Victoria’s annual neighbourhood leaf collection is already underway and runs into January. In an October 14 news release, the City said crews would start on October 19 and take three to four weeks to finish each zone, then come through a second time. Collection dates are weather dependent, and crews prioritize streets that are prone to flooding. The City says the program collects about 7,000 tonnes of leaves a year, keeps leaves out of storm sewers, and turns them into mulch for parks and community programs.
The official schedule is by neighbourhood. James Bay, Fairfield, Rockland and Gonzales had a first collection starting October 19, with a second start on December 7. Jubilee, Fernwood, Oaklands and Hillside–Quadra started November 9, with a second start on December 21. North Park, Burnside, Victoria West and Downtown start November 30, with a second start on January 4. If you live in one of the later zones, this is the week to start raking toward the boulevard.
To take part, the City asks you to pile leaves on the grassy boulevard before your zone’s start date. Properties without a grassy boulevard should place piles on the property, near the edge of the road. Piles and bags should be visible and reachable from the street, and not stacked on or against trees, power poles, signs or fire hydrants. Bags are not required; if you use them, use clear bags only.
The City also says leaf drop-off locations and a bagged leaf pickup service are available, with details on the leaf-collection pages linked from the news release. Patience is part of the deal: crews are trying to get down every street twice. If you live in Saanich, Esquimalt, Oak Bay or the West Shore, this program is Victoria’s only; check your own municipality for yard-waste rules.
Good to know
- Next first-round start: North Park, Burnside, Victoria West and Downtown, November 30. Second rounds run in December and early January.
- Pile leaves on the grassy boulevard, or at the edge of the road if you have no boulevard. Clear bags only, if you bag at all.
- Official schedule: victoria.ca.
Image: Screenshot of the City of Victoria October 14, 2026 leaf collection news release.
Photo: City of Victoria, Screenshot of official news release, via source.
