Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – Mark your calendars! The High Ground Hike is happening on Thursday, April 17th, at 11:00 AM – a community event focused on emergency preparedness and tsunami safety. 
Join the District of Sooke for this important event, where participants will hike from Sooke Flats to SEAPARC Recreation Centre, learning about evacuation routes, disaster readiness, and personal preparedness plans along the way. Emergency preparedness experts and Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers will be on hand to provide valuable information and answer questions.
Why participate?
- Learn essential emergency preparedness skills
- Understand evacuation procedures
- Access key preparedness resources
- Enter to win a four-person emergency kit
While the tsunami risk in Sooke is low for most areas, a few properties near Whiffin Spit and neighbouring the Sooke River may be susceptible. To further support their resilience, residents in potentially affected areas will receive additional information and resources in the mail from the District’s Emergency Program Manager. This ensures that all community members—especially those at greater risk—are well-prepared and equipped with the knowledge they need to stay safe.
Beyond individual preparedness, this event underscores the importance of community resilience. In times of crisis, we lean on one another—whether it’s offering a helping hand, sharing resources, or simply providing emotional support. Emergency situations can be overwhelming, but by coming together, we strengthen our ability to navigate challenges and recover more effectively.
The High Ground Hike is more than just a preparedness exercise—it’s an opportunity to connect, build relationships, and foster a network of support that will be invaluable in an actual emergency. “Preparedness starts now, not when disaster strikes,” says Ryland Bennet, District of Sooke Emergency Program Manager. “This hike is a great opportunity to practice evacuation procedures and build community resilience. Knowing your neighbours, understanding how to work together, and supporting one another can make all the difference in a crisis.”
The District of Sooke extends its sincere gratitude to the event’s partners for their invaluable contributions, including the District of Sooke Emergency Support Services Volunteers, T’Sou-ke Nation, Capital Regional District Emergency Program Services, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Emergency Program Services, and Prepared BC. Their dedication to community safety and preparedness is instrumental in making this event possible.
Stay Informed & Get Involved!
Sign up for Alertable, the District’s Public Alert Notification System, at sooke.ca/alert to receive timely emergency updates.
More details to come—stay tuned! For regional emergency preparedness resources, visit PrepareYourself.ca or the District of Sooke Emergency Program at sooke.ca/emergencyprep.
We look forward to seeing you on April 17th—let’s prepare together!
Can’t make the April 17th event?
Connect with Emergency Program Services at Sookearama on Saturday, April 26th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the SEAPARC Recreation Centre, or say hello to program volunteers during the evening and weekend community markets in the summer!