Victoria 150
BC's Capital City - Proud history. Bright future. 
On August 2, 1862 the townsite of Fort Victoria was incorporated as the City of Victoria.
In 2012, the City of Victoria celebrates our rich history and creates a window to our equally promising future. It is an opportunity for our community to reflect on 150 years of civic pride and renew our shared commitment to another 150 years as a world-class Capital City.
City Anniversary Programs & Events
The Victoria 150 identity will be incorporated into virtually everything the City of Victoria does in 2012. This will include street banners, high profile signage, festivals and special events, community partnerships, and promotional products and campaigns. City programs and activities will be tailored to the anniversary wherever possible and appropriate to maximize resources and create a well-rounded, highly visual celebration year.
Anniversary Day Events - Thursday, August 2, 2012
On our anniversary day, the City will be hosting the following celebratory events:
Ceremonial Meeting in Council Chambers - A short ceremonial meeting will be held in Victoria City Council Chambers with public officials and invited guests.
150th Anniversary Public Ceremony (11 a.m. - noon) - Join the Mayor, City Council and special guests for the official 150th anniversary ceremony on Spirit Stage in Centennial Square. Canada Post's Victoria 150 commemorative envelope will be unveiled.
150Forward Community Celebration (noon - 6 p.m.) - A free, family-friendly afternoon event in Centennial Square will follow the public ceremony. Experience a journey through time, interact with creatively costumed performers, and enjoy refreshments and cake as you settle in for the afternoon festivities. The main stage show will entertain you with performances that chronicle our history, showcase diverse cultures, and highlight our current day and beyond. Contribute to the time capsule and anniversary greetings, take part in interactive fun, and enjoy local cuisine and much more. Join us on Thursday, August 2 to celebrate 150 years!
Anniversary Celebration - Monday, August 6, 2012
City United! Anniversary Celebration and Concert (Noon - 9 p.m.) - To celebrate the City of Victoria's 150th and the United Way of Greater Victoria's 75th anniversaries, the City of Victoria and the United Way are teaming up to present the "City United! Anniversary Celebration and Concert". Spend the afternoon on the grounds of historical St. Ann's Academy and enjoy interactive, creative excitement for the entire family, including a wide range of live music and entertainment, crafts, cooking and gardening demonstrations, and physical fun that celebrates the culture and values of our community. Juno award winners "Digging Roots" will headline a free concert at the Cameron Bandshell at 7 p.m. featuring their unique blend of blues, roots rock and hip hop. "City United!" is presented in association with the Provincial Capital Commission.
Arts, Cultural and Community Events, Projects & Initiatives
Fifty-seven arts, cultural and community-based projects have received over $283,000 from the 150 People and Places grant program to celebrate Victoria's anniversary of incorporation. The Greater Victoria Spirit Committee Society is responsible for admininstering the program. A list of the grant recipients [PDF - 409 KB] is available.
Offered in November 2011, the 150 People and Places grant program was made possible by the Canadian Heritage community anniversaries grant ($120,000) and the Greater Victoria Spirit Committee Society ($25,000). The number of projects that could receive support increased with additional funding from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development ($125,000) and from the Government of British Columbia Francophone Affairs ($13,800).
Check out the many community events and projects planned to celebrate Victoria's 150th anniversary in 2012!
Upcoming Victoria 150 events will soon be listed in our Events Calendar and the upcoming 2012 CITYVibe Victoria 150 Edition guide and iPhone app.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The City of Victoria welcomes the business community to participate in and support the events and celebrations associated with the anniversary in 2012. Learn more.
Victoria 150 Public Art Project
The City of Victoria is holding a three-stage, national public art competition to create public artwork(s) that commemorate Victoria's 150th anniversary. The winner will be announced in early June, with installation taking place by the end of December 2012.
Victoria 150 Countdown
On Tuesday, March 6, we began counting down 150 days to our anniversary of incorporation on Thursday, August 2, 2012 with a daily historical fact about Victoria. Watch for them here and on Facebook.
Victoria 150 Archival Photos
The City of Victoria Archives has a wealth of archival photos of Victoria's past, which are available for purchase. Take a glimpse at our rich history with the Victoria 150 Archival Photo Gallery. More photos to come!
