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Hanging Basket Donation Program
Victoria’s hanging basket program began in 1937 to mark the City’s 75th anniversary. The baskets have been installed annually since the program’s inception, and 2026 marks the 89th year of this longstanding tradition. Originally inspired by popular tourist destinations in Britain and Europe, the initiative was designed to enhance the beauty and vibrancy of downtown Victoria. The flowers are grown in the Beacon Hill Park nursery, assembled, installed and maintained by City staff.
How your support helps
Destination Greater Victoria and The City of Victoria are working together to administer the Hanging Basket Donation Program. In fall 2025, Victoria City Council approved a suite of budget adjustments to reduce property tax impacts. This resulted in a 50 per cent reduction to the hanging basket program, from approximately 1,200 baskets to 600 baskets annually. The fundraising target is $130,000, which would restore the program to its previous scale.
How to donate
Donations can be made in person at DGV’s Visitor Centre (812 Wharf Street), e-transfer through [email protected], or in person at City Hall (1 Centennial Square). Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to DGV. When making your contribution to the City of Victoria, please clearly indicate that you wish to have your name published in a list of donors in the message portion of the eTransfer or include a note with your cheque.
Why funding milestones matter
Hanging baskets are grown locally at the Beacon Hill Park nursery, installed by City staff, and watered daily, seven days a week. Watering is the most labour-intensive component of the program and requires specialized equipment and night-shift crews to ensure safe and consistent maintenance throughout the season. Funding milestones have been designed to align with available staffing capacity, efficient watering routes, and contiguous streetscape displays that create meaningful visual impact across downtown Victoria. Each milestone reflects a level of service that can be responsibly delivered and maintained.
How to read the map
Funding milestones have been designed to align with available staffing capacity, efficient watering routes, and contiguous streetscape displays that create meaningful visual impact across downtown Victoria. Each milestone reflects a level of service that can be responsibly delivered and maintained. The image below illustrates how the program expands as fundraising milestones are reached. The baseline area is shown first, with additional colour-coded areas representing each successive funding milestone. As total funds increase, the highlighted service area grows to include additional downtown corridors. Final basket quantities and locations will reflect total funds raised.
A special thanks to
Victoria’s iconic hanging flower baskets are made possible by the City of Victoria and through the generosity of our community. The Hanging Basket Donation Program brings together individuals, businesses, and organizations who share a commitment to sustaining this cherished tradition. We thank the following contributors for helping keep our downtown in bloom.
Contributing organizations
The Butchart Gardens • Downtown Victoria Business Association • CHEK • Destination Greater Victoria
Individual contributors
Anne Macnab • Candace and Russ Scruggs • Christine Greenhalgh • Douglas Evans • Fonda Willis • Gayla Baranieski • In honour of Michael Essery • Jamie Stevens, Saanich • Jane and Michael Doherty • Kevan King and Nancy Bell • Laura Hardman and Dennis Aitken • Peter and Helen Malcolm • Sandra Mondor • Susan Holloway • Maureen Applewhaite • Lee Ferreira • And many more
Frequently asked questions
Destination Greater Victoria
600-765 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1E2
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