After two years of compiling details about every nook and cranny in the district, the Metchosin community green map is complete.
The project was spearheaded by the West Shore Arts Council and guided by Elaine Limbrick, who also worked on the Highlands community map. Limbrick is the president of the West Shore Arts Council and a co-ordinator and co-editor of the project.
About 30 residents volunteered their time and contributed to the map’s creation. “When you start community green mapping you meet the most wonderful, talented people,” Limbrick said. “The community spirit is incredible.”
Residents have taken ownership of the map, Limbrick said, by choosing what places and natural features they are proud of.
“We wanted to make it different from an ordinary map,” Limbrick said. “You can approach a map in so many different ways. This map gives the essence, the spirit and the soul of Metchosin.”
Limbrick is a Highlands resident, but Metchosin has a special place in her heart.
“I love Metchosin, it’s one of my favourite districts in Greater Victoria,” she said. “It’s a lovely spot in Victoria and is very different from Highlands with its meadows and wonderful seascapes.”
Dozens of art pieces are incorporated into the map. Artist Isolde Verbrugge created the main image with water colour paints, pen and ink.
“I wanted to represent the flora and fauna in a way that would be appreciated by people,” Verbrugge said adding the plants and animals she painted were chosen through public input.
Other pieces include paintings, photos, fabric art, pottery and First Nations carvings.
“We have such a large and diverse artist community,” said Metchosin Coun. Moralea Milne, co-editor and co-ordinator on the project.
Making sure everything was to scale, Metchosin cartographer Noreen Dennis donated her skills to the project. She has been a mapmaker for the past 30 years.
The map proudly displays local wildlife, parkland, the riding ring, the poultry exchange and other features unique to the district.
On the back of the map is written information on topics important to Metchosin, such as parks, flora and fauna, history and agriculture.
“All of the information has been submitted by experts in their fields,” Limbrick said.
To fund the project the West Shore Arts Council and Metchosin council chipped in $2,000 each. Metchosin also donated about $4,000 obtained from the Union of B.C. Municipalities.
A copy of the map will be mailed to every home in the district.
Maps are available at the Metchosin community house, the municipal hall and in hotels in downtown Victoria to help promote tourism.
The official launch of the map is on March 20, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Metchosin Community House, 4430 Happy Valley Rd.
The launch features art submitted for the map as well as a First Nations blessing performed by Randy Chipps of Beecher Bay.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com