PROTECTING RURAL METCHOSIN
A History of Working to Protect Rural Metchosin​
The Association for the Protection of Rural Metchosin (APRM) had a humble beginning. It started at a small gathering at the kitchen table of Cliff and Joan Mendum in the spring of 1991. The invitees included Bill Miller, Brian Holtzhauer, Elva Kennedy and Chris Moehr. The motivation for this get together was a growing awareness of how special our small part of the world was, not only to its residents but also regionally, and consequently how much at risk Metchosin could be over time.
Out of that casual meeting grew an organization that has worked tirelessly to ensure the future of our treasured rural landscape and lifestyle. APRM was registered as a society in 1992 – consequently our slogan “working for you since 1992.” The Mission Statement took four months to draft and reach agreement from an 8-member Resource Group team. It has stood the test of time for 30 plus years and was updated in 2024 through a series of stakeholder workshops and adopted at the following AGM.
APRM’s membership has been led by no less than nine presidents, including Barry Mathias, who also established the Metchosin Muse as its first editor. APRM’s ongoing activities are known to many of you. These include direct input in the development of numerous strategic documents such as the Uplands Planning Commission, OCP review, and the CRD’s Regional Plan. Various members continue to play an active role as Council ‘watchdogs’ and in alerting members of local and regional issues that have direct or indirect implications for Metchosin.
APRM’s role within Metchosin is broad-based, including promotion and protection of our agricultural land base and natural areas. Over time the APRM has successfully partnered with other local organizations, and will continue to do so, on land use issues that fall within its mandate. The APRM welcomes all and any new members that share a passion for and commitment to the protection and preservation of a rural Metchosin.
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We ask everyone who read and agree with the Mission Statement prior to joining the APRM.