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Video of the Save the Centennial Sequoia Rally (June 12, 2025)

The Save the Centennial Sequoia Rally was a hit, with an estimated 300 to 400 people in attendance.

Speakers included Janet Simpson, Moira Walker, J.C. Scott, former City of Victoria Councillor and Heritage advocate Pam Madoff, and current City of Victoria Councillor Stephen Hammond, who declared that his view of the old narrative from the council regarding the sequoia had changed. City of Victoria Councillor Marg Gardiner was also in attendance at the rally.

“Alliance” a powerful and evocative painting of the Sequoia by Victoria artist P Jean Oliver was on display and can be seen in the video.

Music was provided by the spirited Getting Higher Choir.

Although Victoria’s Mayor Alto in response, soon after reiterated that the City would still be taking down the Sequoia as planned; the council after not much time after that backtracked, and decided to defund plans to cut it down.

However, the fate of the sequoia was distastefully left hanging, to be taken down at an uncertain date in the future (perhaps when the City has some funds left available for it?). Perhaps they are waiting until after the election to take it down?

Politicians will be politicians unfortunately, but the good news is that the rally and the petition to save the sequoia, now approaching 7000 signatures, clearly had a major impact.

The video of the rally can be viewed at the following link: Save the Centennial Square Rally Video

Thank you to everyone who participated and attended the rally, or were there in spirit!


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See also:

Index of documentation related to Centennial Square and the Sequoia – CRD Watch Homepage

Sequoia supporters relieved it will stay — for now – Victoria Times Colonist