Monday, January 22, 2024 – On Saturday evening, Sooke Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to Ed Macgregor Park in response to a reported structure fire on the East side of the park. Upon arrival, crews discovered an unoccupied tent engulfed in flames, which was quickly brought under control. The affected area was promptly sectioned off for further cleanup efforts.
On Monday, January 22, the District initiated a comprehensive park cleanup, addressing not only the aftermath of the fire but also the surrounding area. District staff collaborated with the owner of belongings stored near the park’s amphitheatre, coordinating the securing of personal items while facilitating the disposal of remaining materials.
The District is committed to ensuring the safety of all park users, including visitors, staff, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
“On behalf of the District, while staff have been doing their best to navigate the complexities of the situation, we have been falling short in the care of this public space,” says Chief Administrative Officer, Raechel Gray. “We have reassessed and remobilized resources to continue our efforts to ensure our public parks are a welcoming and safe space for everyone in our community.”
The public is reminded that, following a Supreme Court ruling, where there is limited accessible shelter space in the community, overnight sheltering in parks is permitted from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. However, it is crucial to emphasize that this provision is not intended to serve as a long-term storage solution for personal belongings.
The District has reestablished an action plan to provide increased maintenance to help ensure Ed Macgregor Park is a safe and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. Those visiting the park can expect an increased presence of bylaw services and outreach workers in the park.
Staff will continue to evaluate the park use and related maintenance.
Media contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634
Email: cmoog@sooke.ca