Sooke is a Happening Place!
Sooke, BC - October 26, 2009
Over the next few months, Sooke will see some exciting changes to our community. The recently approved Prestige Hotel & Conference Centre and municipal boat launch partnering project on West Coast Road will begin construction immediately, with an anticipated opening in the Spring of 2011. Construction is starting on the grant-funded Sooke Spirit Square public washrooms and outdoor performance theatre. Travellers on Sooke Road will have noticed changes around Edward Milne Community School -- the new BC Transit “Park and Ride” near Edward Milne Community School will be completed shortly, encouraging travel alternatives for the public.
Mariners Village is expected to commence Phase One of its development in the Spring of 2010 – kicking off our new Sooke Town Centre. Mariners Village is a 12 acre waterfront mixed use development in the Sooke Town Centre with up to 475 residential dwelling units (condos and townhouses),10,000 square meters of commercial space and a 170 slip marina.
“The District has received $605,768.00 from federal and provincial Infrastructure Stimulus funding for the long awaited boat launch facility, which will include a further portion of the marine boardwalk,” Mayor Janet Evans says, “Thank you to all those who petitioned for a boat launch in 2007 – your contribution supported the District in its successful application for the grant!”
All these new projects are building on the great projects that Sooke has completed since incorporation. Sewers have been installed to allow for higher density in the core area and to clean up the Sooke Harbour and Basin. New sidewalks and trailways -- funded by grants and development – have been installed to link the town centre and schools to residential areas. The Sooke Rotary Pier and Marine boardwalk to Ed Macgregor Park have become a destination for residents and tourists alike. Public art is found everywhere, from the Mariner Man on Murray Road to the Sooke Fall Fair Murals at the Sooke Community Hall. Sooke is becoming a noted participant in the Communities in Bloom program with innovative projects and extraordinary community involvement.
“As a team, District staff and Council, have worked hard to make these projects happen,” says Mayor Janet Evans, “T’Sou-Ke Nation and many community organizations have been valued members of our “team”.
While continuing to support our diverse local businesses, the District of Sooke will continue to encourage commercial and industrial businesses to locate their operations in Sooke through incentive programs and innovative ventures. Development and increases in the commercial tax base will provide funding for improved road networks, acquiring trails and open spaces – including further waterfront trail connections, revitalizing the downtown, providing affordable housing and implementing sustainability policies.
For more information, contact:
District of Sooke
tel: (250) 642-1634
fax: (250) 642-0541