Victoria Council Halts Centennial Square Project, Redirects $2 Million

The City of Victoria has decided to terminate its Centennial Square revitalization project, redirecting approximately $2 million to other initiatives. During a committee meeting on December 4, 2024, the council voted 7-1 to end the project, which has been in development for nearly a decade. The motion was co-authored by Councillors Hammond, Gardiner, and Coleman, while Councillor Jeremy Caradonna was the sole dissenting voice.

The council’s decision follows a series of financial challenges, including the withdrawal of $2.5 million from the provincial Growing Communities Fund, which was allocated to community safety and well-being plans. The motion emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, stating, “Just like any household or business, the City of Victoria should not be spending beyond their abilities.”

While council members agreed on the need for changes in Centennial Square, there was significant debate regarding the appropriate direction. Mayor Marianne Alto acknowledged the necessity for improvement but expressed uncertainty about the current proposal’s value, citing it as unaffordable and insufficient for the city’s future needs. “I don’t think it’s ready to advance at this time,” she stated, indicating that a future council may consider more suitable options.

The sentiment of pausing the current iteration of the project resonated with other council members, including Councillor Krista Loughton, who remarked, “This is not the right time, and this is not the right design.” Concerns were raised about elements of the proposed design, specifically the monoliths intended for a fountain, which are already accounted for in the public art budget.

In response to the halted project, Mayor Alto proposed an amendment directing city staff to assess the best use of the redirected $2 million from the Growing Communities Fund. The assessment will focus on potential upgrades to either Royal Athletic Park or the replacement of Crystal Pool, prioritizing projects that have garnered public support and demonstrate significant community impact.

“This is the right way to deal with the remaining funds,” Alto asserted, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the city invests in projects that genuinely address community needs. By reallocating these funds strategically, Victoria aims to enhance local facilities while maintaining fiscal prudence in its ongoing budget considerations.

As the council moves forward, the decision to redirect funds marks a pivotal moment in Victoria’s planning and development strategy, highlighting the delicate balance between ambitious projects and financial sustainability.