From Town and Country to Uptown: How a Shopping Center Helped Redefine Victoria’s Core

Emily Reddy

Growing up just around the corner from what is now Uptown Shopping Centre, it’s been inspiring to witness its transformation. What was once the small Town and Country retail strip, established in 1959, has evolved into a vibrant commercial hub that plays a key role in shaping Victoria’s city center.

Between 2010 and 2016, the 850,000-square-foot mixed-use complex that we now know as Uptown Shopping Center was under development. Designed to meet the needs of a growing population, the project introduced not only retail and office space, but also transit access, and community amenities strategically located at the junction of two major highways in the heart of Victoria. This evolution has made Uptown a central node in Victoria’s urban landscape, influencing how the city grows and connects.

My personal connection to Uptown has grown over the years, shaped by memories and experiences at every stage of my life. I remember the days before Uptown, when my mom and I would visit the old Town and Country plaza for grocery shopping or bowling. As a teenager, I spent weekends exploring the newly developed mall with friends. Now, as an adult, I've worked at two local stores within Uptown and still find myself there regularly. Whether it's getting my nails done, grabbing groceries or catching up with a friend over coffee. Uptown has remained a familiar and evolving part of my everyday life.