Saturday January 17, 2026 | METCHOSIN, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
After 20 years serving the District of Metchosin as their Fire Chief, Stephanie Dunlop has announced that she is moving on.
Dunlop’s last day as the Metchosin Fire Chief will be February 20, 2026.
Dunlop will be the Deputy Fire Chief at the Central Saanich Fire Department starting February 23, 2026.
Dunlop will then be living in Central Saanich so as to be fully embedded in the community she will serve, she tells Island Social Trends this weekend.
Metchosin fond farewell:
Metchosin Mayor Marie-Térèse Little issued a glowing statement about the departing fire chief:
The District of Metchosin Council would like to take to opportunity to congratulate Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop on her acceptance of employment with the Central Saanich Fire Department.
“Chief Dunlop has kept Metchosin safe for nearly 20 years, and she is a stellar example of professionalism and community service,” said Mayor Little.
“During that time, she has trained and inspired hundreds of firefighters who have served this community or elsewhere. Through some of the worst forest fire years in BC, the province benefited directly from Stephanie and her team’s involvement,” said Little.
“In addition to responding to emergencies across Metchosin’s complex landscape, Stephanie brought in millions in grant funding to Metchosin for diverse programming and initiatives. Few people know this community better than she does!”, says Mayor Little.
While the ‘Chief’ will be deeply missed, a huge congratulations are in order for stepping into a new and exciting role. Stephanie – thank you so much for your service to Metchosin,” says Mayor Little who is also the Vice-Chair of the Capital Regional District (CRD) board.
Similarities and differences:
Both Metchosin and Central Saanich value strong community connection and volunteer commitment, says Chief Dunlop.
Central Saanich has a larger and denser population and has more urbanized development.
Dunlop points out that Central Saanich has a greater proportion of commercial, industrial, and multi-residential occupancies with a population of over 17,000 compared to Metchosin which is primarily rural with mostly large properties and farms and a population of about 5,000.
Highlights in Metchosin:
“Serving the District for nearly 20 years has been the greatest privilege of my career,” said Dunlop.
“Highlights include building and strengthening the volunteer fire and emergency programs, advancing training and safety standards, expanding regional collaboration, and working alongside an extraordinary group of dedicated volunteers, staff, Council members, and community partners.” she says.
“The sense of trust and community ownership here is truly unique,” says Chief Dunlop.
“Metchosin will always hold a very special place with me,” she says.
“My decision reflects a natural career progression and the opportunity to take on a new leadership role in a growing community,” Dunlop tells Island Social Trends.
Condition of the Metchosin fire hall:
Over the past year, the condition of the Metchosin Fire Hall has been the matter of Council deliberation and at least one town hall. It was Dunlop herself who would have itemized the deficiencies in the old building.
“I remain very proud of the work underway in Metchosin to plan for the department’s future facilities and services,” says the outgoing Metchosin Fire Chief.
===== RELATED:
- Rats, mold & cinder blocks – Metchosin needs a new fire hall (November 13, 2025)
- Single-driver car crash into hydro pole in Metchosin (March 27, 2025)
- Lajeunesse & Parmar commend funding boost for west shore fire departments (March 14, 2025)
- District of Metchosin sorts out their Active Transportation priorities (March 8, 2025)
- District of Metchosin celebrates 40 years of incorporation (December 2, 2024)
- Metchosin Fire hosts extrication training event (May 29, 2023)
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