Explanatory plaque
Originally, a bronze plaque was affixed to the stone wall on the eastern side of the fountain plaza, indicating when the fountain was first activated. The plaque also provided historical context for the installation. The plaque was removed in 2023. Herewith an image and transcript of the orginal plaque.

1962 Victoria Centennial Fountain plaque
BC Archives image C-07317

THE VICTORIA CENTENNIAL FOUNTAIN
Activated 2 August 1962 by Hon. W. A. C. Bennett, Premier
British Columbia was formed from four united colonies and territories
The Crown Colony of Vancouver Island
The Dependency of the Queen Charlotte Islands
The Crown Colony of British Columbia
The Stickeen Territory
Plaques on the Fountain tell the origin of their union to become the British Columbia of today.
The animal symbols are those from which our 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 furs of sea otter drew hunters to the North West Coast. Thousands of skins were taken by fur hunters of many nationalities.
The sea otter has been chosen as the theme for the fountain centrepiece.

The 1962 plaque was attached here.
Photo credit: Patrick Dunae