District News, News

Clean up from windstorm continues throughout the community: Access to Sooke Potholes via Sooke River Road now open (updated Jan 15)

14
Jan

Friday, January 15, 2021, 12:20pm – The District is pleased to share that access to the Sooke Potholes via Sooke River Road is back open. Thank you for your patience as crews worked to ensure public safety.

The public is also reminded of the clean-up taking place at Whiffin Spit on Tuesday, January 19th. While the park will remain open during the clean-up, assistance from the public is required as:

  • the parking lot will be closed from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to clear the substantial debris including large rocks that have washed into the lot.
  • pets must be on leash when the work is being completed. This is for the safety of our four-legged friends and to assist machinery operators.
  • caution is required when navigating around the equipment. Staff will be on-site to assist with traffic control, please give equipment operators space in the area they are working.

If possible, please consider enjoying one of many of our other outdoor spaces while the Whiffin Spit clean up is underway.

Again, the District thanks the public for their patience, cooperation and assistance as crews respond to the effects of the significant weather event.

Thursday, January 14, 2021 – Clean up continues following Wednesday’s windstorm.

Sooke Fire Crews respond to high call volume

Sooke Fire responded to 33 calls overnight Tuesday, into Wednesday morning. “Four homes were impacted with fallen trees, three with minor damage and one with significant damage. No injuries occurred as a result of these incidents,” Matt Barney, Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Program Coordinator reports.

A Department Operations Centre was opened to increase capacity and respond to calls.

Parks Staff manage fallen trees and debris throughout the community

Trees downed throughout the community, including Sooke River Road, resulted in the closure of the Sooke Potholes. While the clearing of trees from the road is nearing completion and removal of debris from the parking lot is underway, lines in the area remain down. As a result, access to the Sooke Potholes via Sooke River Road remains closed at this time and a re-opening of the gate is not yet known.

Trees fell in several District parks including Ed Mcgregor, Deerlepe and Bluffs overnight. Sites were assessed early Wednesday morning and no further park closures were necessary.

Parks crews will continue to manage the cleanup. Jessica Boquist, Parks and Environmental Services Coordinator describes the effects, “It will take some time for our team to clear all sites. Trees were downed in several parks and tree crews are in high demand. There is significant debris ashore at Whiffin Spit as well so, while our team is responding throughout the community, clean up efforts will continue well into next week.”

Whiffin Spit Clean-up

Equipment will be on-site at Whiffin Spit on Tuesday, January 19th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. While the park will remain open as the work is completed, the public is:

  • Advised that the parking lot will be closed from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to clear the substantial debris including large rocks that have washed into the lot.
  • Asked to leash up their pets. This is for the safety of our four-legged friends and to assist machinery operators. Your cooperation is appreciated.
  • Reminded to use caution when navigating around the equipment. While staff will be on-site to assist with traffic control, please give equipment operators space in the area they are working.
  • If possible, consider enjoying one of many of our other outdoor spaces while the clean up is underway.

Mayor Maja Tait commented on the response, “I really want to thank all involved in responding to this weather event – Sooke Fire Rescue and District Staff, Sooke RCMP, BC Hydro, Victoria Contracting, EMCON Services and the Capital Regional District. It takes a coordinated team effort to ensure public safety when Mother Nature calls.”

Learn more about the District of Sooke:

Local emergency information sources:

Contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
District of Sooke
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
e: cmoog@sooke.ca

Considerable debris was carried onto the trail at Whiffin Spit. Park visitors are reminded to use caution on the uneven surfaces. Clean-up after the recent storm is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19th.