Thursday, October 26, 2023 – As the leaves change colours and the air becomes crisp, we enter the full swing of autumn.
Hallowe’en is just around the corner, and the community is invited to gather at Camp Barnard for hot dogs, hot chocolate and a firework display over the lake and under the supervision of the Otter Point Fire Services. Many thanks to Otter Point Fire for hosting the festivities!
Many thanks also to the community as a whole in sharing in the tradition of Hallowe’en and using caution on roads as streets fill with children, youth and families enjoying the festivities.
Please note that consumer firework permits will not be issued, and residential fireworks are not allowed this Hallowe’en in Sooke. Current Fire Rescue Services call volumes are up 45% this year, so the availability of Sooke Fire Rescue Services to issue fireworks permits and ensure appropriate safety plans throughout the community while also providing timely responses to calls is just not possible. Your understanding and cooperation to adhere to this fireworks prohibition is appreciated.
Tomorrow, it is my honour to receive the first poppy from the Sooke Legion as they begin their annual poppy campaign. The poppy is a symbol of both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. I encourage you to support the poppy campaign and show your respect for our members serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, past and present, and their families. The Sooke Legion will once again host a community service for Remembrance Day beginning shortly before 11a on November 11th.
Additional events taking place in Sooke in the coming weeks include the Passing Seasons Spooky Vendors Seasonal Crafts and Food Trucks on Sunday, October 29 (12-5p), the Sooke Philharmonic’s New Beginnings: Schubert, Mendelssohn & Beethoven Concert on Sunday, October 29 (2:30p, visit sookephil.ca for tickets), a Zombie Walk Sidewalk Parade hosted by Amber Academy Youth Fine Arts Society also on Sunday, October 29 (3:30-5p), a Spooky Pumpkin Walk hosted by Friends of Sooke Parks Society on November 1 at Pineridge Park (5-8p), Repair Café at the Sooke Community Hall on Sunday, November 5 (10a-2p) and several education workshops from the 606 Water Group and Sooke Lifelong Learning at the Sooke Library (1:30p on November 2, 9 and 16). See sooke.ca/events for additional information and more events.
At this time of year, we kindly look to the community to assist with keeping stormwater drains clear of fallen leaves. By everyone working together, we can help prevent localized flooding once the regular rainfall arrives.
As a resource to support residents with autumn and winter rains, the District sandbag station is open at Ed Macgregor Park parking lot, 6752 West Coast Road. The station is self-serve, and open 24/7, with sand and bags provided by the District and the Emergency Management and Climate Readiness BC. Please bring your own shovel to fill the bags.
With seasonal rainfall on the horizon and river levels rising, salmon are returning to Charter’s Creek. I encourage you to take in this marvel of nature at the Charters River Salmon Interpretive Centre. While doing so, please keep to the trails and maintain your bear awareness as we co-exist with our local wildlife. If you are looking to learn more about bear awareness, please visit wildwisesociety.org.
Moving from the outdoors, inside at Council Chambers and recent public meetings, on September 25, 2023, Council approved a Development Permit Variance for 2109 Mowich Drive to relieve the owner from providing improvement to the public road right of way in maintaining the rural character of the area.
Also on September 25, 2023, Council received a presentation from our Community Economic Development Officer, including the process associated with Municipal and Regional Development Tax (MRDT), also referred to as a hotel tax or a visitor user fee. The fees collected through this avenue support the growth and management of the tourism industry and, as of 2018, can also be used to support affordable housing. That said, we are some time before potentially initiating an application as a Regional Destination Visitor Economy Plan must first be developed. After this plan is in place, consultation with stakeholders to explore the possibility of an MRDT will begin.
At the October 10, 2023 Council meeting, public hearings were held on two Zoning Amendments: one for 5529 Croydon Place and another for 2072, 2076 and 2080 Camden Place. After the public hearings closed, both received third reading (final Council discussion) and will proceed to an upcoming Council meeting for adoption.
As with all public meetings, these meetings are live-streamed meetings and public recordings of meetings are available on our YouTube channel. Please also find agendas, minutes and video links at sooke.ca/meetings.
With the administrative side of District operations, Raechel Gray, Director of Financial Services, will remain as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) as, together with Council, a new search begins to fill this position permanently. Unfortunately, due to an unexpected death in his family, the original hire, Mr. Jeremy Denegar, had to step aside out of respect for Sooke to allow more time for healing. I have a great deal of respect for Jeremy. His care for our community is evident in this decision.
As with each monthly update, a lot is happening with your local government and I invite you to stay connected.
Warm regards,
Mayor Maja Tait