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 mapB次元官网网址檚 creation. B次元官网网址淲hen you start community green mapping you meet the most wonderful, talented people,B次元官网网址� Limbrick said. B次元官网网址淭he community spirit is incredible.B次元官网网址�

Residents have taken ownership of the map, Limbrick said, by choosing what places and natural features they are proud of.

B次元官网网址淲e wanted to make it different from an ordinary map,B次元官网网址� Limbrick said. B次元官网网址淵ou can approach a map in so many different ways. This map gives the essence, the spirit and the soul of Metchosin.B次元官网网址�

Limbrick is a Highlands resident, but Metchosin has a special place in her heart.

B次元官网网址淚 love Metchosin, itB次元官网网址檚 one of my favourite districts in Greater Victoria,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a lovely spot in Victoria and is very different from Highlands with its meadows and wonderful seascapes.B次元官网网址�

Dozens of art pieces are incorporated into the map. Artist Isolde Verbrugge created the main image with water colour paints, pen and ink.

B次元官网网址淚 wanted to represent the flora and fauna in a way that would be appreciated by people,B次元官网网址� 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.

B次元官网网址淲e have such a large and diverse artist community,B次元官网网址� 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.

B次元官网网址淎ll of the information has been submitted by experts in their fields,B次元官网网址� 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