The Victoria Book Prize Society, a cornerstone of the region’s literary culture, is introducing the DC Reid Poetry Prize to recognize outstanding poets in the Capital Regional District (CRD).
This prestigious prize will be juried alongside the well-established City of Victoria Book Prize and City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize, enriching the region’s literary landscape.
“Poetry is a vital part of our city’s cultural fabric, and the DC Reid Poetry Prize is a wonderful way to recognize the exceptional poets who make Victoria their home,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. “This prize will help ensure that poetry continues to thrive in our community and that our local voices are celebrated.”
The DC Reid Poetry Prize will celebrate exceptional poetry books by artists residing in the CRD. Submissions for the DC Reid Poetry Prize, City of Victoria Book Prize and the City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize, will be accepted for books published between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025 with a submission deadline of May 23, 2025. Each winner will receive a $5,000 prize. Full eligibility details and submission guidelines are available on the Victoria Book Prizes website.
“Victoria is one of the few poetry havens across Canada,” said sponsor DC Reid. “It deserves an award for its many talented poets. When Lynne Van Luven, past president of the Victoria Book Prize Society, approached me, I was happy to fund an annual award.”
“Victoria has such a vibrant and diverse writing community,” said Victoria Book Prize Society president Christina Haska. “With this generous contribution from DC Reid, we can now recognize and celebrate the exciting and engaging work of our local poets. We’re honoured to continue championing the written word throughout Greater Victoria.”
The Victoria Book Prizes celebrate fiction, non-fiction, poetry and children's literature by authors in the CRD. The introduction of the DC Reid Poetry Prize strengthens the organization’s commitment to supporting and recognizing the literary arts. The shortlists will be announced in September 2025.
The Victoria Book Prize Society gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the City of Victoria, Munro’s Books, Russell Books, the Magnolia Hotel & Spa, Chateau Victoria, the Union Club of British Columbia, Friesens Corporation, CBC Radio and the Greater Victoria Public Library.
For more information including submission forms and guidelines, visit www.victoriabookprizes.ca.
For More Information:
Christina Haska, President
Victoria Book Prize Society
250.507.6561 | victoriabookprizes@shaw.ca
Colleen Mycroft
Manager, Intergovernmental and Media Relations
250.896.5325 | cmycroft@victoria.ca