New plans for old square
Pilot dead in small plane crash near Nanaimo, and on go the lights
Good morning !
When something cool happens, the younger set says, “It’s lit.”
There are lots of things that will be lit this weekend, starting with all the Christmas lights going up.
The legislature will be illuminated this afternoon, and following tomorrow’s Santa Claus Parade, the Lights of Wonder will shine downtown.
🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
New plans in for Centennial Square reboot
Victoria councillors got their first glimpse of city staff’s updated plans yesterday, and if the project goes ahead, there seems to be confidence that the public would like what it sees—if and when it’s completed in early 2027.
“The new renderings of Centennial Square knocked my socks off,” Coun. Jeremy Caradonna tells Capital Daily.
“The revised plans have received widespread support, including from over a dozen arts organizations (ProArt Alliance of Greater Victoria), downtown business owners, and the [Victoria] Downtown Residents’ Association.”
Caradonna says the updated design addresses concerns such as the large sequoia—the plan is to keep it—and the obelisks/monoliths from the fountain, which would also be retained.
With the city in a budget crunch and looking for areas to reduce spending, there is a chance the square could go back to Square 1.
“Council will decide next week if they want to proceed or if they want to cut the project,” city spokesperson Colleen Mycroft said.
There’s been talk of redeveloping Centennial Square since the 1980s, and recent councils have had the file since 2016.
In July 2024, the current council earmarked $12.1M to make it happen.
That figure was reduced in June when the council redirected $2.5M of the project’s budget to public safety, and the following month, it decided to postpone part of the proposal amid public concern over the sequoia that seemed destined for the chainsaw.
A grant of approximately $700K based on the previous plan may also have been reduced, the council heard yesterday.
“The new plans are impressive, and I think many Victorians can get behind this new vision,” said Coun. Matt Dell, whose enthusiasm suggests he may also need a new pair of socks.
“The existing square isn’t working as a public space—people don’t go there,” he said.
“It’s awkward to hold events, and it’s simply not an inviting place.”
Controversial plans for a splash pad have been replaced with an interactive water feature, and councillors discussed the merits of accepting a proposal from The Good City Project to donate an 8-foot-high “Victoria” sign that could be placed in the square.
“It would likely be modular (moveable) and not as bright as the renderings that were provided,” Caradonna said.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
Food recall: Celebration Herbals Senna Leaf Tea recalled due to salmonella risk. [Info]
Saanich Council extended town hall meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Sunday hours return to Central Branch Library starting next year. [GVPL]
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
NEWS
Holiday markets happening in Greater Victoria
We generally don’t have snowfall to mark the season in Victoria, but the holidays are fast approaching here regardless.
If you’re looking for a more traditional Christmas market, the Dickens Fair in James Bay or the Victoria Edelweiss Club’s Christmas Market will offer that familiar holiday cheer.
If you’re hoping to browse markets that are a bit more outside-the-box, the Krampus Market—celebrating a slightly more sinister Christmas tradition from Europe—and the Punk Rock Holiday Market will showcase unique spins on the holiday season.
There are also some fun fairs and festivals coming up, including the Candy Cane Winter Festival and Langford Winter Fest. Alongside family photo opportunities, face painting, and hot beverage offerings, expect to find artisanal holiday markets at both.
Check out our full list of events here.
This story ran for our Insiders on Nov. 23. Consider becoming an Insider today and be the first to receive stories every Sunday.
⭐️ Capital Picks
🔆 BC Parliament Buildings Light Up today at 3:30pm.
🎄Lights of Wonder to be lit at Centennial Square tomorrow, 4pm.
🛷 43rd Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade tomorrow, 5:30-7pm.
🏡 Knowledge just got closer. Take time for yourself in the heart of Langford. Balance your schedule with courses at the new John Horgan Campus.*
⚾ HarbourCats Christmas Open House today 10am-6pm.
💵 Red Cedar Café Charity Auction ends Sunday night.
*Sponsored Listing
🗞️ In Other News
Pilot dies as small plane goes down near Nanaimo
Sealand Flight Ltd., a flight training school based in Campbell River, confirmed one of its pilots died while conducting a private flight in a single-engine Cessna 172. RCMP said the aircraft crashed in a wooded area southwest of Nanaimo—about 8 km from the airport, according to Nanaimo Airport—at approximately 3am yesterday, and that there were no survivors. It was not immediately clear whether there were any passengers aboard. [CBC]
Pipeline deal struck between Canada and Alberta despite BC’s pushback on lifting tanker ban
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed an MOU to build a pipeline to the West Coast. Terms in the agreement commit Ottawa to adjusting the BC coast tanker ban if a pipeline project is approved. Carney admits there is work ahead to convince the BC government and First Nations to agree to the pipeline. BC Premier David Eby recently slammed Carney for leaving BC out of pipeline discussions with Alberta. [Global News]
Structures at Cougar Camp taken away, burned
After three months of blockading a logging road in the Upper Walbran Valley, protesters have had to relocate to a new campsite. The RCMP has removed the structures blocking the road, including the cougar statue for which the camp was named. Protesters say the tiny cabin built for Elder Bill Jones, a longtime leader of protests in Pacheedaht forests, and the statue were burned down by the RCMP.
🗓️ Things To Do
🎸 The History's Future Tour: Young Vancouver Island rock talent End of Thread and Ironhead deliver classic rock covers and original thrash metal, including songs from Guns N' Roses, Metallica, and Black Sabbath. The Coda. Today. 6:30pm. [Info]
🥿 Ukrainian Shumka Dancers' Nutcracker: 70+ performers blend classical ballet with Ukrainian character dance in this folk ballet featuring the Victoria Symphony and local youth dancers. Royal Theatre. Today-Sunday. 7pm and 1pm. [Info]
🎵 Irving Berlin's White Christmas: Two showbiz buddies and a sister act team up to save a Vermont inn with a Christmas show featuring beloved songs like "Happy Holidays" and "Blue Skies." McPherson Playhouse. Today-Dec. 7. 7:30pm. [Info]
🎼 UVic Symphony Orchestra—Colours of the Spheres: Experience contemporary and classical works, including Anna Meredith's Nautilus, a newly commissioned piece, and Schubert's haunting Unfinished Symphony. Farquhar Auditorium at UVic. Today. 8pm. [Info]
👅 A Night of Rolling Stones: Got Stones delivers authentic Rolling Stones energy with Vancouver Island veterans performing iconic hits spanning from "Satisfaction" to the band's latest release, "Angry." The Coda. Today. 9:30pm. [Info]
🍓 Rancho Vignola Harvest Sale: Shop premium new crop nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate-covered treats from this family-run business known for cream-fresh walnuts and all-natural ingredients. Mary Winspear Centre. Tomorrow. 9am-7pm. [Info]
🛍️ Millstream PAC Winter Craft Market: Shop local vendors offering handmade crafts and holiday gifts at this admission-by-donation market hosted by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91. Tomorrow. 10am-3pm. [Info]
🛒 Bastion Square Christmas Village: Browse handmade gifts and artisan goods while enjoying live entertainment in Victoria's historic square, transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. Bastion Square. Tomorrow. 1-6pm. [Info]
🩰 The Storybook Nutcracker: Ballet Étoile's narrated production brings Clara's magical journey to life with vibrant costumes in an intimate setting perfect for younger audiences and first-time ballet attendees. Charlie White Theatre, Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney. Tomorrow and Sunday. 2pm and 6pm. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Thursday’s headlines: BC climate plan gets mixed review; Esquimalt-Colwood MLA Darlene Rotchford gets a promotion; Canucks score big for Island hockey team. [Nov. 27]
Death comes to Craigdarroch Castle. [Capital Daily]
Quick–change fraudster at work in Westshore. [Times Colonist]
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is Saturday, Dec. 6.
Film crews at Elk/Beaver Lake through tomorrow, increasing foot and vehicle traffic. [CRD]
Megadeth is coming to Victoria with Anthrax on Feb. 15.
Saanich road closure near 1155 Roy, 24/7 until Dec. 5.