Construction begins on monument park honouring Japanese Canadians

Construction has commenced on a monument park in Victoria dedicated to Japanese Canadians forcibly displaced and interned during World War II. The park will feature a wall of names honoring 22,000 individuals of Japanese descent and a Japanese-inspired garden for reflection and community gatherings. Officials, including Attorney General Niki Sharma, stress the significance of this monument as a reminder of the injustices faced and a commitment to learning from the past. The project is developed in collaboration with the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society and has involved input from the local Japanese Canadian community and First Nations. KPMB Architects and PFS Studio are tasked with the design and construction, which is projected for completion by fall 2026.

This initiative is part of a $100 million redress package announced by the Province in May 2022 to recognize the historical wrongs against Japanese Canadians. Leaders emphasize the monument's role in honoring the strength and resilience of those affected by these injustices. By preserving their legacy, the park aims to foster healing across generations.