Increased availability for 2023 after successful 2022 pilot project
Thursday, May 11, 2023 – Sooke residents can bring scotch broom to a complimentary drop-off station at the District of Sooke Parks Yard at 2070 Kaltasin Road on Saturday afternoons, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm from May 27th to June 17th.
After a two-day pilot in 2022 and significant positive feedback, along with funding through the Province’s Local Government Climate Action Program, the District is extending the hours for this service for 2023.
“We hope to eventually extend the program to more yard waste, but for now are focusing on the species that is easily recognizable and poses a considerable risk to native plants and our wildfire hazard,” Jessica Boquist Parks and Environmental Services Coordinator says. “We have a limited capacity at the yard and we need to ensure we can dispose of all that is gathered appropriately.”
Scotch broom is an invasive woody shrub first introduced to southern Vancouver Island in the 1850s, was previously sold at Greater Victoria plant nurseries 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 Boquist. “It’s helpful to restore sites where broom has been removed with native plants such as Oregon grape or red currant,” she adds.
In addition to the community-wide Broombusting event on April 21st, support Sooke Broombusters and Juan de Fuca Trails Society with local broom-busting events and the complimentary drop-off program for Sooke residents, the District is also partnering with Edward Milne Community School on neighbourhood invasive species community events during the months of May and June.
Learn more:
- Sooke Broombusters
- Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society
- Sooke FireSmart Program
- Ashlene Akatarian, FireSmart Coordinator: 250.642.5422, ext. 688
Book a Free FireSmart Home Assessment:
- Book online or call 250.642.5422 to book your appointment by phone
Invasive species management and FireSmart education are identified as priorities for 2023 in the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan implementation. Learn more about the Plan Implementation at letstalk.sooke.ca/sooke2030.
Media Contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
cmoog@sooke.ca l 250.642.1634, ext. 678