Boasting a workforce of more than 6,000, CFB Esquimalt is one of the largest employers and economic drivers in the region.
Direct spending – not including construction – by CFB Esquimalt is somewhere between $500 million and $600 million, making its overall economic impact around an estimated $1.2 billion.
Demographics-wise, because of the nature of the work, CFB Esquimalt employs a large number of young people, meaning their economic impact extends to local retailers, recreation centres and sports teams, says Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Carter.
On the construction side of things, Carter points to some $1 billion in construction projects at CFB Esquimalt – a new helicopter hanger and two new jetties – that will also boost the local economy.