An interactive map of the entire Diocese of New Westminster is now available on the Internet, a project of the diocesan Environmental Unit.
The map gives the location of every parish, along with all manner of other features – not only roads and waterways, but green space, trails and bicycle paths, and ecological features.
Parishioners can add to the map, said David Dranchuk, diocesan coordinator for societal ministry.
“This is a tool that we hope will help parishes get to know what’s in their neighbourhoods and environment, and give them a way to share that information with their local communities,” said Dranchuk.
| The interactive map available for parishes to use. |
Individual parishes however can add to the maps to plot special features such as wildlife sightings, local gardens growing food, paths and bike routes, ecological features, and so on. Parishes on the Sunshine Coast – St. Hilda’s, Sechelt, St. Andrew’s, Pender Harbour, and St. Bartholomew, Gibson, have been initially involved in this project.
Much of the initial work plotting information has been done by Quyen Tran, a University of BC Geography student, who has been a summer student in the Synod Office. She has entered the location of all 78 of the diocese’s parishes.
| Summer student Quyen Tran set up the map. |
The base map and the software behind it come from the Community Mapping Network, an organization sponsored by the federal, provincial, regional, and local governments, educational institutions, environment groups, and others. Its main objective is to promote the planning of sustainable communities.
To see the map go to http://www.shim.bc.ca/atlases/anglican/ (Currently, the software only works with the Internet Explorer browser.)
For more information about the project and for a password with which one can plot parish-related information contact David Dranchuk.