Thursday, June 20, 2024 — The District of Sooke invites all residents to participate in the Annual Budget Survey to help guide the allocation of tax dollars towards services that matter most to the community. This survey, now open, aims to gather valuable insights into local priorities and preferences, shaping the upcoming budget for 2025.
“This survey is a critical opportunity for every resident to have a direct impact on how their tax dollars are invested,” said Mayor Maja Tait. “Your feedback will inform our decisions as we plan for our community’s needs and build a more sustainable future for Sooke.”
The survey covers several key areas including current services, service expansion priorities, economic opportunities, and transportation infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to complete the survey, which typically takes between 5 to 15 minutes to finish.
To enhance engagement, the District will host a series of community pop-up events throughout the summer. These events provide residents with additional opportunities to learn about the budget process, ask questions, and share their feedback in person. The schedule for these events is as follows:
- Thursday, June 27, 5-8pm: Night Market at Sooke Region Museum
- Thursday, July 4, 5-8pm: Night Market at Sooke Region Museum
- Tuesday, July 9, 1pm-2:30pm: Broomhill Playground
- Thursday, July 11, 5-8pm: Night Market at Sooke Region Museum
- Saturday, July 13, 10am-2pm: Sooke Country Market
- Wednesday, July 17, 10am-11:30am: Whiffin Spit
- Thursday, July 18, 5-8pm: Night Market at Sooke Region Museum
- Thursday, July 25, 5-8pm: Night Market at Sooke Region Museum
- Wednesday, August 7, 10am-11:30am: Broomhill Playground
- Thursday, August 8, 5-8pm: Night Market at Sooke Region Museum
- Saturday, August 10, 10am-2pm: Sooke Country Market
- Thursday, August 15, 5-8pm: Night Market at Sooke Region Museum
“We encourage all residents, whether property owners or renters, to participate and ensure their voices are heard,” added Mayor Tait. “Your input, combined with our strategic planning documents, will shape the ‘What We Heard: Budget 2025’ report, which will be shared with the public this November.”
To participate in the survey and for more information on the budget process, residents are encouraged to visit letstalk.sooke.ca/budget.