News Release: District of Metchosin receives $7 million in infrastructure funding through the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Community Stream
Metchosin, BC, July 30, 2026 – The District of Metchosin is receiving $7 million through the Strategic Priorities Fund. This federally funded program supports infrastructure projects that are beyond the financial capacity of a single local government fund, under the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Community stream in BC.
The funding will support the replacement of Metchosin’s aging fire hall with a modern, robust and resilient public safety facility built to post-disaster standards. As the largest capital project in the District's history, the new fire hall will strengthen both fire protection and emergency management by providing a purpose-built facility capable of supporting emergency response, emergency operations, disaster coordination, and business continuity during and after major events. Designed to withstand significant seismic events, the facility will ensure emergency services remain operational when the community needs them the most while providing a safe, reliable home for Metchosin's volunteer firefighters as they continue their mission of "Our Family Protecting Your Family."
On July 30, 2026, the federal and provincial governments along with the Union of BC Municipalities announced a federal investment of more than $152 million to support 54 community infrastructure and capacity-building projects. The District of Metchosin’s project is one of 54 recently announced projects.
The BCSF Community stream is a transfer-based program that provides $2.5 billion per year in funding to communities across Canada. The Province of British Columbia receives over $326 million annually from this stream, which is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities and distributed to local governments through the Community Works Fund, Strategic Priorities Fund, and Metro Vancouver Regional Fund.
Quotes
"For local governments across British Columbia, the right investment can support housing, foster connection and build strong communities. This project will make a lasting impact and reinforces our commitment to building bold, building strong, and building together.”
- The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
“This $7 million investment will help the District of Metchosin build a modern, earthquake-resilient fire hall that will strengthen emergency response capacity and ensure firefighters have the facilities they need to protect residents. Projects like this create stronger communities, support local growth, and help ensure critical public services remain available when they are needed most.”
– The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors)
“Metchosin's new fire hall will give firefighters a modern, resilient facility designed to support emergency response every day and remain operational when disasters strike,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Through the partnership between the Government of Canada, UBCM and the District, this project will help keep essential services running and provide greater peace of mind for residents.”
- The Honourable Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
“I’m pleased to support this important investment in regional and community safety. In an emergency, it is essential that our first responders have the facilities, equipment, and training they need to respond quickly and effectively. A modern, fully functional fire hall and operations centre will strengthen Metchosin’s emergency preparedness and help protect people across the community when disaster strikes.”
- Dana Lajeunesse, MLA – Juan de Fuca-Malahat
“The new post-seismic firehouse will be the cornerstone of public safety in Metchosin for decades to come. The biggest threat to rural Metchosin is FIRE. The plans to build the new post-disaster fire hall is a major, substantial and much needed project aimed at enhancing and enabling fire and emergency response, to protect the health and well-being of our valuable community members and volunteer firefighters. This investment in resiliency and sustainability aligns with Council’s broader goals of environmental responsibility and community safety and security for the next few decades. I am grateful to our Federal and Provincial colleagues for making this happen for our community.”
- Mayor Marie-Térèse Little, District of Metchosin
"This investment is transformational for the District of Metchosin and the volunteers who proudly serve this community. Our current fire hall has served us well for many years, but it was never designed to meet the operational demands or seismic standards expected of a modern emergency response facility. This new fire hall will provide our firefighters with the training, equipment, and operational space they need to respond safely and effectively to emergencies today and well into the future. Most importantly, it will ensure that when our community needs us most, whether during a major earthquake, wildfire, medical emergency, or severe storm, we will have a resilient facility capable of continuing operations without interruption. On behalf of every member of Metchosin Fire, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Union of BC Municipalities, and Mayor and Council for their commitment to protecting our community. This investment is an investment in the safety, resilience, and future of Metchosin."
- Fire Chief Dan Verdun, Metchosin Fire Department
Quick facts
- British Columbia’s 2026-27 allocation under the Build Communities Strong Community stream is over $326 million.
- The total federal contribution towards the 54 projects is $152,313,226.
- The 29 capital projects are receiving a total of $145,945,502.
- The 25 capacity building projects are receiving a total of $6,367,764.
- The funding provided for these projects comes through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ application-based Strategic Priorities Fund.
- See the attached backgrounder for details of the projects.
- The Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream provides predictable, long-term and stable funding to local governments for investment in infrastructure and capacity-building projects. This program is funded by the Government of Canada and administered in British Columbia by the Union of BC Municipalities
Related Products
Backgrounder: Government of Canada News Release - Building Communities Strong in British Columbia with 54 new infrastructure projects.
Associated Links
- Build Communities Strong Fund
- BCSF Community Stream in British Columbia
- UBCM’s Strategic Priorities Fund
For media inquiries please contact:
Bob Payette
Chief Administrative Officer
District of Metchosin
4450 Happy Valley Road
Victoria, BC V9C 3Z3
Email: info@metchosin.ca