CFB Esquimalt: Our hidden city

It’s bigger than some of our municipalities, and is a huge economic force in our region, but for many people what happens at CFB Esquimalt is shrouded in secrecy. So starting today, as the navy celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with the promise to “bring the navy to Canadians,” Times Colonist reporter Katie DeRosa and photographer Debra Brash bring the people, places and things of the base to life.

Saturday

Welcome to the base: In many ways, CFB Esquimalt is a city within a city, with its own police and fire departments, newspaper and neighbourhoods. Go inside the gates of CFB Esquimalt, to learn more about the 6,000 people who work there, and what they do.

Sunday

Workers on the base: There are more than just sailors here: Jobs for military personnel on the base run the gamut, from sonar operators and submariners to cooks and lawyers.

Tuesday

History of the base: The navy is turning 100 this year, but the base in Esquimalt harbour actually dates back to the 1840s. And as with all heritage sites, there are a few ghost stories lurking around.

Wednesday

Life on the base: Hundreds of people actually live on the base in tight-knit communities that pull together when loved ones are at sea.

Thursday

Civilians on the base: About one-third of the employees on the base are civilians, working alongside military personnel in jobs as diverse as rope making and museum curating.

Friday

Business of the base: Between lucrative ship repair contracts, massive construction projects and thousands of jobs, CFB Esquimalt pumps more than half a billion dollars a year into the region’s economy.

Saturday

Ships at the base: CFB Esquimalt is home to the navy’s Pacific fleet of warships, coastal defence vessels and submarines which are responsible for protecting 27,000 kilometres of B.C. coastline. Find out what each ship can do.