Enterprisers

Ocean-going vessels at Rithet’s Piers with some of the industries and warehouses that serviced the vessels who visited while sailing vessels, stern wheelers, paddle wheelers, and screw-driven steamers on their way in and out of the middle harbour

Victoria was born a commercial entity. From the harbour’s eastern shore the Hudson’s Bay Company managed their business affairs ranging from the Hawaiian Islands to Alaska, and deep into the continent’s western edge.

Furs, then gold and the region’s vast array of natural resources drew the enterprising from England and the United States. Others soon followed with the skills to provide the importation and manufacture of goods required by a growing population.

Sea routes to San Francisco, the only other city on the coast multiplied as Vancouver and Seattle became the terminus for each country’s rail network. Rail was laid from Nanaimo to bring coal to heat Victoria’s homes, light her growing network of streets, and power her ever-growing list of businesses and manufactories.

The Enterprisers section of the site is a hall of fame. A place where a growing number of those who risked their fortunes and bent their skills in contribution to Victoria’s continuing success are acknowledged.

Nominate a harbour hero

You can nominate anyone, living or dead that worked on the harbour or contributed to some aspect of the harbour’s life. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE