Victoria’s Centennial Square, 1965
Centennial Square, 1965
Victoria, British Columbia
Planning & Coordination by Rod Clack
Centennial Square Design by Alan J. Hodgson with
Rod Clack and Clive Justice (Muirhead & Justice Landscape Architects)
Retail Arcade & Parking Structure by John Di Castri
Senior Activities Centre by Clive Campbell
Renovation of the Police Building by Don Wagg
Pantages Theatre Renovation by Alan Hodgson
Fountain & Mosaic Design by Jack C.S. Wilkinson
Threatened with Alteration or Removal
Last update June 22, 2024
Friends of Centennial Square is leading efforts in Victoria to save a modern cultural icon in the heart of the city. Centennial Fountain was erected as part of a larger effort to revitalize this civic space in commemoration of Victoria’s centenary celebrations back in the early 1960’s. Today, the City of Victoria is revisiting the design of Centennial Square with an eye towards to the removal of this fountain. Those in the community who see this unique modern installation as critical to the popular culture of the City and to the context of the square, are advocating for it’s retention and revitalization.
Centennial Square: A Cultural Landmark
The following exerpt has been taken from the Centennial Square Statement of Significance Report. [1]
“Centennial Square is a public space located in downtown Victoria on the west side of Douglas Street, mid-block between Fisgard Street to the north and Pandora Avenue to the south. The square is framed by public buildings, which include three 19th century buildings of historic significance. Victoria’s Old City Hall (1878-1891) and its 1963 modernist addition frame the south edge of the square. A four-storey city-owned parking garage with an attached 2-storey office space Douglas Street along Douglas Street defines the north edge. The Capital Regional District Headquarters and the historic McPherson Theatre (formerly the Pantages Theatre) form the west edge. The ground plane of the square consists of a radial pattern of curving brick bands defining the edge of terracing steps that descend from Douglas Street toward a circular fountain. The fountain contains three monoliths that rise up to 28 feet in height. They have raked concrete ridges on one side, and Italian glass mosaics on the other. Fountains and underwater lighting animate the monoliths during the day and after dark. The fountain is encircled by a sculptural pre-cast concrete ring with repeating arches that give it a crown-like appearance. Brick and exposed aggregate are used extensively throughout the square. Walled planting areas are used as a secondary element to accent and soften the edges.”
“The fountain was a gift from the adjoining municipalities of Oak Bay, Saanich and Esquimalt and commemorated the Victoria Centenary. The design was a collaboration between artist Jack C.S. Wilkinson and Rod Clack. The fountain consists of three monoliths measuring 20 feet (6.1 metres), 23 feet (7 metres) and 28 feet (8.5 metres) in height. The monoliths are decorated with Italian glass mosaics in a palette of reflective gold tiles depicting scenes and imagery representing “three fundamental elements of life”. The smallest of the panels symbolically faces Oak Bay and depicts “youth” and the “experience of physical life capped by the shield of knowledge”, represented by the University of Victoria crest (The University of Victoria had just attained the status of a University in 1963). The second monolith faces Esquimalt and depicts themes of procreation and representations of womanhood. The tallest monolith faces Saanich and depicts the legend of St. George & the dragon, symbolizing humankind’s struggle against evil. 13 The fountain was meant to be the unifying symbol of the square.”
[1] Centennial Square Statement of Significance Report. John O’Reilly, Heritage Planner, City of Victoria. July 6, 2018. City of Victoria.
“In 2017 the City engaged in an extensive public consultation on the future of the Square. The resulting report published in 2018 Centennial Square Action Plan. The main thrust of the finding was essentially to start with clean up and repair then build on the original Square concept. It noted: “the fountain is intended to be the heart of square but cannot be fully enjoyed in its current state”. The report urged a reinterpretation of the concrete tiara to bring back the seating quality initially intended, consideration of more open water feature that would allow for water play. It did call for the removal of the Sequoia tree and extend the green space.
The 2017 report concluded: “Centennial Square is Victoria’s Plaza. It is a unique destination offering year-round activities to celebrate community with different events and festivals. It is also urban oasis offering places to relax and play at different time of the day, week and year. IT IS OUR SQUARE.”
In 1964 Alderman Alf Toone, chairman of the Centennial Square Committee, saw the project a major addition to Victoria’s built heritage. He stated: “I am sure the development of Centennial Square will be a source of regional pride to the capital city of B.C. and a worthy, permanent reminder to the 100th anniversary of our city’s incorporation.” The question remains, without Centennial Fountain would it still be Centennial Square?” [2]
[2] Requiem for a Civic Icon: Remembering the Centennial Fountain Symbol of Civic Progress. Martin Segger. November 23, 2023.
Learn More About Centennial Square
- Friends of Centennial Square
- Centennial Square Statement of Significance
- City of Victoria Centennial Square Improvement Plan
Support Efforts to Save this Modern Landmark
If you wish to lend your support to the efforts to save this landmark, a campaign is currently underway to voice support for the revitalization and retention of the Centennial Fountain. Please visit the Friends of Centennial Square. Please also direct your emails to the Mayor and Council of the City of Victoria.
Friends of Centennial Square: friendsofcentennialsquare.ca
Mayor and Council: mayorandcoucil@victoria.ca
Current Status
- June 22, 2024: Community advocates are currently awaiting an announcement from the City of Victoria and the design team on the next steps for the redevelopment of Centennial Square.
