ABOUT BMCA
At the 2023 Annual General Meeting The Bear Mountain Community Association (BMCA) amended the Constitution from Member Funded Society to now be an Ordinary or Not for Profit Society.
Throughout its 10-year history, the BMCA has undergone a series of transformations, influenced by multiple factors such as changes in the Societies Act; turnover in Board of Directors; the impact of COVID restrictions; challenges in fundraising efforts; and ongoing debates about BMCA’s purpose.
Following the April 2023 Strategic Planning sessions, those present expressed a strong desire for community building. Suggestions put forth by participants included the need to enhance awareness within the Bear Mountain Community about the BMCA through multimedia approaches. A priority for organized family social gatherings was also recommended. It was also recognized that effective fundraising efforts were required beyond relying on membership fees to be crucial in achieving these community-building goals.
BMCA Board continues to be the voice for Bear Mountain residents through providing valuable input to the Council and Langford staff on items of interest such as land use and planning proposals. The Board also fosters collaboration with developers and businesses operating within the Bear Mountain Community to ensure our neighbors receive timely and accurate information on matters of importance.
Bear Mountain Community is geographically located within the City of Langford and shares a common goal being a strong desire to preserve, maintain, discover, and celebrate a quality of life that exists here that is unique to Vancouver Island and BC. Please see the map below.
Vision: “An Engaged Neighbourhood Dedicated to Building A Healthy, Vibrant and Safe Community that is proudly Bear Mountain”.
We all love Bear Mountain and want to see it prosper. If you are not already a member, please join us.
HISTORY
On Nov 20, 2012, Bear Mountain Land Holdings (BMLH) held an open house unveiling their application plan for re-zoning to the City of Langford which involved the removal of 9 holes from the Mountain Course, for residential development. Many residents attended the open house and the general impression was that Bear Mountain is a destination, not an ordinary community, and that residents wanted to save the Resort green space.
Bear Mountain resident, Brad Maclaren spoke to forming a neighbourhood/community association as a collaborative effort to prevent HSBC from “destroying” the golf course.
On December 11, 2012, a meeting was held in the common area at Finlayson Reach with approximately 75 people attending. At this time, a core group of people was organized to move forward.
Door to door campaigning was met with a resounding and positive response from the community. Petitions were signed and letters were sent to the City of Langford opposing the proposed rezoning that would result in the removal of 9 holes from the Mountain Golf Course, to accommodate residential housing.
On May 24th, 2013, the Bear Mountain Resort was on the market, with the Mountain Golf Course remaining intact. Recognizing that new ownership was around the corner provided the Bear Mountain Community a cautious sigh of relief. To assure continued advocacy on behalf of Bear Mountain residents, knowing there is strength in community the Bear Mountain Community Association (BMCA) was incorporated as a Member Funded Society and registered under the Society Act on July 17, 2013.