Major Projects | City of Victoria

The City of Victoria is continually working to improve parks, trails, and recreation facilities, designing and maintaining them to meet current and future community needs. Park improvement projects range in scale from individual playground replacements to small neighbourhood park renewals to large, complex park and recreation projects that occur over multiple years. Public engagement completed before any work begins informs the planning and design of these projects by helping identify community needs and interests.

Crystal Pool Replacement Project

Status: Planning

Visit crystalpool.ca for more information about the replacement project and referendum.

Topaz Park Improvement Plan

Status: Phase Two Construction

In early 2025, construction will begin on the second phase of Topaz Park improvements. We're adding 11 pickleball courts, an outdoor fitness area, a central gathering space, a misting station and connecting pathways.

This work is part of the Topaz Park Improvement Plan, which was approved by Council in June 2018 following extensive community engagement. Read the Topaz Park Improvement Plan here.

What's Happened So Far

Artificial Turf Sport Field Replacement Project

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.

Skate and Bike Parks

Centennial Square Revitalization Project

Status: Detailed Design Planning

Constructed in the mid-1960s, Centennial Square is the City of Victoria’s main civic, ceremonial and recreational plaza. It serves as a venue for a range of events and public gatherings. A key objective of the Centennial Square Revitalization Project is to create a more versatile and welcoming public space that can accommodate a diverse range of special events and programming. More details about the project's timeline and phases will be available as the final design plans are created.

Sign up to receive updates on the revitalization project.

Project Background

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 fall 2025 and be completed in late 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

Centennial Square Action Plan and Engagement Summary

About Centennial Square

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.

Royal Athletic Park Upgrades

Status: Planning

City Council has allocated $8.3 million from the Province's Growing Communities Fund for improvements to Royal Athletic Park. The initial phase of upgrades will enhance the visitor experience in the stadium, including upgrading the washrooms and overall accessibility throughout the facility.

sč̓əmaθən | Peter Pollen Waterfront Park

Status: Planning

This expanded three-acre park is undergoing development following the remediation of contaminated soil completed in partnership with Transport Canada. The City is currently engaging with the Lekwungen to inform the final concept.

Learn more about sč̓əmaθən | Peter Pollen Waterfront Park here.