Friday, July 19, 2024 – It has been a busy month at the District of Sooke, and I am pleased to share some updates on several community priorities. We have successfully recruited new staff and now have a full complement within our engineering services team, which is keenly focused on
our transportation infrastructure.
Our resources are dedicated to addressing short, medium, and long-term solutions for our transportation needs. We are committed to keeping the Charters Road project on schedule, if not ahead of schedule, as a short-term solution to our transportation challenges. We are also finalizing the design of the Throup Road Connector to update project costs and likely proceed to a referendum as another priority project.
Our engineering staff has initiated dialogue with provincial staff on the design for Highway 14 from the Sooke River Bridge to Church Road. Our goal is to explore the prospect of a transit and right-turn lane along this corridor.
Additionally, Council has met with MLA Parmar and is actively advocating to numerous provincial ministers on initiatives such as rapid bus service from Sooke to core destinations for commuters. We have also requested modifications to access points on school sites to assist with travel within our community.
These initiatives reflect a snapshot of our local efforts to improve vehicle traffic flow. A major pedestrian project underway is the Little River Crossing, set to open during the 2025-2026 school year, which will also help move people around Sooke more expeditiously providing a safe pedestrian route.
The District’s budget survey is currently open. I have enjoyed connecting with residents at local markets and parks as we discuss the 2025 budget, provide education about referendums and begin conversations around borrowing funds for road projects, land purchases, and sidewalks. We are listening to the community and progressing all priority projects as resources allow. To participate online, please visit letstalk.sooke.ca/budget. The survey is open until August 25, 2024, and includes questions on growing our local economy and traffic solutions, in addition to District services levels and budget priorities.
Given the transportation challenges, Council and I have directed staff to request an extension on Bill 44, the provincial legislation that pre-zones single-family lots connected to water and sewer to allow for three units (less than 280 square metres) and four units (more than 280 square metres). We are waiting to hear back on this item, and I will let you know once we do.
It was a pleasure to welcome 3,200 Scouts to the Pacific Jamboree recently and support our local girls’ U15 fastball team at provincials. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to the upcoming Sooke Fine Arts Show, too! While the traffic challenges are frustrating, let’s not lose sight of the great things happening.
In recent years, we have realized phase one of Otter Point Road, phases one and two of Church Road, including the Church-Throup Roundabout, and road improvements on Otter Point North and Manzer Road. We opened a community multi-use sports facility and are expanding the site with additional recreation amenities. We’ve also secured millions in grant funding to alleviate the increased financial burden on residents. We have opened below-market housing and initiated works on a community health centre, reflecting our commitment to the well-being and quality of life of our residents. We have also expanded our district-owned parks and greenspaces, thanks to developer contributions from previously privately owned land.
Soon, we’ll be coming together to celebrate a community mural unveiling that reflects our past, honours our relationship with the T’Sou-ke Nation and the lads we proudly share and provides a vision for the future.
As you travel on Highway 14, I encourage you to embrace the pace and take in the natural beauty surrounding you. Traffic congestion is not ideal, but let’s make the best of this reality as we grow and drive a new path forward with a healthy perspective of community positivity and care.
Warm regards,
Maja Tait
Mayor of Sooke