02/08/2026
The current and Saanich Fire Department headquarters originally opened on August 3, 1962
While many renovations and additions have altered the building over the years, the first being as early as 1970, most of the original building remains. One can still see the brass fire poles and cell bars that were proudly unveiled in a ceremony which included a ribbon cutting. The "police court", however is no longer there and the courtroom is home to the Community Engagement Division.
The Victoria Daily Times reported:
"Dignitaries stood in drizzling rain Friday afternoon as the new Saanich police and fire building was officially opened.
"George Chatterton, member of parliament for Esquimalt. Saanich, cut the ribbon across the main doors of the $300,000 building as reeves, mayors, aldermen, police chiefs and magistrates watched from the broad terrace of the modern building.
""This is just one of the steps that will be taken to move the municipality forward," he said
"Traditional brass poles for firemen untraditionally padded at the bottom with foam rubber contrast with teak-panelled offices and the latest thing in cells.
"Alarm room has the only automatic tape-recording sys tem west of Winnipeg, a device which records all emergency phone or radio calls on wee a non-erasable belt recording.
"Outlying-departments are connected by an electronic system to the central alarm room.
Photos courtesy District of Saanich Archives,
