A New Branch for the Association’s Anniversary
Western Communities is the first new branch formed within the BCGREA in the last 15 years. The Western Communities includes the area north of Victoria encompassing, Colwood, Metchosin, Langford, Sooke and Duncan. This is significant as our association has experienced the closing of a few branches in the last two decades. This “turn around” comes as the BCGREA marks its 75th anniversary. A double reason to celebrate.
The genesis of the Western Communities Branch started back in 2017. I was new to the Recruitment and Retention (R & R) Committee and wondered why there was no branch in the Western Communities. The committee felt that having this new branch formed would be more convenient and provide greater accessibility for our members, and therefore encourage more participation.
The idea was put on the backburner for a couple of years as other projects took priority. Then came Covid. I took over as Chair of the R & R Committee in April of 2021, just as things were starting to move forward again. In October of 2021, I proposed the idea of a branch in the Western Communities. The concept had general support from the R & R committee and the Table Officers. There was the desire to make sure that the neighbouring branches would not unduly suffer by the formation of this new branch. Those concerns were addressed, and the initial email went out asking for members to join. The only stipulation in our rules for the formation of a new branch was that at least 25 members agreed to be a part of it. Those numbers were reached, and the branch was officially acknowledged at the 2022 Annual General Meeting.
At the time of this writing, the Western Communities Branch has over 80 members! The interim executive has had several planning meetings and hosted their first official Branch meeting in Langford. Congratulations to the Western Communities Branch and Happy Anniversary to the BCGREA!
For more information on the Branch, email the branch executive at: www.bcgrea.ca/branches/western-communities-branch-2700.
Submitted by
Al Coccola
Interim Chair
Western Communities Branch 2700
