Victoria Harbour (Ont.)

Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour in Hong Kong separating Hong Kong Island in the south from the Kowloon Peninsula to the north. It acts as both a major trading hub and tourist attraction of Hong Kong in general. Lying in the middle of the territory's dense urban region, the harbour is also the site of annual fireworks displays and promenades which are used as gathering attractions for local residents and tourists. The harbour has historically been definied by its deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on South China Sea. These factors were also instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony in 1841 and its subsequent development as a trading hub. Additionally, throughout its history, the harbour has seen numerous reclamation projects undertaken on both shores, many of which have caused controversy in recent years. Environmental concerns have been expressed about the effects of these expansions, in terms of water quality and loss of natural habitat. It has also been proposed that benefits of land reclamation may be less than the effects of decreased harbour width, affecting the number of vessels passing through the harbour. Nonetheless Victoria Harbour still retains its founding role as a port for thousands of international vessels each year.