Preserving the rural integrity of Metchosin is the perennial priority expressed by council hopefuls at election time.
There’s less urgency this time around, with no slate of candidates expressing strong pro-development platforms. But with the amalgamation debate picking up steam around the region, many argue that Metchosin would have the most to lose from a municipal merger.
Alongside fears of suburbanization are concerns about the future of farming. Rising property values create barriers for young people interested in agriculture, and residents are looking to council to promote policies to make it easier to farm.
Mayor John Ranns, who is running for his seventh non-consecutive term, said treaty negotiations with the Scia’new nation (Beecher Bay) — in the works since 2005 — are expected to wrap up in the next few years. It’s no surprise that keeping Metchosin rural has been at the heart of those negotiations as well, Ranns said. The terms are currently confidential.
Other candidates expressed interest in fewer in-camera council meetings, stricter enforcement of bylaws and more extensive plans for dealing with population growth. Another common commitment in most platforms was keeping finances in check and administration lean.
This year’s race will have some familiar faces alongside new ones.
“We’ve got a healthy mixture of experience and new talent looking to run,” said Bob Burgis, president of the Metchosin Community Association.
Three incumbents are running: Ranns and councillors Bob Gramigna and Moralea Milne. Former mayor Karen Watson is seeking a council seat, as are former councillors Kyara Kahakauwila and Chris Moehr. Former councillor Ed Cooper is challenging Ranns for his job again, despite being defeated in 2011.
» READ MORE: Candidate profiles
Metchosin facts
- Number of seats on council: mayor and four councillors
- Major issues:
- Preserving area’s rural character
- Keeping municipal finances in check
- Protecting farming
- Annual remuneration, mayor: $22,000 (plus annual CPI increases)
- Annual remuneration, councillors: $13,000 ( plus annual CPI increases)
- Revenue, 2013: $5,316,233
- Expenses, 2013: $4,384,493
- Estimated population: 5,130
- Estimated eligible voters: 4,287
- Voter turnout, 2011: 48.82%
- Amalgamation question: None
- Advance voting: Nov. 5 and 12, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at Metchosin Municipal Hall, 4450 Happy Valley Rd.
- General voting: Nov. 15, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Community Hall, 4401 William Head Rd.
- How votes will be cast: Paper ballot, marked with “X”
- How votes will be counted: By hand
- Website: district.metchosin.bc.ca
