Wednesday, May 4, 2022 – Sooke residents can bring broom to a drop-off station at the District of Sooke Parks Yard at 2070 Kaltasin Road on Saturday, May 21 and Saturday, June 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Scotch broom is an invasive woody shrub first introduced to southern Vancouver Island in the 1850s and grows throughout the region. It presents a wildfire hazard and competes with native plant species, even changing the chemistry of the soil. The district encourages residents to remove broom on their property or participate in a local “broom busting event” hosted by Sooke Broombusters or Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society.
“Ideally, remove broom when in bloom by cutting at the base of the plant instead of pulling, to limit soil disturbance and prevent weed seeds from germinating,” advises Jessica Boquist, Parks and Environmental Services Coordinator. “It’s helpful to restore sites where broom has been removed with native plants such as Oregon grape or red currant,” Boquist adds.
A community broom-busting event is scheduled with Sooke Broombusters at Phillips Road and Riverstone Drive on Saturday, May 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ashlene Akatarian, the District’s FireSmart Program Coordinator, will be on-site at the Parks Yard during the broom drop-off events to assist residents and provide more information for residents on how they can reduce wildfire risk and damage to their property by using FireSmart principles.
Learn more:
- Sooke Broombusters
- Laura Black or Laurel Wellman
- broombusterssooke@gmail.com
- Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society
- Sooke FireSmart Program
- Ashlene Akatarian, FireSmart Coordinator
- 642.5422, ext. 688
Book a Free FireSmart Home Assessment:
Book online or call 250.642.5422 to book your appointment by phone
The broom drop-off and FireSmart Home Assessment services are being made available at no cost to Sooke residents thanks to funding from the Union of BC Municipalities FireSmart Community Funding program. Sooke is located within the Wildland Urban Interface zone meaning our community is at a greater risk of a devasting wildfire. The District is working with residents to develop our community’s wildfire resilience.
Media Contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
cmoog@sooke.ca l 250.642.1634, ext. 678
