Vancouver appoints Robert Weeks as new Fire Chief, effective November 2
Robert Weeks, who spent more than two decades with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, will take over as Fire Chief on November 2, 2026, the City announced Thursday.
Announcement. A campaign, a party or the City chose to say this. voche.me reports it as their claim. Read the original report on vancouver.ca.
The City of Vancouver announced on October 29, 2026 that Robert Weeks has been appointed the new Fire Chief of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS), effective November 2, 2026. The City says the appointment followed a nationwide search.
Weeks has worked with VFRS for more than two decades, according to the City's announcement. He most recently served as Deputy Fire Chief, where he led portfolios covering training, recruitment, labour relations, occupational health and safety, capital planning and technology.
City Manager Donny van Dyk said in the announcement: "Robert is a highly respected leader who brings extensive experience, sound judgment and integrity to this important role. His deep understanding of the organization, collaborative approach and commitment to public service will help guide VFRS as it continues to meet the evolving needs of our city."
Weeks said he plans to focus on the training and support available to VFRS staff. "My priority is to strengthen our ability to respond to the evolving needs of our city by ensuring our teams have the training, equipment and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively," he said in the City's statement.
A long career inside the organization
The City's announcement describes Weeks as having held frontline, officer and executive leadership roles throughout VFRS over his career. The City says he is "known for his strategic thinking, collaborative leadership style and dedication to supporting the people who serve Vancouver."
The City also thanked Interim Fire Chief Trevor Connelly "for his leadership and steady guidance throughout the transition."
Taking office alongside the new council
Weeks will start as Fire Chief on November 2, 2026. That is the same day mayor-elect Pete Fry and the newly elected Vancouver City Council take office. The new council has named public safety and the city's response to homelessness among its early priorities. The Fire Chief works as part of the City's administrative structure, reporting to City management rather than directly to elected officials.
Residents who want to reach Vancouver Fire Rescue Services or ask questions about fire and emergency services in their area can call the City at 3-1-1 or visit vancouver.ca.
Questions this story answers
Who is the new Fire Chief of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services?
Robert Weeks has been appointed the new Fire Chief of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS). The City of Vancouver announced the appointment on October 29, 2026. Weeks will start in the role on November 2, 2026, the same day the new City Council takes office. He comes from inside the organization, having worked with VFRS for more than two decades.
When does the new Fire Chief start?
Robert Weeks becomes Fire Chief of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services on November 2, 2026. The City of Vancouver's announcement on October 29 said the appointment is effective that date. November 2 is also the day the new Vancouver City Council, led by mayor-elect Pete Fry, takes office.
What did Robert Weeks do before becoming Fire Chief?
Before his appointment as Fire Chief, Robert Weeks served as Deputy Fire Chief of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services. In that role, the City says he led portfolios covering training, recruitment, labour relations, occupational health and safety, capital planning and technology. He has worked with VFRS for more than two decades in frontline, officer and executive leadership roles.
How was the new Fire Chief chosen?
The City of Vancouver says the appointment of Robert Weeks followed a nationwide search. The announcement quoted City Manager Donny van Dyk, who said Weeks brings 'extensive experience, sound judgment and integrity' to the role. The City did not give details about how many people were considered or how long the search took.
Who was the interim Fire Chief before Robert Weeks?
Trevor Connelly served as Interim Fire Chief of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services before Robert Weeks was appointed. The City of Vancouver's announcement thanked Connelly for 'his leadership and steady guidance throughout the transition.' The announcement did not say when Connelly became interim chief or how long that period lasted.
What is Vancouver Fire Rescue Services responsible for?
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) is the City of Vancouver's fire and emergency services department. According to the City, VFRS handles fire response and other emergency services that protect Vancouver residents, businesses and communities. As Fire Chief, Weeks will provide strategic leadership to the department.
What did the incoming Fire Chief say about his priorities?
In a quote included in the City of Vancouver's announcement, incoming Fire Chief Robert Weeks said his priority is 'to strengthen our ability to respond to the evolving needs of our city by ensuring our teams have the training, equipment and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.' Weeks also said he has seen 'firsthand the dedication and professionalism' of VFRS members during his more than two decades with the organization.
Where can Vancouver residents find more information about Vancouver Fire Rescue Services?
Vancouver residents can find information about Vancouver Fire Rescue Services at vancouver.ca. The City of Vancouver's news release about the new Fire Chief appointment was published on October 29, 2026. Residents with questions about VFRS can also call 3-1-1, the City's main contact line, which is available Monday to Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and on weekends and holidays from 8 am to 5 pm.
Sources
The pages this story draws on. Open one to check a claim yourself.
- City of Vancouver announcementvancouver.ca
- Vancouver Fire Rescue Servicesvancouver.ca
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