Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – Mayor Maja Tait, members of Sooke Council, and Chief Administrative Officer Raechel Gray are actively participating in the 2024 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention, bringing forward key advocacy work to ensure Sooke’s most pressing issues are addressed. The convention is a platform for local governments to collaborate with the Province, enabling communities to push for critical changes that benefit residents. It is taking place this week in Vancouver.
Attendees will be voting on a range of resolutions during the UBCM Convention. These resolutions cover a wide array of provincial and local issues, impacting housing, infrastructure, and community services, outlined in the 2024 UBCM Resolutions Book.
Key advocacy areas the District is addressing with various provincial ministerial meetings with officials at the event include (not exhaustive):
1. Transportation and Infrastructure
- Highway 14 Improvements: We are advocating for the next phase of Highway 14 improvements to ease congestion and enhance safety.
- Transit Services Expansion: We are highlighting the need for increased transit services and expedited implementation of the Sooke Local Area Transit Plan.
- Transportation Master Plan (TMP): Sooke is requesting funding to complete its TMP and prioritize sustainable transit solutions, along with active transportation, to help reduce reliance on Route 14.
2. Housing and Community Planning
- Senior Housing and Isolation: Council is urging the Office of the Seniors Advocate (OSA) to address issues of senior isolation and precarious housing, exacerbated by geographic challenges and rising costs.
- Affordable Housing Advocacy: Sooke continues to push for increased affordable housing options and support services that prevent housing instability and homelessness.
- School Infrastructure: With the community’s growth, Council is seeking funding for new schools and ensuring Sooke is prioritized in capital planning with the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
3. Support Services and Social Well-being
- Mental Health and Addiction Services: Addressing homelessness, public substance use, and mental health crises is another priority.
- Youth and Shelter Funding: The Council is seeking stable funding for youth services and operational support for the Sooke Shelter, which provides essential overnight services for vulnerable residents.
- Food Bank Support: Ensuring sustainable funding for community food banks remains a priority to address growing food insecurity.
Through continued advocacy and collaboration with provincial leaders at the UBCM Convention, Mayor and Council are determined to secure the resources and support necessary to address Sooke’s most pressing challenges and build a stronger, more resilient community for all residents.
