Victoria was chosen as the capital of the united colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia in 1866. The decision to merge the two colonies and make Victoria the capital was made in response to a number of factors, including the growing importance of the city as a center of trade and commerce, and its central location within the region.

The merger of the two colonies and the establishment of Victoria as the capital marked a major turning point in the history of the Pacific Northwest and the province of British Columbia. The city grew rapidly and became an important center of government, trade, and culture, and continues to play a central role in the region to this day.

Yes, New Westminster was considered as an option for the capital of the united colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia when the two colonies were merged in 1866. New Westminster was the original capital of the mainland colony of British Columbia, and was a growing center of trade and commerce in the region.

However, the decision was ultimately made to make Victoria the capital of the united colonies, due to its central location on Vancouver Island and its growing importance as a center of trade and commerce. New Westminster continued to play an important role in the development of the region, but the capital was moved to Victoria, which remains the capital of the province of British Columbia to this day.

The decision about where the capital of the united colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia would be located was made by the British colonial government. The British Crown had jurisdiction over the colonies at the time, and was responsible for making decisions about their governance and administration.

The decision to make Victoria the capital of the united colonies was likely influenced by a number of factors, including the central location of Victoria on Vancouver Island, its growing importance as a center of trade and commerce, and its proximity to the United States, which was seen as a potential market for British goods and services. The British government likely saw Victoria as the best option for the capital of the united colonies, given its strategic importance and economic potential.