Metchosin will parade on while West Shore tradition fades this year.
The annual Christmas fire truck parade of more than 10 years is cancelled. The six-person parade committee of representatives from the West Shore RCMP to the Chamber of Commerce cited lack of funding.
“We never organized the parade, but we did help market and advertise it,” said Craig Sorochan, manager of communications and community relations for WestShore chamber of Commerce. “We would love for it to happen next year and are happy Metchosin is having one.”
Stephanie Dunlop, Metchosin fire chief, was saddened by the loss of the tradition where her department often won trophies for truck decoration. A member of the fire department for 13 years, she’s never missed one of the coveted parades.
“It’s a tradition,” said Dunlop. “We already had a plan set and had money set aside to buy props for the truck.”
Metchosin will maintain and enhance the tradition, with the first Metchosin Christmas Light Parade and Open House.
The event, featuring Santa, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15 with the parade starting at 6 p.m. at the fire hall, 4440 Happy Valley Rd.
The open house at the fire hall runs from 6 to 8 p.m.