The City of Victoria has enacted several revitalization plans over the last 50 years. These have included large renewal schemes for the downtown, as well as small space heritage revitalization projects such as the 500 Johnson Street Revitalization Project. Given the number of heritage buildings in Victoria, most of the revitalization plans have centred on historic preservation, and heritage designations for prominent buildings.

Tourism is a major economic base for Victoria, and the restoration of the historic character of the downtown contributes to the economic development strategies of the area.

City of Victoria

Victoria Economic Development Greater Victoria Economic Development Commission -- better known locally as Business Victoria

Victoria Economic Development Strategy An action plan for economic change. Highlights many of the initiatives currently being implemented by the community. Areas of focus include business climate, transportation, downtown, entrepreneurial growth and development, developing the knowledge-based economy, and tourism.

City Business - Action Report: North Downtown Abuzz (Issue 4, Aug 2000)

Modern Architecture in Victoria - an interesting site that illustrates the various revitalization and renewal schemes for the UVIC campus, Bastion Square downtown and Centennial Square.

One of the most recent revitalization projects has been undertaken by IDEALINK Architecture for the Broad Street Revitalization Plan.

Broad Street Revitalization Project - construction photos from IDEALINK Architecture.

The 1997 Harris Green Charrette brought together planners, architects, activists, students, professionals, local experts, visionaries and political leaders to design a plan and vision for the Harris Green, a block of urban space in Victoria. The charrette resulted in an urban design, economic design, social design and regulatory design.

  A 1996 revitalization scheme for Centennial Square was desgined by Roger Hughes + Partners Architects. The competition-winning master plan involves the redevelopment of the precinct surrounding Victoria City Hall. The urban design incorporates residential, office, and retail space as well a site for the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria linked together using a series of new public circulation and gathering spaces. The revitalization strategy incorporates many sustainable design concepts into the design, including natural lighting and rainwater collection and re-use.

The restoration and revitalization of Victoria's Chinatown , the oldest in North America, was spearheaded by Dr. Lai at the University of Victoria. In 1979, the ambitious Chinatown Beautification and Preservation project was launched, now the entrance to this Chinatown is graced by the Gates of Harmonious Interest and other colourful attractions that highlight the history of the area.

Fan Tan Memories - Victoria's Chinatown by Robert Tompkins

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