Laurel Point Park was officially renamed as Peter Pollen Waterfront Park on Saturday in honour of former Victoria Mayor Peter Pollen.
The unveiling of the park’s new sign took place on Saturday at 11 a.m., with current Mayor Lisa Helps and members of Council, representatives of First Nations, the Pollen family and invited guests of the Pollen family all on hand to witness the event.
The park was originally constructed in 1975 during Pollen’s first tenure as Mayor.
Pollen’s first foray into politics was as a Councillor, before he was elected Mayor in 1971 and serving until 1975. He was later re-elected Mayor from 1981-85. Pollen passed away in 2017.
“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.”
The new sign also acknowledged the land’s cultural significance to the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations by incorporating the Lekwungen name for the land.
Tim Ford
