Victoria Centennial Fountain — Attraction in Victoria

Victoria Centennial Fountain, also known as Back Fountain or simply Centennial Fountain, is installed outside the British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria, British Columbia. The fountain was designed by Robert Savery in 1962, and commemorates the four colonies and territories that formed British Columbia. The bronze sculptures of a bear, eagle, gull, sea otter, raven, and wolf represent the province's geography and history. British Columbia was formed from four British Colonies and territories: The Crown Colony of Vancouver Island 1845 The Dependency of the Queen Charlotte Islands 1852 The Crown Colony of British Columbia 1856 The Stickeen Territory 1862 Plaques on the fountain tell the origin of their union to become the British Columbia of today. The animal symbols are those from which all Indian Societies obtained their main totems of the four areas. The first impetus to exploration and settlement of the Pacific Northwest was provided by fur traders. The rare sea otter drew hunters to the North West coasts. Thousands of skins were taken by fur hunters of many nationalities. The sea otter has been chosen as the theme for the fountain centerpiece. The Bear (Interior Indians) Gold on the Frasier and Thompson Rivers brought thousands of miners to the mainland. In 1858, to ensure British sovereignty, the Crown Colony of British Columbia was created and formally proclaimed at Fort Langley on November 19th. Its boundaries were progressively enlarged until by 1866 all British territory west of the Rocky Mountains was united under the name of British Columbia. In 1871 this Colony joined the Canadian Federation as the sixth province. The Raven (Haida Indians) The Queen Charlotte Islands had been visited by Spanish, French and British, but were not named until the sailing ship “Charlotte” charted them in 1785-1787. Queen Charlotte was the consort of George III. No settlement ensued until rumours of the discovery of gold and possible American occupation led to the appointment of a Lieutenant-Governor (Sir James Douglas) in 1852. This dependency became a part of the mainland Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858. The Wolf (Tahltan Tlimeit) Following the rush to Fraser River in 1858 the miners pushed northward to the Nass, Stickeen and Peace Rivers. To provide for government of the region the Territory of Stickeen was created in 1862. It survived only one year when a redefinition of the boundaries of British Columbia made it a part of the lower mainland colony. The Eagle (Kwakiutl, Nootka, Salish) Vancouver Island, first occupied for Britain by Captain James Cook in 1778, became a centre for the fur trade. Named after Captain George Vancouver, the Crown Colony of Vancouver’s Island was established in 1849 to buttress British sovereignty on the West Coast. In 1856 representative government was instituted and a Legislative Assembly elected. It was united with the mainland colony of British...

The Victoria Centennial Fountain is a prominent landmark located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Here are the key details about the fountain:

General Information

— Location: Situated in the east end of Queen’s Park, adjacent to the Ontario Legislative Building and near the University of Toronto. — Inauguration: The fountain was inaugurated in 1901 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's ascension to the throne, hence its name.

Design and Structure

— Architectural Style: The fountain features a neo-classical style, which was popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. — Materials: It is constructed from a combination of stone and bronze, showcasing intricate details and craftsmanship. — Features: The fountain is typically characterized by multiple tiers, with water flowing down in a series of cascades. It may also include decorative elements such as sculptures or reliefs that celebrate the British monarchy and local history.

Why It Is Famous

— Historical Significance: The fountain serves as a monument to Queen Victoria, who was a significant figure in British and Canadian history. She reigned during a time of considerable change and expansion in both the British Empire and Canada. — Cultural Landmark: The Victoria Centennial Fountain is an important part of Toronto's public art and cultural heritage. It attracts both locals and tourists, often serving as a backdrop for events and gatherings. — Symbol of Toronto: As an iconic feature in one of the city's main public parks, it reflects Toronto's historical connection to Britain as a former colony.

Surrounding Area

— The fountain is located within the broader context of Queen's Park, which is a historical and legislative site in Ontario. The area is known for its green spaces, walking paths, and proximity to key governmental and educational institutions.

Preservation

— The fountain has undergone various restorations over the years to maintain its structure and aesthetic appeal, ensuring it continues to be a focal point in the community.

In summary, the Victoria Centennial Fountain is renowned not only for its beautiful design and historical significance but also as a symbol of Toronto's connection to its colonial past and as a cherished communal space...

Fun fact this part of the building was supposed to face where the front is now. The designer messed up the plans, so now the back and front are viceversa fact supported...