[5] Fortin was the executive director of the Burnside Gorge Community Association for 17 years before being elected Mayor.

Other priorities included encouraging sustainable development, enhancing downtown safety and vibrancy, and advancing a green transportation strategy.

[9] Dean Fortin first began his post secondary education in Kamloops, British Columbia at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), also known as Cariboo College at the time.

[3] Fortin transferred to the University of Victoria (UVIC) where he would later complete his Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography.

[12][13] The Downtown Late Night Task Force consisted of Mayor Dean Fortin, Councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe, and Chief Constable Jamie Graham of the Victoria Police Department.

The task force members interviewed downtown business owners and workers, transportation providers, and security personnel.

The task force also sought input from late night downtown users including students and youth.

[14] The first phase opened introduced "Transit and Cycling priority lanes" from Fisgard Street to Hillside Avenue Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. southbound and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. northbound.

[16] Parks and Public Spaces Renewal Other Accomplishments Dean Fortin was the first Mayor in the City of Victoria to march in the Pride Parade, beginning in 2009.

The letters ACAB, standing for All Cops Are Bastards, was scrawled in red paint on the back door of his white Honda.

Honorary Citizen of Jiangsu Province (January 2013) - For his great contribution to the closer links between Jiangsu, China and Victoria, Canada Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) Thompson Rivers University Distinguished Alumni: Public and Community Service Award (2010)[3]