The City of Victoria just got word they will be receiving $12.8 million in grant funding from the Province’s Growing Communities Fund.
This money will be going towards improving Royal Athletic Park and Centennial Square.
“We are thrilled to receive this generous contribution from the BC Government’s Growing Communities Fund,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.
“These improvements will greatly benefit our community by providing enhanced recreational and public spaces for everyone to enjoy. We eagerly anticipate the positive experiential impacts these upgrades will have for residents and visitors in our evolving city.”
City council has already approved $8.3 million from the funding for improvements to Royal Athletic Park.
Specifically, this money will fund the initial phase of what the site needs in the long-term.
The upgrades during this phase will see the washrooms upgraded as well as spectator seating, lighting and overall accessibility throughout the facility.
The City says construction is expected to be completed by late 2027.
The remaining $4.5 million from the funding will be used for the contentious Centennial Square Revitalization project.
This project will see new green spaces, a splash pad, new trees and improved lighting come to the community space.
However, the project also involves the removal of the iconic sequoia tree that occupies the western-most green space in the square.
The City says construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2025 and be completed in 2026.
“Royal Athletic Park and Centennial Square are home to so many community events and have created connections and memories for Victorians, young and old,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill.
“From cheering on Victoria’s HarbourCats baseball team at the park to enjoying concerts and markets in the square, these upgrades will benefit residents and visitors for years to come.”
The Growing Communities Fund provides a one-time grant to all 188 municipalities in BC to help them with ongoing or planned infrastructure projects.
