Business Resources

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.

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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.

Register for the Program

Links for Businesses South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) – Resources Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce Resources for Small Businesses (Small Businesses BC site) Small Business Support (Small Businesses BC site) Economic Development Resources (Provincial Gov’t site) BC Economic Response Plan of Businesses BC Economic Development Association – Information Entrepreneurs Resource (BC Centre for Disease Control site) Personal Service Establishments Provincial Tax & Revenue Changes

Local Business Information 

The District of Sooke encourages residents to Choose Sooke whenever they can. To help, we have compiled this list of local businesses that are operating in Sooke during the COVID-19 pandemic. This list is by no means exhaustive and we suggest you confirm the accuracy of the information below before visiting. If you would like to suggest an addition/change to the list, please email SEPPlanningChief@sooke.ca.

B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth released a list of essential services, defined as “essential to preserving life, health, public safety and basic societal functioning. They are the services British Columbians rely on in their daily lives.” For more information please visit the BC Government News website.

While reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the information contained on this webpage is current at the time of publication, it can change quickly and without notice. The District of Sooke is in no way liable for the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information contained on this webpage and does not guarantee that the information may be relied upon for any reason. If you would like to suggest an addition/change to the information, please email SEPPlanningChief@sooke.ca

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Grocery Stores

Food supply chains are operating and stores are doing their best to keep the shelves stocked with the necessities residents require. CBC News released useful information on how we can all implement practices of physical distancing while grocery shopping – watch the online video. Physical distancing can help keep ourselves and our neighbours safe and healthy during this pandemic.

Retail Food Stores – Information

Grocery Business Name	Details	Contact
Daniel's Market	Delivery available	facebook
Western Foods	Open 7am - 8pm daily	website
West Coast Natural Foods	Open 9am - 6pm daily	website
Village Food Market	Open 7am - 8pm daily	website

 

Pharmacies

During this pandemic, pharmacies and their employees have been recognized as essential health care providers. Please be aware that hours may be altered. Please plan ahead and note that prescriptions may take longer than usual to be filled.

Pharmacy Business Name	Details	Contact
Shoppers Drug Mart	10am - 6pm daily *Post Office 10am-5pm First opening hour of shopping at our stores to our customers who need assistance or consideration, including seniors and people living with disabilities	website
Pharmasave	Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm Sat 9am - 4pm Sun 10am - 4pm	website

 

Financial Institutions

There are a number of financial institutions in Sooke. Please check with your regular branch for altered hours of operation. Most  ATM machines can be utilized at your branch even while closed and you are able to withdraw cash from many retail stores when making a purchase.

Financial Institution Business Names	Details	Contact
CIBC		website
Coast Capital Savings		website
Royal Bank		website
TD Canada Trust

 

Animal and Pet Services

Your pet is just as important as you are. Veterinary services vary between our local vets, please ensure you call ahead to arrange a curb-side emergency evaluation or consult over the phone. Both animal supplies stores in Sooke are open, with limited hours and physical distancing measures in the store to ensure everyone is safe.

Animal Services Businesses	Details	Contact
Bosley's		website 778-365-0716
Otter Point Veterinary	Open half days, closed Sunday. Emergency services only.	778-425-1425
Sassenos Veterinary	Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9am-4pm	website Facebook 250-642-7387
Sooke Veterinary	Open 8am - 3 pm weekdays Closed on Saturdays	website 250-642-4413
Wiskers & Wags	Pick up & delivery available Open Mon-Sat 9am - 4pm Closed Sundays.	website 250-642-4318

 

Restaurants (Take Out & Delivery)

NOTE regarding non-health essential service providers: The province says that “any business or service that has not been ordered to close, and is also not identified on the essential service list, may stay open if it can adapt its services and workplace to the orders and recommendation of the provincial health officer.”

For the most up-to-date information on local businesses, please check often as this page will be updated as required. 

Did we missing anything? If you would like to send us any suggestions we will gladly review and update this page as necessary. Please send your comments to SEPPlanningChief@sooke.ca