History of MCA
The Metchosin Community Association (MCA) was formed in 1993, as a non-profit “community-building” organization, open to all members of the community, with the purpose of initiating, encouraging and organizing a variety of educational, recreational, cultural and other community activities within Metchosin. Community events centred around hosting concerts, potluck dinners and educational meetings. In the early years, MCA facilitated planning for Metchosin youths and seniors, (in particular, offering teen nights, preparing and overseeing the Seniors' Survey), furthered plans for emergency preparedness by initiating the Neighbourhood Response (POD) Program and worked closely with the first Metchosin Muse team to promote community awareness and involvement.
By 1999, forward-thinking, MCA Board of Directors approached the District of Metchosin and arranged to lease what had become a run-down residence located on the Municipal property. Convincing others that the unrentable house would make a small community centre, led to leasing the “House” for $1/ year and months of volunteer work, fundraising and soliciting donations of furniture and equipment. Together with organizational assistance from Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreation, the MCA opened the doors of the Metchosin Community House in 2000.
Within a year, the Community Association became completely responsible for the day-to-day operation of the “House”, including the hiring of a part time office manager, through fundraising, donations, membership and rental income. Since the Community House remains an asset of the District of Metchosin, limited funds from the municipality assist with its repair and maintenance. Yearly fundraising efforts keep the Community House operational.
In 2006 a major renovation of the House was undertaken using hundreds of volunteer hours and donated equipment and materials. The expansion brought the building up to current code including washrooms for disabled people, food safe kitchen, more sitting room and modern lighting.
Today, the Metchosin Community House serves as an information and resource centre for the entire community.
Twice a week, it becomes the day-time “home” to senior members of the community, in conjunction with the VIHA Adult Day Program. Partnering, on occasion, with the Emergency Operations Committee, Juan de Fuca Parks and Recreation, Pearson College of the Pacific, Sooke School District and West Shore Arts Council and other local agencies and organizations has provided excellent service to our community.
Sometimes the House is an art gallery, a poetry café, a gourmet dinner venue, a place to meet, to entertain, to inform, to create, to “comfort” and, most of all, to encourage volunteers who support all that is good about living here in Metchosin.
Please browse this web site further or better yet contact us to learn of current programs, events and other items of interest, and discover how you may help us.