Victoria’s Laurel Point Park will soon be named after Peter Pollen, the former four-term mayor who served the City of Victoria from 1971-1975 and 1981-1985.
The waterfront park at the entrance to the inner harbour is currently under construction but will soon open as a three-acre green space.
It will be called “Peter Pollen Waterfront Park”.
Pollen championed the preservation of the city’s unique beauty and was dedicated to enhancing its livability. One of his proudest accomplishments was the beautification of the Inner Harbour, creating an accessible public space for all to enjoy.
“My husband Peter made Victoria his home for over 50 years,” said MaryAnn Pollen. “He referred to the Inner Harbour as the jewel of Victoria and believed strongly in public access to this beautiful waterfront. Our family is deeply honoured by this dedication in his memory.”
Laurel Point Park was originally established by Pollen and Council in 1975. After a paint company closed and moved from the location, Council ensured a wide strip of waterfront property was set aside to be used as a public park. Now the waterfront park will bear Pollen’s name and continue his desire for Victorians to enjoy the vistas and views of their harbour.
Mayor Pollen died in 2017.
The city of Victoria will officially dedicate the park to Pollen at a ceremony on October 26th, which happened to be Pollen’s birthday.
At the park dedication ceremony, the Lekwungen name for the land will also be incorporated as part of the park signage.
“if someone else had been mayor at that time, probably, they were talking high rises, he had a vision including Government Street, but he wasn’t able to get the traffic off of Government Street”
Joe Perkins
