Victoria’s literary scene is getting a major boost with the launch of a brand-new poetry award!
The Victoria Book Prize Society just announced the creation of the DC Reid Poetry Prize, a new honour that will recognize outstanding poetry by authors living in the Capital Regional District (CRD).
The prize joins the ranks of the long-standing City of Victoria Book Prize and Children’s Book Prize, making the city’s literary celebrations even more exciting.
“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.”
Local poets with books published between April 1st, 2024 and March 31st 2025 can apply for the new DC Reid Poetry Prize, as well as the City of Victoria Book Prize and the City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize.
The submission deadline is May 23rd, and each winner will receive $5,000.
The man behind the poetry prize, DC Reid, is a passionate advocate for the arts and believes Victoria is the perfect place for this kind of recognition.
“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.”
The Victoria Book Prize Society has long celebrated the best in local fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature, and the addition of the DC Reid Poetry Prize only strengthens that mission.
“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.”
Eligibility details, submission deadlines and other information can be found here.
Time to polish those poems, Victoria!
