Major Projects

Council approved funding for detailed design of the Phase 1 improvements on June 15, 2023, based on earlier Council endorsement from July 18, 2019, of a concept that was developed as part of the Centennial Square Action Plan following extensive community engagement.   The City selected a team of consultants led by DIALOG Design.  

On July 4, 2024, Council approved the updated concept design. The project is currently in the detailed design phase with DIALOG Design, and construction is expected to begin in summer 2025 and be completed in 2026. 

For more detailed information on the project, please refer to the following documents:
Concept Design Report
Conservation Report on the Ceramic Fins
Sequoia Tree Technical Memorandum
Arborist Report
Centennial Square Action Plan
Engagement Summary Report

In 2018, more than 1,500 people participated in a public engagement process about the future of Centennial Square. View the Centennial Square Action Planand the engagement summary report which includes detailed results of the public survey.

Centennial Square was constructed in the mid-1960s as part of a major initiative to preserve, restore and revitalize downtown Victoria, and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Victoria. Centennial Square is surrounded by both modern and historic buildings and structures, including City Hall built in 1891 and the McPherson Playhouse built in 1914. A major renovation to the southwest corner of the plaza was completed in 2009. 

The City worked with a team of consultants and community stakeholders to replace and expand the artificial turf sport field (Finlayson Field) at Topaz Park. This project expanded the current field capacity by including:

• a full-size soccer pitch
• a youth-size multipurpose field
• a softball diamond

The project also included improved field support amenities such as player shelters, a backstop and spectator seating. The softball diamond replaced one that was displaced by the construct of a new skate and bike park in the southern portion of the park. This phase of the project was completed in early 2023. 

In 2021/2022, the City invested $3.8 million to construct an all-wheels skate park and bike park. 

The new all-wheels skate and bike parks in Topaz Park opened in August 2022. The 6,000 square metre bike park and 3,000 square metre all-wheels skate park were designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind. 

Detailed design work is underway for the next phase of park improvements which will include 11 pickleball courts, a new central plaza, pathways and an updated leash-optional dog area. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2025.