Business Resources
Last updated April 7, 2021
The District of Sooke is proud of the diversity of local businesses that operate within the community. This page was initially developed to support businesses during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and will evolve over the coming months to provide information to local businesses as well as visitors. If there is information you feel would be beneficial please let us know by emailing corp@sooke.ca with your suggestions. Please be reminded that this page is changing and to check back frequently for updates.
Food Truck Service in Parks Pilot Program
The District of Sooke is offering, on a trial basis, the opportunity for local food truck operators to sell their product in select Sooke Parks. Locations selected for this pilot program include Ed Macgregor Park, Broomhill Park, and John Phillips Memorial Park.
Applications will be received starting April 15th and vendors may begin operating in assigned parks starting May 1st. Location assignments for vendors will be done on a first-come, first-served basis and rotate weekly to provide fresh options for park users and input on the sites from the vendor’s perspective.
Council waived $200/day commercial use of municipal property fee in favour of a $250/month “Food Truck Program” fee, which is on the lower-end of comparable park fees in the region. A one-time $50 application fee and a $300 damage deposit are also required upon securing park space.
Operators are encouraged to utilize compostable food containers (plastic strongly discouraged), where possible.
For further details and to apply, please view the FOOD TRUCKS IN PARKS PROGRAM – PERMIT APPLICATION 2021, and
In submitting your completed application form, please include the following supporting documentation:
- 2020 Business License
- Vancouver Island Health Authority Permit
- Insurance of $2,000,000.00 with indemnification for the District of Sooke
Related:
COVID-19 Resources
WorkSafe BC has made additional resources for businesses available:
- Reviewing and updating your COVID-19 safety plan: A guide for employers
- Updated entry check for workers poster
- Updated entry check for visitors poster
There are a number of agencies dedicated to ensuring small businesses in British Columbia have the resources they need during these difficult times. We have compiled several of these resources below in the ‘Links for Businesses’ area. If you find any additional resources that you would like to share please email them to SEPPlanningChief@sooke.ca.
The Provincial Government has several economic development resources available that can be found. Personal Service Establishments and Major Planned Events have been temporarily suspended in BC. Click here for more information.
The Federal Government has announced an $82 billion pandemic aid package for Canadians. This includes income supports, flexible options for taxpayers, mortgage default management tools, support for businesses and more. Click here to read more about Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
Tourism Business Resources
The Vancouver Island Coastal Tourism Resiliency Program will be providing Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast tourism businesses with meaningful, hands-on guidance and support to navigate the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt and work towards long-term resiliency.