Friday, December 10, 2021 – The District of Sooke is undertaking a process to establish a new sewer service for the Whiffin Spit and Kaltasin Areas. Improving this area’s underground services has been identified by the District’s Liquid Waste Management Plan since 2010 to help protect our community’s natural environment and assist property owners with a sustainable wastewater management solution.
Earlier this year, the District began a process to review opportunities for extending Sooke’s sewer system to areas of Whiffin Spit and Kaltasin currently operating on septic systems. This process is being pursued on the behalf of Sooke residents for the following reasons:
- To reduce potential environmental impacts of failing septic systems on the Sooke Basin and Sooke River.
- The wastewater treatment system removes over 95% of the total suspended solids and high levels of other contaminants.
- The treated effluent is discharged via a 1.7km long, 30 m deep marine outfall to the Juan de Fuca Strait.
- To support continued efforts to improve the environmental quality of the harbour, recognizing this significance to both the T’Sou-ke First Nation, whose heritage is derived from a land of natural abundance, and District residents.
- To provide area property owners with a sustainable wastewater management system.
The project team is seeking grant funding in coordination with the T’Sou-ke First Nation from senior governments to support the proposed sewer expansion for the Whiffin Spit and Kaltasin areas. The proposed grant application has the potential to cover between 60% – 73% of the total project costs up to a project cost of $16 million.
As we prepare for the upcoming grant application and do our best to maximize funding opportunities, we need to hear from affected property owners.
Property owners are asked to take a moment to complete the neighbourhood-specific survey for the area where they reside. Information packages and surveys are being mailed to potentially impacted residents this week. Please return completed surveys in person, by mail, email to wwplanning[at]sooke.ca or by phone at 250.642.1634 by January 10, 2022. Surveys can also be completed online at letstalk.sooke.ca/wwplanning.
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