District of Sooke Prepares for Rain Season with Self-Serve Sandbag Station at Ed Macgregor Park Parking Lot

Friday, October 18, 2024 – With the rainy season approaching and heavy rainfall in the forecast for later today, the District of Sooke is supporting residents by reopening the self-serve sandbag station at the Ed Macgregor Park Parking Lot. This station provides a valuable resource for residents to protect their properties from potential flooding.

The sandbag station, located in the parking lot of Ed Macgregor Park (6765 West Coast Road), is now open for the season (until Spring2025). The station is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offers sand and sandbags – available at no cost. Residents are reminded to bring their own shovels and gloves for filling the bags.

“By opening the self-serve sandbag station, we aim to give our community the tools they need to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flooding,” says Ryland Bennett, District of Sooke Emergency Program Manager. “We encourage residents to take proactive measures to protect their homes and properties.”

Residents are advised to monitor local weather forecasts and be aware of the potential for significant rainfall. Taking early action to place sandbags around vulnerable areas can make a significant difference in minimizing damage.

The District of Sooke will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates as necessary through the District’s website and through the Alertable app. If you are not registered on Alertable or are interested in more information, please follow this link: Alertable.

Learn more about the Sooke Emergency program on our website

Sooke Emergency Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to fill and place sandbags?

To fill sandbags efficiently, fill them halfway to two-thirds full and tie them at the top. Overfilled bags can make placement difficult and reduce effectiveness. When placing sandbags, lay them in layers, starting from the corners and working towards the middle. Stack the bags in a staggered pattern, similar to laying bricks, and press down firmly to remove air pockets.

How do I properly dispose of sandbags after use?

Once the concern of flooding has passed, store them for future use or return them to the sandbag station.

Can I use sand from the station for other purposes?

No, the sand and bags at the station are provided specifically for flood protection. Please refrain from using these resources for any other purposes to ensure they are available for those who need them during weather emergencies.

What other flood prevention measures can I take?

In addition to using sandbags, you can protect your property by clearing gutters, downspouts, and storm drains, elevating furniture or appliances in low-lying areas, and sealing any potential points of water entry, such as basement windows or cracks in walls. Consider consulting a professional if more advanced measures are needed. Learn more here: Get prepared for floods – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

What if there are no bags available at the station?

Parks staff will monitor the inventory of sand and bags during routine inspections that occur each week. During weather events, additional supplies will be made available. Please take only enough to meet your needs so that supplies are available for others.

Will this take away from the already limited parking available at Ed Macgregor Park?

The station will be set up to minimize disruption to parking.

Who do I call to report concerns or make suggestions about the sandbag station?

The success of this location and the service available for the community requires residents and District operations to work together. If you have concerns or suggestions, please call the District of Sooke municipal hall reception at 250.642.1634.