. Strength-Based
   Acknowledge and build on existing community strengths and successes.
3. Building Capacity
   Support capacity building in individuals, organizations, sectors and communities to optimize efforts to create and sustain healthy communities.
4. Diversity
   Acknowledge and honour the diversity of people and places that comprise BC communities. We will also honour and support diverse priorities and approaches – one size does not fit all.
5. Community Engagement
   Encourage inclusion and participation of diverse individuals, organizations, and sectors, we will honour the many ways that people make a contribution to community building.
6. Collaboration & Integration
   Encourage communities to work collaboratively on activities that lead to the integration of efforts to strengthen community health, well-being and development.
7. A Learning Community
   Act as a learning initiative and foster the creation of a province-wide learning community.