MACCA has a new lease!
by Gail Nash, MACCA Treasurer, February 2022
When MACCA was started, way back in 2007, Sooke School District owned the property and use of the school building was arranged by way of sublease through the District of Metchosin. Metchosin purchased the property in 2017 and MACCA continued to run the art centre under an agreement with the District. Although the MACCA directors poured incalculable hours and many dollars into repairing and improving the facility, there was no guarantee that their vision would continue.
That uncertainty has ended, and we are very pleased to announce that the councillors of the District of Metchosin unanimously passed a motion to enact a formal lease and operating agreement with the MACCA. The term is for five years, renewable for a further five at MACCA’s option. The agreement took three years to develop
… this agreement … will be a deliberate decision to support the arts in Metchosin …
Councillor MacKinnon:
This is a great deal for Metchosin, in that the community has a solid and responsible organization that can take the load off the District and do what has been desired for some time. MACCA deserves a lot of credit for their professionalism and work on the building.
Mayor Ranns
… it is thrilling to have the lease documents before Council. This has taken years to achieve, looking at the District’s requirements and the practical requirements of a non-profit society, which is focused on local arts and culture. As a director of MACCA, I want to thank Councillor Epp, the rest of Council and fellow volunteers.
Betty Hildreth
MACCA members Art Brendon, Gail Nash, Chris Van de Water, Betty Hildreth, Anne Richmond, Heather Ratcliffe Hood and Charmaine Welch all contributed over the years to making this agreement possible.
Despite the limitations and restrictions necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the directors of the MACCA are now making plans for the future. We expect to be able to offer more events and programming for public enjoyment. Stay tuned …
