Index of documentation related to Centennial Square and the Sequoia
Photo by Alline Cormier
In order to make information about Centennial Square and the Sequoia organized and easily accessible, CRDWatch.ca made an index of documentation regarding Centennial Square and the Sequoia.
The index was a stark challenge to the City of Victoria’s faulty narrative regarding the tree, which collapsed when faced with the analysis of a certified arborist, and by a Freedom of Information response retrieved from BC Hydro included in the excellent journalism of Mary Fowles.
Fowles dug beneath the political façade, to unmask an agenda based on money and power; rather than on any real necessity, nor taking into consideration that there are other species too living in the square that deserve to exist, and that we should co-exist with them, as we take advantage of the shade, habitat, and wisdom provided to us by them.
Ultimately, after over a year with fate of the Sequoia, the Morioka Cherry, other trees, and Centennial Fountain/Monolith hanging precariously – all were saved, just in time for Christmas in December of 2025. There is much to learn from this episode and the power of community coming together to support the other species that we live among.
After much pressure from the public, Victoria City Council finally decided to end the Centennial Square redevelopment project. The Sequoia, Morioka cherry, other trees, the fountain, and monolith have all been saved. – CRD Watch Homepage
A Freedom of Information response revealed that City of Victoria staff stated in February 2024 that none of the trees in Centennial Square met the criteria for removal. – CRD Watch Homepage
Calls for saving the Sequoia mount as the City of Victoria Council receives growing public scrutiny over a lack of transparency, and among indications of what may be gross inconsistencies on the issue. – CRD Watch Homepage
Letter regarding Centennial Square over Christmas, and the foreboding lack of illumination over the Sequoia by Pam Harrison and Leo Polowich – CRD Watch Homepage
“An Analysis of Dialog’s Technical Memorandum on the Centennial Square Sequoia Tree – Creatively United Community” – CRD Watch Homepage
Great Turnout by Concerned Citizens and Response at Rally to Save the Majestic Sequoia at Victoria Centennial Square – CRD Watch Homepage
Let the Sequoia live! by Grace Golightly – CRD Watch Homepage
The Secret Life of Public Trees: The City of Victoria will not release the details of an initial arborist’s report which assessed all the trees in Centennial Square. – CRD Watch Homepage
Centennial Square to become a “living room” for downtown condo dwellers in the absence of public park space by Mary Fowles – CRD Watch Homepage
Petition · Save the Mighty Sequoia Tree at Centennial Square, Victoria BC, from Wrongful Demolition – Victoria, Canada · Change.org
Martin Segger – The Future of Centennial Square (Youtube video)
Video of the Save the Centennial Sequoia Rally (June 12, 2025) – CRD Watch Homepage
Save the Centennial Square Rally Video – YouTube
https://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comment-removing-that-sequoia-would-violate-city-of-victoria-policies-9443713
Sequoia supporters relieved it will stay — for now – Victoria Times Colonist
CRD Watch Homepage 