Steve Gray elected as Metchosin’s new mayor with more than 77% of the vote

Metchosin residents have made a definitive choice, electing Steve Gray as the community’s new mayor in an impressive victory.

Gray secured 1,724 votes (77.4%), easily defeating Marie-Thérèse Little, who received 434 votes (19.5%), and Shawn Melinchuk, who finished with 68 votes (3.1%).

It was a decisive win for Gray, who will now take the reins in the rural municipality.

Voters have also selected four councillors to round out Metchosin’s new council.

Kyara Kahakauwila led the council race with 1,563 votes, followed by Jesse Pewarchuk with 1,487 votes, Shelly Donaldson with 1,384 votes, and Mark Muldoon with 1,294 votes.

Meanwhile, Eric White, Ellen Frisch and Mattie McMillan were unable to secure a council seat.

While most West Shore communities continue to grow, Metchosin has largely stuck to its roots.

Protecting farmland, preserving green space and keeping the district’s small-community feel have always been important to residents.

With development continuing to pick up across the West Shore, the looming question is if the new regime can maintain the community’s rural character over the next four years.