How did the Royal Navy base at Esquimalt contribute to Victoria’s growth?
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Victoria
Provincial Parliament Buildings, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The Royal Navy base at Esquimalt played a significant role in the development of Victoria. In 1865, the Royal Navy designated the existing naval base at Esquimalt as its Pacific headquarters, a move that further spurred population growth in the region.1
This establishment solidified the area's importance, helping Victoria become the most prominent city in Canada’s western region during that period. Today, defense remains a primary component of Victoria’s economy, centered on the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.1