The District of Metchosin and Beecher Bay First Nation are forging common bonds.

While the two communities never had problems with each another, they have decided to create a memorandum of understanding.

“This is something we should of done years ago,” said Metchosin Mayor John Ranns. “It only makes sense. We are two communities that have similar problems to face (such as financial and structural).”

Through the MOU, both communities are looking into scheduling two meetings a year to discuss each others needs and how they can benefit each other.

In June councils from Metchosin and Beecher Bay met for a potluck lunch to discuss their communities and respective challenges.

“We found areas where we could work together,” said Coun. Moralea Milne, the Metchosin council liaison to Beecher Bay. “The two communities are side by side and both have historic roots. We can benefit each other.”

Before the MOU drafted was created the communities were already working together more often.

When Beecher Bay expressed interest in BC Transit providing service to the reserve in June, the District also sent a letter of support. There is no public transit to Beecher Bay and many residents have to hitchhike from Metchosin bus stops home.

Metchosin council has already approved the memorandum and is waiting for it to be approved by Beecher Bay council before the two meet again to finalize the document together.

“We are working together making better relationships,” Milne said.

“We both have a tendency to operate in more isolation than what was necessary,” Ranns said.

Beecher Bay representatives were unable to comment by the Gazette’s deadline.

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