Friday, May 3, 2024 – Lot A at 6671 Wadams Way is poised to transform into a vibrant community hub, offering an integrated healthcare facility, a bustling community plaza, mixed-use seniors housing along with a community centre, all complemented by the Sooke branch of the Vancouver Island Public Library.
Earlier this week, BC Builds announced that Sooke is among one of eight new partners set to leverage the program which teams the province with non-profits, local governments, public agencies, First Nations, and community groups to provide funding and financing to support housing construction, and in Sooke’s case also the integrated community health centre.
“The Lot A Community Hub represents an extraordinary opportunity for Sooke to foster connectivity and well-being within our community,” Mayor Maja Tait emphasized. “Through collaboration with BC Builds and various stakeholders, we’re building more than structures; we’re nurturing a sense of belonging, inclusivity and access to health services closer to home.”
The BC Builds program aims to facilitate concept to construction within a 12 to 18-month timeframe, meaning the vision first endorsed by Council on May 19, 2019 could be that much closer to becoming a reality.
“The journey toward the Lot A Community Hub and realizing each of the four quadrants demonstrates the strength of community-driven initiatives,” Mayor Tait noted. “From grassroots engagement to Council endorsement, it’s a project that has been guided by the collective aspirations of our residents.”
The vision for this town centre space has been carefully shaped by the community. A series of one-on-one stakeholder interviews, online feedback, and local research, culminated in a site-specific charrette. The charrette brought together community members and organizations, along with Council, to voice their perspectives, roll up their sleeves and engage in the design process. The amalgamation of these perspectives, suggestions, and ideas shaped the recommendation that Sooke Council endorsed in 2019. Additionally, the health centre has been a long-time priority, led by Mayor Tait, and developed in collaboration with medical service providers through the Primary Health Care Services Working Group and the 2016 Sooke Region Health Summit.
The Public Opportunity Notice is available through the BC Builds website with a submission deadline for interested applicants of July 25, 2024.
Learn more:
- Lot A Information Page
- Report on Lot A
- 2016 Health Summit Report
- P6671 Wadams Way – southeast quadrant Property Opportunity Notice
- BC Builds Website
Media contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
District of Sooke
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
e: cmoog@sooke.ca