Proposed Firehall Project
This page will provide background and relevant information including professional reports, Council decisions, design concepts, timelines and opportunities for public engagement throughout the planning process of a new firehall which will reflect the needs and values of Metchosin. This page will be updated as information becomes available.
Background
Since 2012, the District of Metchosin has been allocating funding to its Building Replacement Reserve for the replacement of the existing Firehall. This funding comes from the amortization of assets and from budget surplus.
In 2022, the Council of the day established a Firehall Steering Committee to advise Council on various issued as the firehall project moves through the concept, needs, design and building stages. The Committee Terms of Reference was approved by Council on January 24, 2022. Agendas and Minutes for the Steering Committee can be found on this website.
Council allocated $80,000 in the 2023-2027 Five-Year Financial Plan to conduct a comprehensive Feasibility Study to identify options for building a new structure to replace the existing Firehall in Metchosin.
Feasibility Study
Johnston, Davidson Architects (JDa) was engaged to undertake a Feasibility Study to identify options for building a new firehall to replace the existing aged and outdated firehall in Metchosin. The initial steps included providing a thorough review of the existing condition of the current facility including:
- Seismic upgrades to post disaster standards
- BC Building Code infractions
- Upgrade to meet current envelope and energy standard
- Fire Rescue related programming deficiencies
- Mechanical and electrical systems upgrades
The Firehall Steering Committee has worked with the Consultant throughout the Feasibility Study. The Metchosin Firehall Building Assessment Report was presented by Johnston, Davidson Architects at a joint meeting of Council and the Firehall Steering Committee held June 5, 2025.
Timeline to Date
- January 2022: Council of the day establishes Firehall Steering Committee.
- April 2022: Engineering report on apparatus bay notes structural deficiencies with building. (See report).
- Spring 2023. Council approval of funds for a Fire Hall Feasibility Assessment.
- Spring 2024: Johnson Davidson Architects (JDa) selected as the successful proponent to complete the feasibility assessment
- Fall 2024 to Spring 2025: Engagement between District staff, Firehall Steering Committee and JDa on the feasibility assessment.
- April 2025: Engineering report on apparatus bay notes structural deficiencies with building. (See report).
- May 2025: Details on the Strategic Priorities Fund infrastructure grant program are announced; potential project funding: $7 million.
- May 2025: Feasibility assessment (titled “Building Assessment”) completed. (See report), and a preferred option (Option 1A) for moving forward.
- June 2025: Joint meeting of Council and Firehall Steering Committee to discuss the feasibility assessment. JDa presentation on the Building Assessment and Option 1A.
- June 2025: Council vote in support of the preferred option (option 1A) for the purposes of moving forward with next steps in obtaining Class D Costing Estimates for potential application to the Strategic Priorities Fund.
- August 2025: Council vote to proceed with option 1A as its submission to the Strategic Priorities Fund grant program after reviewing cost estimate information.
Metchosin Fire Hall Project - Question & Answer Updates
Planning is underway to address critical operational, structural and safety deficiencies with the Metchosin Fire Hall. Use this link to see more information and answers to questions about this effort, including those on:
- Longstanding inadequacies with the Fire Hall;
- Process to date;
- The current option being considered to address issues;
- Financial matters; and
- Next steps
Document Library
Class D Cost Estimate - Preferred Option 1.a.
Class D Cost Estimate - Option 3.2
2025: Herold Engineering Structural Costing Report on existing apparatus bays
2025: Skyline Engineering Structural Report on existing apparatus bays
2022: Skyline Engineering Structural Report on existing apparatus bays
2022: Ryzuk Geotechnical - Geotechnical investigative report on the soil conditions at the existing fire hall
2022: AREC Environmental Group - Hazardous materials survey report
2018: Cowichan Bay Improvement District/CBVFD Fire hall Feasibility Study
2018 Canadian Firefighter Fatality and Injury, Simon Fraser University (Study)
2014: Fire Hall Building Replacement Needs - Discussion Report
2013: Roofing Report, Meredith
2013: NFPA 1500 - National Fire Protection Association Standard on Occupational Health and Safety for Fire Departments
2010: Herold Engineering Report
2009 Metchosin Emergency Program Review, Neilson
2008: Fire Department Review, Mic Mac Consulting
WorkSafe BC OHS Regulation Part 31: Firefighting
For further information contact:
Bob Payette,
Chief Administrative Officer
District of Metchosin
4450 Happy Valley Road
Victoria, BC V9C 3Z3
Phone: 250-474-3167
Email: bpayette@metchosin.ca
