The association that funds extras at Monterey Recreation Centre is set to switch to a board of directors this month.
When the new BC Societies Act came into effect on Nov. 28, 2016, the Monterey Recreation Activities Association was already well into the required changes.
The MRAA is the former Oak Bay Seniors Activities Association, which raises funds for member bursaries, equipment and other extras at the Monterey avenue centre.
“The new name came out of the discussion when we were working on our new bylaws,” said Camille Wood, association president.
The new act requires a society to re-file its constitution and bylaws with the Corporate Registry, in some cases with changes to the content.
Since the review and alterations were required, the organization opted to do a name change at the same time.
They faced the question “what is our purpose?” and discovered a new name would better reflect the group.
“A lot of people didn’t like the ‘senior’ in the name. A variety of people also wanted Oak Bay taken out, as we’re open to anyone,” said member Jill Garnett. “It was an opportunity.”
Monterey membership is $43 and open to those 50 years and older, from Oak Bay and beyond.
The current executive took suggestions, whittled it down to three and gave members time to vote for a first, second and third choice.
The Transition Project Team worked over the past year under the the guidance of consultant Ann Moskow.
The constitution is now one concise sentence and the bylaws are a “contemporary” document, says Gail Hughes, association treasurer.
“They’re a god guideline for how we’re going to operate,” Hughes added.
One significant change is the switch from an executive committee of 38 to a 12-member board of directors, which members vote on during the MRAA annual general meeting on March 12.
“It has definitely put us in the 21st century,” Wood said.
The AGM is March 13 at 1 p.m. in the Garry Oak Room at Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Ave.
The current executive will report on what has happened over the year and present financial statements as well as the election for a new board of directors.