An outdoor kitchen, natural play space, a fountain or public art were pitched for a potential village square in Metchosin.
Last Friday, roughly 20 residents of all ages attended a public consultation at the Metchosin Community House regarding the potential construction of a village square somewhere in the municipality.
B次元官网网址淲e had a lot of old timers from the community, people who have been here 40-plus years and we had people who just moved here six months ago,B次元官网网址� said Shannon Carman, a member of the healthy communities advisory committee with the District of Metchosin.
B次元官网网址淭here were some good ideas put out. A couple of local farmers came out to say how cool it would be, given MetchosinB次元官网网址檚 rural but agricultural roots, to have some sort of outdoor kitchen in this potential new gathering space as a way for people to hang out. We talked about playgrounds.B次元官网网址�
RELATED: Public input needed for Metchosin Village Square
In August, the District received a $30,000 grant from the provincial government, the B.C. Alliance for Healthy Living and the B.C. Healthy Communities Society to help create more active communities. Earlier this month, the committee launched an online survey to find out what residents would like to see. Thus far, theyB次元官网网址檝e received more than 200 responses B次元官网网址� roughly two-thirds of whom are in favour of creating such a public space.
But not everyone is happy with the idea. There were a few people who attended FridayB次元官网网址檚 consultation who were not in favour of creating a public space, saying it would only increase traffic in the District.
RELATED: District receives grant for Metchosin Village Square
Once the survey wraps up on April 3, consultants RC Strategies + PERC will sort through the responses and come back with a report in mid-April. The committee will then need to narrow down where the village square could go and figure out a governance structure. Carman said the committee is looking at the Metchosin Elementary school, the green space next to the Metchosin fire hall or close to where the farmers market takes place to have the village square.
The overarching theme is still to create a place where all people can connect with others in the community.
B次元官网网址淭he whole project sparked from young families saying B次元官网网址榞osh, there really isnB次元官网网址檛 anywhere to take young kids easily,B次元官网网址� except to the beach,B次元官网网址� Carman said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an overall feeling of alienation and not being able to find each other.B次元官网网址�
To fill out the survey visit metchosin.ca. The committee is hosting a second public consultation at the community house on Saturday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to noon. Daycare is available for families wishing to attend.
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