Victoria's working harbour is a shadow of its former self, with nice condos, offices and restaurants taking the place of the industries that once called the waterfront home.

The harbour's gentrification has helped breathe new life into the city and provided quality locations for us live, work and play. But a harbour's heart is often found in the businesses that keep it buzzing with activity -- and jobs.

So there is reason to cheer the announcement that Point Hope Maritime shipyard is planning a multimillion-dollar expansion and modernization of its Upper Harbour complex.

A shipyard has been on the site for almost a century and a half. The first shipyard at Point Hope -- and before industry reshaped the shoreline, there really was a point there -- was established in 1873. It might have been the first shipyard in British Columbia.

The shipyard has survived, through good times and bad, under a variety of names, and has always been a vital part of Victoria's economic fabric.

Its proposed expansion, which would include a new United Engineering building and extended marine rail lines, would cost more than $10 million and allow a substantial increase in the work being done. The Ralmax Group of Companies, which owns Point Hope as well as United Engineering and Island Plate and Steel, could integrate its operations into a more efficient workplace.

And the number of people working on the site could double, to about 300.

The deal depends on Point Hope leasing a 1.6-hectare city-owned parcel on the south side of 3.7 hectares already under a long-term lease. The Point Hope property would include most of the waterfront on the east side of the Upper Harbour and extend north from the Johnson Street Bridge.

A new bridge with a fixed span -- something proposed as a way to lower the cost -- would have made the Point Hope expansion impossible. The project is a reminder that not all businesses on the north side of the bridge could function without proper water access.

There will always be the potential for conflict with neighbours, although it should always be noted that the shipyard was there first. A working harbour is not for everyone, especially those bothered by noises or smells that are a natural part of heavy industry.

And the expansion might also force the Sail and Life Training Society to find a new home, unless it's possible to incorporate the non-profit's work within the Point Hope plans.

The project is crucial to the future of Victoria's working harbour. Full steam ahead.