The scale and scope of the vision were hinted at in the 2024 Request for Proposal (RFP) and clearly visible in the 2025 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) grant application. Unfortunately, the grant application only became available for review by taxpayers several months after its submission, when it was obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request. 

Ultimately, a flawed project management process led to a formal council decision by a 3:2 majority vote on June 9, 2025, to endorse a “preferred” option to build a new Firehall, adjacent to the existing Firehall, for a cost later estimated at $21.3 million (Class D Estimate).  With this decision, growing concerns of local residents and taxpayers began to coalesce and questions arose regarding the project’s goals and governance. 

The project scope and ongoing administrative governance process need to be respectfully challenged by taxpayers who will be burdened with the financial consequences.

We need a project “re-start” that is based upon fiscal realism and a clear delineation between wants and needs.  We can support our esteemed fire department by building a quality Firehall which is right-sized for our community and our financial capacity. Other regional communities similar in size to Metchosin have done this and we can learn from them.