Friday January 16, 2026 | METCHOSIN, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
District of Metchosin Councillor Sharie Epp has resigned from District of Metchosin council effective February 1, 2026.
The District of Metchosin council is comprised of mayor and four councillors, currently: Mayor Marie-Térèse Little with Councillor Shelly Donaldson, Steve Gray, Jay Shukin, and Epp.
Epp informed council on January 15 of her decision to resign, so she can focus her time and energy on home and family matters.
Epp was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
In the letter announcing her resignation, Sharie stated: “I have appreciated the opportunity to serve on Council for the past seven years and particularly owe thanks to District staff for their unfailing support.”
“My best wishes to the current and future members of Council and staff, as they deal with the ever-evolving business of Metchosin,” says Epp.
Mayor’s remarks:
“Over the last seven years, Sharie has tirelessly dedicated her time and energy to serving the residents of Metchosin as an elected official,” said Mayor Little in a statement today.
“Those who have worked with Sharie appreciate her warmth, knowledge of Metchosin, and her ability to get to the heart of challenging issues. We will all miss Sharie’s involvement and presence on Counci,” says Little.
“Among Sharie’s many interests were improving road safety in Metchosin.” says Mayor Little, adding that highlights include lighted crosswalks at the Galloping Goose Regional Trail crossings, and Hans Helgesen School, as well as radar speed readers, speed signs, and Active Transportation initiatives, funded through a variety of grants.
Epp also worked with District staff on developing and renovating the old Metchosin School and appreciated her involvement with the Metchosin Seniors’ Association and the many other committees and volunteers over the years.
Election year:
The next municipal election is on October 17, 2026.
It appears there will be no District of Metchosin by-election this year ahead of the upcoming election.
All the other current members of District of Metchosin council are presently seen as running again in this fall’s election campaign.
Metchosin is a small rural area within Greater Victoria, population continuing to hover around 5,000. Rural life and agriculture are the focus of the west shore municipality, with an increasing number of visitors and tourists in the summer and harvest seasons.
Big issues for Metchosin council in the past year have been road safety improvements to serve a growing traffic flow in Metchosin and upgrading or replacing the aging fire hall.
By resigning at this point, Epp will effectively not be part of votes on larger issues that will carry forward beyond 2026.
===== RELATED:
NEWS SECTIONS: METCHOSIN | BC MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2026