There may be fewer people stopping to marvel at them, take their picture or get close enough to take in their scent, but the Inner Harbour Causeway’s flowers will once again be blooming this summer thanks to two local businesses.
CHEK TV has kicked in more than $7,000 to cover the cost of plant materials and Metchosin-based Horizon Nurseries — which, for years, has done the large-scale landscaping around the Inner Harbour and the Victoria Cruise Terminal — will cover the staff time needed to plant and maintain the Welcome to Victoria garden and harbourfront hanging baskets.
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, which is responsible for the Causeway, had previously said the garden would not be planted this year due to the loss of revenue from the cancelled cruise ship season, which accounts for about 70 per cent of its revenue.
“Decisions to cut back on operations and other services that Victorians truly love is not something we take lightly, but without the revenues from cruise for two years, we had to make difficult decisions for 2021,” said authority chief executive Ian Robertson.
“I am incredibly grateful that both Horizon Nurseries and CHEK News understood our situation and stepped up to ensure this beautiful space will be maintained in full.”
The garden will be replanted in late May in time to welcome Victorians and visitors back to the Inner Harbour for the summer season.
