THE HISTORY OF ESQUIMALT

Esquimalt has a long and significant history resulting in a legacy of heritage buildings, sites, structures and cultural landscapes. Before the arrival of European settlers there was a First Nations presence, with people of the Coast Salish linguistic group inhabiting the area for approximately 4,000 years. There has long been a village site near Ashe Head on the eastern shore of Esquimalt Harbour and this is where the Esquimalt Band makes its home today.

Esquimalt, pronounced Ess-KWY-malt, is an anglicized version of the First Nation’s word “eswhoy-malth,” meaning “the place of gradually shoaling water.” In 1790, the Spanish ship Princesa Real entered Esquimalt Harbour under the command of Lt. Don Manuel Quimper, who named the harbour Puerto de Cordova. In 1843, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) Chief Factor James Douglas (later Governor of the Crown Colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia) visited Esquimalt Harbour with other HBC officials aboard the schooner Cadboro, looking for a suitable location for a new Fort north of the 49th parallel. Although Douglas established the new fort on the shore of Victoria Harbour, he recognized the agricultural potential of the land that is now Esquimalt. When he returned in 1848, Douglas negotiated Land Treaties with local First Nations that allowed the HBC subsidiary, the Puget Sound Agricultural Company, to establish three farms in the Esquimalt area: Viewfield Farm in 1850; and Constance Cove and Craigflower in 1853.

 Esquimalt’s Fascinating Military History

 CFB Esquimalt is home to a variety of essential facilities, creating a vibrant and dynamic military community. At its heart is Naden, formerly known as HMCS Naden, alongside His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Esquimalt. The base also houses Fleet Maintenance Facility – Cape Breton, ensuring the fleet remains operational, as well as a Fire Fighting and Damage Control School. Aspiring naval officers train at the Naval Officer Training Centre (NOTC) Venture, gaining the skills needed for leadership at sea.

Beyond its operational core, CFB Esquimalt provides extensive housing for military personnel and their families. There are 716 personnel married quarters spread across nine different sites, including Belmont Park, WorkPoint, and Royal Roads. These neighborhoods create a sense of stability and community for those serving in the Navy.

The dockyard itself has a deep history, dating back to the days of the Royal Navy’s Pacific Station. Originally established as Esquimalt Royal Navy Dockyard in 1842, it remained under British control until 1911. Today, HMC Dockyard Esquimalt continues that legacy, serving as the headquarters of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Pacific operations.

Esquimalt, a coastal gem near Victoria, has played a crucial role in Canada’s military history. Its story begins in 1878 when the first coastal artillery batteries were placed to defend Victoria and Esquimalt harbours. At the time, tensions in the Balkans made war seem inevitable, and Canada took action to protect its shores. These coastal defenses remained active for nearly 80 years, helping to keep Victoria safe.

Esquimalt grew increasingly strategic as a support base for the British navy in the Pacific. It was part of a worldwide network of coaling stations vital to the Royal Navy’s role of defending the British Empire around the globe. By 1887 Esquimalt had a drydock capable of holding the largest warship in the Pacific.

Defending Canada’s West Coast

One of the key defense sites was Fort Rodd Hill, now part of Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. Strategically positioned across the water from Esquimalt Harbour, its powerful guns helped guard the naval base. From this secure anchorage, Royal Navy and later Royal Canadian Navy warships could sail out to protect the entire coastline of British Columbia. Although the fort’s artillery was eventually declared obsolete in 1956, its legacy lives on.

A well-known photo from around 1925 shows Sgt. Percy (Titch) Buxton with his two sons and Bombardier Bill Wharton sitting on one of the fort’s massive 6-inch disappearing guns. These weapons were engineering marvels, built to pop up, fire, and then retract out of sight to avoid enemy fire.

As tensions rose before World War I, Canada recognized the need for a stronger defense force on the West Coast. In 1912, the 88th Regiment (Victoria Fusiliers) was officially created to support the already established 5th Regiment, Canadian Garrison Artillery. As Europe edged closer to war in 1913 and 1914, the 88th Regiment expanded, increasing in both numbers and training.

World War I also saw bold political moves in British Columbia. In 1914, BC’s Premier Sir Richard McBride, fearing Germany’s growing aggression, took matters into his own hands. He arranged for the purchase of two submarines originally built for Chile. Renamed CC1 and CC2, these vessels provided additional protection for Canada’s West Coast.

But Esquimalt’s military story doesn’t stop there. One of the key figures in its defense was James Peters, who arrived in Victoria with his “C” Battery soldiers on November 10, 1887. Despite the late hour, the steamer Princess Louise pulled into port to a cheering crowd eager to welcome these defenders of the coast.

During World War II, new threats emerged. Concerns over Japan’s intentions led to the creation of British Columbia’s own Home Guard, the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers (PCMR). Locals stepped up, prepared to protect their communities should the war reach Canadian shores. Around this time, an anti-submarine net was stretched across Esquimalt Harbour’s entrance, a reminder of the ever-present need for coastal defense.

From disappearing guns to submarines, Esquimalt’s military history is full of remarkable moments. Today, sites like Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse stand as lasting reminders of this coastal community’s incredible past.

Esquimalt Military Mortgage Brokers

When posted to CFB Esquimalt, naval personnel face the challenge of navigating Victoria’s competitive housing market while balancing the demands of their military career. A Military Mortgage Broker specializes in working with service members, understanding the unique aspects of military postings, benefits, and relocation timelines. They can secure mortgage rates tailored to military families, assist with pre-approvals before arrival, and help navigate lender requirements that may not always align with the fast-paced nature of military relocations. With their expertise, service members can focus on their transition without the added stress of financial uncertainty.

Additionally, Military Mortgage Brokers offer valuable guidance on programs designed specifically for military homebuyers, such as those offering lower down payments or more flexible approval processes. They also understand the impact of future postings and can provide mortgage solutions that accommodate potential relocations, making it easier to rent or sell the property when the time comes. By working with a broker who knows the ins and outs of military life, naval personnel can secure the best possible mortgage terms, ensuring financial stability while stationed at Esquimalt.

Your Esquimalt Military Mortgage Broker can assist you in finding Lower Rates and a Reduction in Penalties when forced to relocate.