North Westside gets new fire chief

The Regional District didn’t have to look far to find a new full-time Chief for the North Westside Fire Protection Service Area.

Effective Dec 1, Doug Gardiner takes on the full-time management position for the paid-on-call fire department. 

Photo: Contributed - Regional District

New North Westside Fire Chief, Doug Gardiner

The team provides fire protection and medical first response to residents living in the communities of Killiney Beach, Westshore Estates, Fintry Delta, Valley of the Sun and La Casa resort along the north end of Westside Road within the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area.

Gardiner has been acting as the department’s Interim Chief since early August. 

Regional District Fire and Inspection Services Manager Dan Wildeman says Gardiner has displayed a combination of excellent performance and management of the paid-on-call department since taking over as Interim Chief.

"Along with the continued support of his leadership by the Officers and members of North Westside Fire Rescue, we’re pleased to confirm he’s accepted an offer to serve full-time in the Fire Chief’s position," says Wildeman.

"Doug has 27 years of experience as a professional firefighter and superior credentials as he retired as the Assistant Chief in charge of Training for the Saanich Fire Department.  He also has experience in marine rescue and has worked during his career with paid-on-call fire departments.”

North Westside Fire Rescue is one of four paid-on-call fire departments of the Regional District which also provides medical first response and fire protection services for the Ellison and Joe Rich Fire Service Areas and fire protection for the Wilson’s Landing Fire Protection Area.