Update - June 2026
Time has moved on since I wrote this post 15 months ago. What was intended to be an October borrowing referendum for the connector road (aka bypass) from the Church roundabout along Throup to the Phillips connection with Sooke Road may now become a plebiscite.  Council's next decision point on this will be at the meeting of Monday, June 22. 

A binding referendum question has grown problematic largely because we have not heard back on two critical federal government grant applications that would effectively cut project costs by 40% ~ a voting determinant for homeowners facing a long-term repayment plan on whatever Sooke must borrow and also in context with other municipal tax increases (police, fire, asset management largely).  

Council recognizes that the full $50m price tag minus any grants is too big a bill for Sooke ratepayers to carry alone. As such, the focus has turned to what Council as a whole has determined to be the most impactful third of the proposed route, designated CP5 (as indicated on the orange section of the map above, if indeed you can see it at this size) and stretching from Throup at Charters east to SEAPARC at Phillips. (larger map here). 

The price for this section would be in the neighbourhood of $15m depending on the road width selected - a basic version comprising two lanes and one-sided multi-use trail to the ideal but more expense "complete street" as recommended in the Transportation Master Plan. The other two connector sections - CP 4 and CP 6 -- would await action in future. 

Regarding the federal grant applications: The Carney government introduced its Build Communities Strong Fund last November, nine months after the District's application and the concomitant promise from Ottawa that we'd learn its fate by early this year.  As I understand it, at least, the programs to which Sooke applied have been rolled into the new Build Strong program with its $5 billion in annual funding ... in particular the Build Communities Strong Community Funding Stream (which promises to deliver $2.5 billion annually to cross-Canada applicants in 19 project categories -- local roads included.)

A string of funding announcements have indeed rolled out from Ottawa in recent months, but none related to Sooke. Director of Operations Jeff Miller intends to report back to Council at the June 22 meeting on the status of our applications.  

To get (re)grounded in this complicated process, please start with this substantial District website explainer released following the May 25 meeting. I'll share the link in full to encourage you to read it: https://www.sooke.ca/news-and-public-notices/posts/may-25-2026-council-meeting-update-phillips-road-throup-road-connection

<clip> "The District has not yet decided whether a borrowing referendum or non-binding plebiscite will be part of the October 2026 General Local Election. Council will revisit the matter after receiving more information about grant funding, project costs, and design options as a part of the next report, anticipated in June 2026.”

The many moving pieces -- costs, grant and tax implications -- are captured in Mr. Miller's staff report on pp. 55-71 of the May 25 agenda 

My Facebook synopsis as shared on June 1 when this blog was in the midst of a month-long malfunction repaired the other day ... "Thanks to Cllr. Beddows’ motion, we will receive three quotes for various widths of the section from Charters to Phillips (designated section CP5) with sidewalk, bike lane and/or multi-use trail. This will likely be received at the June 22 council meeting.

* The results of $23.9m in federal active transportation grant applications are not expected to be known by the BC Referendum Act deadline (early July) required for provincial approval of a borrowing referendum question on the Oct. 17 ballot.  [Related: Province of BC Assent (Referendum) Voting Procedures + Ministry of Municipal Affairs Guidebook on Referendums + Community Charter: Approval of the Electors + Local Government Act: Assent Voting]. 

* Council agrees the $50m price tag (without grants) for the complete route from Church to Philips at Sooke Road is too rich for #Sooke taxpayers at this time given other municipal tax increases (police, fire, asset management, union contracts and support of community groups). Funding the full build-out without grants amounts to $474 more per year for the average assessed homeowner. (With grants the annual tax increase would be approx. $225).

* Rather than a binding borrowing referendum question, council is poised to advance a plebiscite question gauging community support to borrow the approx. $15m required for build-out of CP5 linking Phillips at SEAPARC to the Charters/Throup intersection. This price is to rise or fall dependent on the three road-width options requested by Cllr. Beddows.

* A ‘yes’ vote gives the next council a green light to borrow funds to complete a partial but significant portion of the route, signaling clearly to the Province that we are doing our part with the municipal road network and that we fully expect action on further Hwy 14 improvements (notably the right-turn lanes at Phillips, Charters and Church off Sooke Rd. as well as near-term work on the Charters intersection).
​
Council will also be receiving the requested report on a Gathering Place plebiscite (non-binding) question intended for the Oct. 17 ballot. It would ask whether voters want the next Council to authorize borrowing of “up to” (i.e., a maximum) of $5m to build and operationalize. Details in this latest entry on my blog (which I frustratingly can't access at the moment following a malfunction or possible hack the other day.)" 

Traffic Solutions: Sooke's Wish List 

1.  The connector route as first envisioned in Sooke's 2001 Transportation Plan. 

2. Continued phased work by the Province on Hwy 14 improvements, including (starting this summer) the Idlemore intersection project, then the Charters Road intersection (designed and budgeted to a significant degree) and the addition of what may be game-changing right-turn lanes off Sooke Road at Phillips, Charters and Church.
 
3. Patiently staying the course with the 2020 Transportation Master Plan and improving the local road network as grants and developer contributions allow. The TMP's "Complete Streets" chapter (pp. 38-51) focuses on ... 

i) Joint planning with the Province on "Hwy 14, the Grant Road connector and associated municipal streets" through the MOU agreement between the District and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure; 

ii) Improved street network connectivity through new arterial, collector, town centre and local roads (see the planned dotted line routes on Map 6, pg. 43). This includes the "ultimate build-out" of desired road connectons to Sunriver (via Pascoe Rd.), Eustace to Maple, Gatewood to Grant Rd. West, and Henlyn to Otter Point Rd. via Foreman Hts. Also marked on this map is an ultra-long term bypass at our northern boundary that will only ever happen should Sooke become a vastly larger community. This is absolutely not intended in our current "small town, big heart" OCP, however the South Island continues to grow and one foreseeable, albeit distant, future for us includes a four-lane Hwy 14 that would accelerate development and population growth here.) 

4. Commuter traffic volume reduction through Community Economic Development, i.e. local job creation guided by a hopefully near-term, grant-funded employment lands strategy prioritizing under-utilized industrial and commercial land in Sooke. 

5. Continued advocacy with BC Transit for improved local and regional service 

6. Input by Sooke's CRD director and council into the CRD's new Regional Transportation Service as it works on regional traffic solutions of diverse kinds, including light-rail commuter service on the E&N line between Langford and downtown Victoria. 

7. Optimize traffic light timing to ensure westbound flow.

[ A set of local traffic solutions were proposed by an independent Sooke group in Sept. 2024 when the Charters closure created traffic armageddon (as documented in this blog entry). <clip> "Tonight's council agenda (pp. 59-87) features a critical analysis of the seven short-term traffic solutions proposed by the Sooke Traffic Committee (STC), an ad hoc group created this summer by the Chamber and the Sooke Builders Association (scan down to the July 29 update for details.) 

The agenda includes reports from Watt Consulting Group’s Nadine King  (pp. 63-72), Sooke’s Director of Engineering and Operations Jeff Carter (pp. 73-80) and M4 Consulting’s Michelle Mahovlich (pp. 81-87). The latter is Langford's former Director of Engineering and one of the advisors to this independent group.  

All conclude that the one best short-term fix is continued work on efficient timing of stoplights at Sooke River Road, Phillips, Church and Otter Point Rd. so as to favour the westbound afternoon flow.  The other six ideas from this group are variously judged by King, Carter and Mahovlich to have little short-term impact on westbound congestion, require complicated courses of action and/or must necessarily follow on from the long-identified big-budget connector road addition.]

Original Post - Feb. 24, 2025
Starting Points 
- District's TMP Implementation page.  

Related from this blog: 
* Hwy 14 - Condensed & Updated (through Sept. 2024) 
* Hwy 14 Revisited: Congestion & Safety (June 1, 2024, Charters closure edition) 
* CRD’s Proposed Transportation Authority (May 23, 2024) 
* Hwy 14 Revisited: Summer 2022 (July 22; updated through opening of the 4 lanes in June 2023) 
* What's Next For Sooke's Evolving Road, Sidewalk and Roundabout Network (Jan. 20, 2021) 
* Hwy 14 Revisited: Spring 2019 (March 23, 2019) 
* Fresh Paint, Familiar Refrain for Sooke Road (Nov. 17, 2018) 

- A policy rationale for the connector route is presented in the Feb. 24, 2025 agenda pp. 41-44 as part of the grant submission package to the federal Active Transportation Fund. It includes reference to Strategic Plan priorities, community wellbeing, climate impacts and community economic development as per fund guidelines.  

- District Council's 2024-2027 Strategic Plan .... Strategic Areas of Focus under Infrastructure Investments and Multi-Modal Transportation: "We make significant investments in infrastructure to support our community’s growth for future generations. This involves upgrading existing infrastructure, building new infrastructure, and seeking funding that supports our growing community’s needs. By enhancing our connectivity and livability, we can reduce our carbon footprint."
 
Feb. 24 Update: Council moved that a borrowing referendum question be scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 as part of the next municipal general election. By then, the District's share of the costs will be better known following the promised early 2026 outcome of the federal grant application. It will also allow due public debate based on a full-scale information package to be produced by the District and set to include line-item cost breakdown, traffic impact studies, amortized costs of the borrowing over its 30-year lifespan and other critical details. This also gives time for the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) to fund its complimentary updates to Sooke Road. Unanimous vote in favour by the four of us present (Beddows, St-Pierre, Tait and myself. Pearson on holiday, McMath an absentee due to work obligations.)  There were six members of the public (one a baby in arms) present for this decision. 

Feb. 23: Tomorrow evening Council will review the latest iterative approach to building out critical sections of Sooke’s internal transportation network. It is contingent on both a successful borrowing referendum and approved grants through Ottawa’s Active Transportation Fund (which, if successful, would reduce the now $49m price tag for the Throup/Phillips section to $28m). See the agenda pp. 21-44 for the staff report from Operations Director Jeff Carter and his team.

A referendum update follows on agenda pp. 45-60. It includes a variety of taxpayer impacts based on interest rates, term length and whether or not grant applications succeed. Council is asked to vote on whether to schedule this "assent borrowing opportunity" with the near-term (TBD) by-election(s), as a standalone or in tandem with the Oct. 2026 municipal general election. We're told grant results will be known late this year/early next, and so we're being nudged towards the election 2026 option. So many ducks to align and preparations to make in a project of this size so as to give the public all it needs for an informed yes/no vote. 

Holding back while clearly signalling we're ready to move ahead with a referendum will motivate, I sincerely trust, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit to announce and fund its share of complimentary Hwy 14 improvements (i.e., the Idlemore intersection project, the right-turn lanes at Phillips and Church and also at the signalized Charters intersection). Letters of support have been requested by the District from multiple local and provincial stakeholders, and those will need to be collected and compiled.

Action on our municipal road network has been demanded by the Province and there is a quid pro quo at play in which we expect promised actions on its part in the near-term should we go to referendum or even if not given all the work already tackled under the TMP.

Cllr. Beddows has made the excellent point that additional right-turn lanes off Sooke Road may be a game-changing traffic solution that would steer much more traffic onto Charters and Church, thus rendering the connector route unnecessary for the foreseeable future, saving significant tax increases for debt repayments and protecting the natural lands and wildlife corridors in the SEAPARC and golf course area. In this event, upgrades would be needed from Charters east to the Throup/Church roundabout, a far more digestible price tag. 

Time must also be given for full public input to inform the referendum. I picture extraordinarily lively town halls and the formation of "Vote Yes" and "No" lobby groups as was the case when the 2006 connector route referendum was (sadly, frustratingly) defeated. So goes democracy. 

What's missing to date is the hard data, traffic projections and detailed cost spreadsheets that must inform the referendum debate. As I wrote in my Bill 44 blog post last week: "In the months ahead, District staff will need present a comprehensive and persuasive cost/benefit analysis of why this bypass is a game changer -- one with full reference to the existing traffic impact studies -- if indeed this referendum is to pass the smell test and succeed in a 50% + one vote. Approx. $200 (?) per residential household annually over as long as 30 years is no small ask, especially in such uncertain economic times and given all the other best practices we're asking residents to fund, i.e. the asset management reserve fund, 24/7 policing, a fully unionized fire department and substantial overall District staffing levels, no matter that we're currently one of Vancouver Island's lowest-taxed communities.”


Implementation of the 2020 Sooke Transportation Master Plan 
- The TMP and Parks & Trails Master Plans were endorsed by council on Oct. 13, 2020 
- TMP Update - Oct. 28, 2024 (pp. 19-33) 
- Connector project update - Feb. 24, 2025  (details below; see the agenda pp. 21-44) 
- UBCM Priorities Fund Grant Applications - Sept. 8, 2025 (pp. 71-150)  <clip> "This Funding application is for $7,000,000 towards the Throup Road Connector Active Transportation Project. This project includes arterial road upgrades to the Phillips corridor from Highway 14 to the north side of SEAPARC, where a 3-leg roundabout will connect the Phillips Corridor to Church Road roundabout, inclusive of arterial road upgrades to Throup Road. This is the same project that Council has supported for previous funding applications this year under the Federal Active Transportation Fund (ATF) and the Community Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF). Both the ATF and CHIF funds, as well as the UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund, allow for grant stacking. Further, the District's commitment of $42,791,200 under the UBCM-SPF fund has already been committed in the previous ATF and CHIF funding applications. If the District is successful with all three funding applications, funding up to $29,000,000 for the Throup Road and Phillips Road Connector Active Transportation Corridor Project may be secured." 


Complete TMP Projects  
Preliminary (i.e., as directed by the 2008 TMP) 
- Wadams Way: District paid for road, adjacent multi-use trail ($450k) was 60% funded by the Province
- Press release: Pre-Election Grand Opening (Sept. 27, 2014) 

- Sooke Road roundabout at Evergreen Mall: Completed November, 2015
- Project costs: $9.1m ($6m from Province; $3.1m from District)
- Town centre sidewalk from Church to Otter Point Rd. constructed by MOTI in conjunction with roundabout 

Phase 1: Otter Point Road Active Transportation Corridor Project
- Sooke Road to Wadams Way - 430m of sidewalks, 720m of bike lane, crosswalk at Grant Rd.
- Total project cost: $2.1m (with $1.9m from the federal/provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program) 
- Contract awarded to Hazelwood Construction Services, Nanaimo (which had recently completed a MOTI contract for shoulder widening on the West Coast Rd. between Otter Point and Woodhaven).  
- Engineering by On Point Project Engineers, Langford 
- completed Nov. 2021 

Phase 2: Church Road Corridor 
- Total project cost: $1.84m inclusive of design, construction, project contingency, engineering field services, contract administration, and project management.
- Tender awarded to Hazelwood (July 12, 2021 - agenda pp. 193-94) ... second lowest of six bids received 
- Sidewalks, bike lanes, road resurfacing, utilities upgrades
- $500k grant from the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program  

Phase 3: Church Road Roundabout 
- Total project cost: $3,797,631
- Church Road Roundabout and Intersection design - Nov. 23, 2020 council meeting (agenda pp. 151-52) 
- Tender for the construction work awarded to Hazelwood Construction Services at council meeting of July 24, 2023 (see agenda, pg. 183)
- Hazlewood's was the only proposal received from the tender process. 
- Funding Sources
$1.5M Growing Communities Fund (from the one-time BC program; Sooke received $5.939m) 
​$1.7M Road DCCs
$0.8M Community Building Fund and Casino Fund
- Substantial completion in May, 2024
 
Phase 4: Charters Corridor 
- Total project cost: $6.9m 
* $3,579,041 BC Growing Communities Fund
* $2,220,000 Road Development Cost Charges
* $111,711 Canada Community Grant Fund (aka Gas Tax) 
* $1,039,247 from additional grants/funds
* $487,962 from CRD Infrastructure and Water Services 
- Tender awarded to Hazelwood at council meeting of July 24, 2023 (see agenda, pp. 181-82) 
- Note: Phases three and four tendered to Hazelwood given construction efficiencies and its successful execution of earlier phases. Higher bids were received from Vimex Contracting ($7.4m) and Don Mann Excavating ($7.9m) 

Upcoming
Phase 5: Charters & Sooke Road Intersection
- Four-legged signalized intersection
- Total project cost: $3.5m
- MOTT anticipated to pay 50% of costs 
- Grant application pending for $500k 
- Planned construction in 2026/27  
- BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants application #1 - Nov. 27, 2023 (see agenda pp. 35-38). Denied. 
- BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program application #2 - Oct. 28, 2024 (see agenda pp. 23-33), includes new phased map of corridor project and engineering blueprint of intersection on pg. 29. 
- Application #2 successful - $500,000

Phase 6: Throup and Phillips Road Connector 
- Total project cost: $49,791,985 (includes 20% contingency to cover cost overruns) 
- Grant application amount: $16,901,991
- District contribution: $32,889,209 
- less Development Cost Charge contributions: ~ $5m 
 
- From Church Rd. roundabout to Phillips exit onto Sooke Road 
- Proposed construction: 2026-2029 
- Now recontexualized as a single project (as opposed to phases in previous strategies) 
- Project at 75% functional design 
- Land acquisition required from properties along corridor and SEAPARC 

- Extensive contingencies built into the $49m price tag to account for potential inflation & cost factors (therefore final costs may be significantly lower)   
* 20% best-practice overall contingency ($10m) 
* 10% inflation for contracted services at time tender is awarded ($5m) 
* 2% costs for potential remediation of contaminated soil ($2m) 
* 12% allowance for contracted management services ($6m) 

Phase 7: Otter Point Active Transportation Corridor Continuation 
- Total project cost: $2,096,602 (includes 30% contingency) 
- Grant application amount: $884,930 
- District contribution: $1,211,672

- Continuing the sidewalk and bike lane from The Park View north past the Municipal Hall to Rhodonite. 
- "Completes the missing active transportation link connecting the Broom Hill area to John Phillips Park and the Stickleback Trail" 
- 50% conceptual design
- Proposed construction: 2027

Phase 8: Hwy 14 Active Transportation Continuation
- Total project cost: $9,669,615 (includes 30% contingency) 
- Grant application amount: $5,801,769 
- District contribution: $4,987,248

- West Coast Rd. sidewalks and shoulder bike lanes from Ed Macgregor Park to Whiffin Spit Rd. 
- "MOTT will not fund sidewalks along highways" but a successful grant will "incentivize the Ministry to complete a road resurfacing project." 
- Proposed construction: 2028

Phase 9: Wadams/Otter Point/Grant Road West Continuation 
- Project cost estimate: $12m 
- Proposed construction: 2030 

[Cost Estimates made by McElhanney and Associated Engineering]


During the Charters closure ... 
​Options for Engagement on Sooke Traffic Concerns 
Council agenda - Sept. 9, 2024 (pp. 267-284) 
THAT Council direct staff to enhance existing community engagement initiatives to support as follows:
a) Support local businesses;
b) Create an online portal for traffic-related reporting;
c) Connect with local schools and organizations on traffic solutions; and
d) Develop and promote a carpooling application;

AND THAT Council direct staff to present options for increasing communication and engagement service levels in the 2025 budget deliberations.

AND FURTHER THAT Council direct staff to present options for increasing communication and engagement service levels in the 2025 budget deliberations to support new initiatives, as follows:
a) Develop a traffic dashboard to provide real-time traffic data, updates on ongoing projects, and historical traffic patterns;
b) Partner with BC Transit to promote public transportation through campaigns and local stories about positive user experience
c) Launch enhanced public awareness campaigns to inform residents about traffic-related topics, potentially including traffic safety workshops;
d) Create interactive traffic simulations to visualize the impact of proposed changes and gather resident feedback; and
e) Support local businesses in putting in bike racks.
Carried Unanimously (Person & McMath absent) 

Short-Term Traffic Solutions Presented by the Sooke Traffic Committee 
(Sept. 23, 2024 pp. 59-87)
Received by council for information. Carried Unanimously (Lajeunesse absent)
​Details in this blog entry. Agenda includes reports from WATT Consulting, Michelle Mahovlich and the Chamber-initiated Sooke Traffic Committee (Jim Hartshorne, Shannon Russell, Herb Haldane, Britt Santowski, Mike Kozakowski, Deb Schenk, Dana Lajeunesse, Tracy Snow, Dave McClimon, Kevin Pearson - non-official council involvement by DL and KP; I and others of us on council weren't invited).


Grant Funding Possibilities 
Federal Active Transportation Fund 
- federal government website landing page via the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada 

"Up to $500M will be available for active transportation capital projects across Canada. This includes a minimum of 10% of total funds set aside for Indigenous recipients ... Projects that are determined to be eligible will be further evaluated against the program's merit criteria. Final project selection is undertaken with a view to balancing funding support by taking into consideration such factors as regional distribution, the type of project, and equitable access."

- Application deadline: February 26, 2025
- Projects must be complete by March 30, 2030 
- Unlimited number of project requests up to a maximum of $50m 
- Grants will cover up to 60% of costs per project 
- Grants can be stacked with other funding sources 
- Active Transportation Fund grant windows will open again in coming years as part of a "Targeted Funding" approach
- The fund is a component of the federal government's $3b Canada Public Transit Fund 

Sooke's grant request = $25,246,754 (i.e., 5% of total available national grant funding in the current funding window; other opportunities will follow if we receive partial funding; yes, the District is ambitious) 
1. Throup and Phillips Road Connector Active Transportation Corridor ($16,901,991)
2. Little River Active Transportation Trail - Sunriver Way Access ($1,658,064)
3. Otter Point Active Transportation Corridor Continuation (John Phillips Park lot to Rhodonite - $884,930)  
4. Highway 14 Active Transportation Continuation (Ed Macgregor Park to Whiffin Spit Road - $5,801,769) 

Frequently Asked Questions 
<clip> "Capital projects involve new infrastructure construction, enhancement of existing infrastructure, and/or improvements to design and safety features that encourage increased active transportation.Eligible capital projects may include:

• Building or enhancing infrastructure for active transportation, such as multi-use paths, sidewalks, footbridges, separated bicycle lanes, and connections to other roadways (recreational trails are only eligible provided they can also be used for transportation, i.e., connecting to destinations, services or amenities);
• Enhancing active transportation infrastructure, including design considerations in which there may be no net gain in kilometres of infrastructure, but include quality improvements that support greater usage;
• Building or enhancing design features and facilities that promote active transportation, such as storage facilities, lighting, greenery, shade, and benches; and
• Building or enhancing safety features which promote active transportation, such as crosswalks, medians, speed bumps, and wayfinding signage.

"Is a municipal attestation or endorsement from Council required for a municipal applicant? "Municipal applicants do not require a municipal Council endorsement, resolution or other form of attestation at the time of application. Should the project funding be approved, such an attestation may be required as a condition of the funding agreement."


Long-Term Borrowing Referendum Update 
Feb. 24, 2025. See the agenda pp. 45 to 60 

"The District of Sooke has key capital Transportation Master Plan projects that need debt financing, as outlined in its 2025-2029 Five-Year Financial Plan, at a total budget of $49.79 million (Appendix 1). With $5 million of DCC and other funding available, the maximum amount of funds the District needs to borrow to finance these projects is up to $44.79 million ($49.79 million - $5 million and including contingency). With a successful federal Active Transportation grant of $16.90 million, this borrowing amount will be reduced to $27.89 million." (from the staff report, pg. 46)

- Council options 
i) Tag the referendum onto a near-term by-election for one councillor and possibly Mayor
ii) Hold a borrowing referendum on a standaloneTBD voting day after the by-election
iii) Tag it onto the municipal general election ballot on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 

Staff recommendation: "If Council's preference is to receive confirmation on grant funding prior to a referendum then it is recommended that the District conduct the assent voting (referendum) in October 2026. By this time, the District will have the necessary information to inform the public and meet the grant funder’s required timeline. Additionally, combining the referendum with the general local election is a cost-effective option." 

Draft Referendum Question "Are you in favour of the District of Sooke adopting the Loan Authorization Bylaw No. XXX to authorize the borrowing of up to $XXXXX for the purpose of building roads with an active transportation path located at XXXXXX, Sooke, BC?" 


Cost implication scenarios for taxpayers
The Municipal Finance Authority of BC's current long-term (30-year) borrowing rate is 4.36%  See MFA long-term borrowing rates backgrounder. A long-term loan is locked in for its first ten years at a set interest rate, then renegotiated based on current interest rates at time of renewal. Interest rate trends have been declining since a peak of 4.97% in fall 2023. 

1. Without Active Transportation Grant (at 4.36% interest rate)
- $45m principal
- annual principal payment = $876k 
- annual interest payment = $1,972,426
- annual debt repayment = $2,848,768 
- Cost per average assessed Sooke household (2024 figure) = $272 per year for 30 years 
- If interest rate was 3.5% = $169 per year 

2. With Active Transportation Grant (at 4.36% interest rate) 
- $28m principal 
- annual principal payment = $545,654
- annual interest payment = $1,228,130
- annual debt repayment = $1,773,784 
- Cost per average assessed Sooke household (2024 figure) = $169 per year for 30 years 
- If interest rate was 3.5% = $146 per year 

"This annual payment could be further reduced if the District increases its contribution and reduces the loan principal. Staff will be exploring any non-property tax funding sources to reduce the overall taxpayer costs." 


Related: Why Construction Costs On Public Infrastructure Projects Are Skyrocketing - Dan Baxter, Progressive Contractors Association of BC (Vancouver Sun, Oct. 1, 2024)


Budget 2025 Public Survey 
- Slide deck
- What We Heard Report 
<clip> pg. 16 "The timing of the budget survey, coinciding with the Charters Road closure, gave the District a valuable opportunity to check in with the community on its transportation needs—especially for Highway 14 and the local road network. This feedback is important as the District considers ways to accelerate the implementation of its Transportation Master Plan, which outlines a strategic 10-year vision for enhancing transportation.

Residents were also asked to prioritize up to three solutions for reducing congestion on Highway 14. Results included:
1. Alternate Routes: 225 votes; 68.4%
2. Improve local roads and how we travel around Sooke: 171 votes; 52%
3. Road Widening and expansion: 148 votes; 45%
4. Improve public transportation: 138; 41.9%
5. Local employment: 125; 38%

BC Active Transportation Grants Awarded to Sooke 
2014/15 - Galloping Goose - Sooke Connector Trail - $75,352
2019/20 - DeMamiel Creek Connector - $145,665
2021/22 - Active Transportation Church Road/Throup Road - $500,000
2021/22 - Multi-modal Active Transportation Upgrades - Church Road Corridor - $500,000
2023/24 - Active Transportation Charters Road South Streetscape - $500,000
2023/24 - Little River Multi-Use Trail - $500,000
2024/25 - Active Transportation Throup Road Corridor Improvements - $500,000
(source + grant home page) 

Federal Grants to Sooke Since 2002 
- Search results from the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada database 
- Infrastructure Canada total funding to Sooke: $47.1m 
- Gas tax revenue: $7.7m 
- Highway 14 corridor grants: $30m 
- Little River Crossing: $1,307,610  
- T'Sou-ke Community Complex and Health Care Centre: $3,893,335 


Trail Connection to Sunriver  
Context: Active Routes to Schools 

Phase 1: Ponds Corridor
Cost: $2.1m 
Completed in 2021 

Phase 2: Little River Trail & Bridge 
- District's Little River Multi-Use Trail home page
- Cost: $2,869,000
- BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program application - Nov. 27, 2023 (see agenda pp. 35-57; engineering drawings begin on pg. 39) 
- Environmental Development Permit - Sept. 23, 2024 (see agenda pp. 125-200; Environmental Management Plan begins on pg. 133) 
- Little River Pedestrian Crossing contract to Regehr Contracting Ltd. - $1,943,749.30 - Jan. 13, 2025 (agenda pp. 21-65)
- Site preparation underway, trail and boardwalk construction begins in spring, completion date this fall  

Upcoming
Phase 3: Little River Active Transportation Trail - Sunriver Way Access 
- Total project cost: $2,763,411 (includes 30% contingency) 
- Grant application amount: $$1,658,064
- District contribution: $1,105,377
- Proposed construction: 2027
- Remediating the very steep access point to the future Little River (Demamiel Creek) Trail from its Sunriver Way northern access point. Construction of two retaining walls over 150m to reduce grade according to standards set in BC's Active Transportation Design Guide.


Business Case Study (2014) for Phillips/Charters Section 
Mayor Milne and his council directed staff to produce the Business Case: Grant Road Connector Project - Phillips to Charter Roads (Nov. 2014). Total estimated cost for this section of the route was $3,808,439. The line-item budget presented in the report included "site works, removals, road works, drainage, wetland crossing, miscellaneous expenses and a 25% contingency ... The District’s share of $1,269,480 ($3,808,439 less possible (federal) Building Canada - Small Communities grant funding of $2,538,959) will be financed by $774,383 in Development Cost Charges, $305,569 from capital reserves and $189,528 from taxes." 

Other highlights and rationales as identified in this report:
 
- "The District engaged a consulting firm to develop traffic simulation models and estimate total trip distances in base case and in a project case scenarios. Travel projections for the project are based on a PM Peak of 640 vph = 6,400 vehicles per day. The model estimated that 18.6 million kms would be driven in a base case scenario and 14.6 million kms annually under the project scenario, resulting in a savings of 4 million kms annually. Operating costs savings from this reduced trip distance are estimated at $1 million annually based on $0.25 per kilometre.

- "Time savings due to the improved network and reduced idling are estimated at 147,000 hours per year, which results in a savings of $1.47 million annually based on a time value of $10/hr." 

- "Taking an estimated 6,400 vehicles per day off the busy Highway 14 (Sooke Road) may result in reduced accidents. Highway 14 (Sooke Road) has a high accident frequency resulting partly from having many access points. The project will alternatively provide a safe parallel route through the town core and reducing the need to use many of the current access points. Typical calculations value one fatality at $1,000,000 and an injury at $250,000. Annual savings are estimated at $290,000 per year taking into account estimated property damage costs and personal injury costs." 

- Under social benefits: "Pedestrians and cyclists are forced to use the highway to complete the connection to several schools, the recreation centre, and the town core. Local transit service is not possible within this disconnected network ... Not having a parallel road network in the District forces all local and through traffic onto the highway. Turning volumes are high and put a strain on the road capacity. Travel distances are also significantly longer for local trips as residents must drive to the highway and then re-enter the community at another cross street. The high level of access points along the highway contributes to the high accident frequency in Sooke." 

- "Only one small portion of road right-of-way remains to be formally secured. This portion is owned by the Capital Regional District and subject to stewardship by the SEAPARC Commission (governing body of the SEAPARC recreation centre). Approval for the dedication has been received by the SEAPARC Commission Board. The District and the Capital Regional District have an agreement in principle to facilitate the transfer of the subject lands in return for the District providing access and additional parking at the SEAPARC leisure centre from the connector. This has already been incorporated into preliminary design work."

- "Preliminary design work and stakeholder consultations have already taken place for what was previously going to be one large project. The District decided instead to break the project into more manageable phases and has recently completed Phase 1 (Wadams Way) on time and under budget. Support letters have been received by the District for the entire Grant Road Connector Project and also for this particular project, Phase 2 (Phillips Road to Charters Road). Community support for the project is clearly evidenced by the project’s inclusion in the District’s Official Community Plan and Transportation Master Plan documents." 


Miscellaneous 
From This Blog
* Hwy 14: Condensed & Updated (June 13, 2024) 
* Hwy 14 Revisited: Congestion & Safety Edition (March-June, 2024) 
* CRD’s Proposed Transportation Authority (May 23, 2024) 
* Highway 14 Revisited: Four-Lane Opening Edition (July 22, 2022)
* What's Next For Sooke's Evolving Road, Sidewalk and Roundabout Network (Jan. 20, 2021) 
* Highway 14 Revisited: Spring 2019 Edition (March 29, 2019)
* Fresh Paint, Familiar Refrain for Sooke Road (Nov. 17, 2018)


Previous Sooke Referendums
May 1, 2016 ”Residents of Sooke and Juan de Fuca have voted to buy a 23-acre golf course for future recreational use. The owners of DeMamiel Creek Golf Course accepted a $1-million offer from SEAPARC, subject to the referendum. SEAPARC will transfer $250,000 for the purchase and the remaining $750,000 will be financed over 15 years at a fixed rate of about 3 per cent.”   Results:  978 YES … 209 NO.  (Times Colonist)  (Referendum conducted by the CRD.)

Nov. 2014   Two "plebiscites" that the CivicInfo BC database files with other referendums 
i)  "Would you support the District of Sooke working with the community to develop multi-use community centre facilities? YES or NO"  Result:  3072 YES ... 631 NO. 

ii) "Should the District of Sooke join other municipalities in renewing and restating its opposition to the expansion of oil tanker traffic through Coastal BC waters? YES or NO"  Result:  2618 YES ... 1137 NO. 

Nov. 15, 2008 “Are you in favour of the Capital Regional District Board adopting Bylaw No. 3525, “Sooke Region Museum Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1, 2008” to establish a service for the District of Sooke and a portion of the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area for the purpose of contributing $25,000 annually to an endowment fund and $50,000 annually to an operating fund for the Sooke Region Museum YES or NO?”   Result: 2857 YES ... 398 NO. 

November 19, 2005 - Boundary extension into portions of East Sooke (including Grouse Nest and Silver Spray/Sooke Point). Result: Successful. (votes unknown). Two preliminary stories on the subject from the News Mirror's Dan Ross re: preliminary open house and council's vote for a referendum. 

January 22, 2005 - Connector road borrowing referendum. 2900 votes cast, according to the Times Colonist, with the "No" side winning by 300 votes. The question sought approval for a $2.6m borrowing to pair with $4m in federal and provincial infrastructure grants. An initial attempt to move this foward via the Alternate Approval Process failed when more than 10% of eligible Sooke voters filed counter petitions.

At this point, Sooke had no engineered sidewalks whatsoever having been built out to rural standards while part of the Capital Regional District.  Background: See Sooke Borrowing Referendum report just prior to voting day from the Sooke News Mirror's Robin Wark. <clip> "The connector project includes a new two-lane road complete with sidewalk, curb and gutter, from the gazetted Gatewood Road (located halfway between Pyrite and Otter Point Roads) to Church Road, near Throup Road. The Highway 14 project will upgrade two km of the road from just west of Atherley Close to Charters Road. It includes sidewalks on both sides, widening to allow for left turn lanes, curb and gutter, a median, 75 more streetlights and a traffic light at Sooke and Charters Road ... the projects would cause a maximum tax increase of $56.62, based on the average home assessment of $187,000."


Urban Systems' Highway 14 Corridor Study (Dec. 2008)
Prepared for MOTI, not available online; I have a single page from it with the following conclusions:
"* The capacity of the existing two-lane Highway 14 corridor is being reached and will continue to degrade with increased traffic volume associated with continued growth and development in the District of Sooke. 
* Difficult road-way geometry, limited access control, and increasing traffic volumes contribute to safety performance concerns along the corridor. 
* It is unlikely that four laning of Highway 14, either in the form of the proposed '5-lane concept' through Sooke's urban core or the proposed #14 realignment in the rural areas, will be considered viable improvement options. 
* A combination of other improvement measures will be required to address the identified performance deficiencies over the long term in both the urban and rual areas of Sooke and the Highway 14 corridor." 

The Summer of Sooke's Driving Discontent (2024)
The Charters closure and the resultant discontent from our commuter population ended more or less in lockstep with the improved road's reopening in September. Always worth a read as a reminder of local sentiment back then are Britt Santowski's traffic impact surveys. (see the Sept. 9, 2024 agenda, pp. 649-718) 

Adoption of Current TMP in Oct. 2020
From the somewhat wayback file, here's how the District was planning to move forward on the road network following approval of the 2020 Transportation Master Plan. Remarkable progress to date yet so much still to accomplish (including the future connection of Wadams Way to Grant Road West via an Otter Point Rd. roundabout as planners eventually progress to the western half of the bypass).

The TMP states that "Highway 14 experiences traffic volumes up to 20,000 vehicles per day. Otter Point Road is the busiest Collector Road with volumes up to 9,500 per day." The projected Average Daily Traffic entering Sooke in 2038 will be 25,000 vehicles. See the map on page 41.

Directions Within Sooke's Pending Official Community Plan 
Sooke’s pending OCP includes 14 action items related to transportation in its Implementation Plan (see pp. 161-162). Our  OCP, like all others in BC, is to be renewed by Dec. 31, 2025. The transportation priorities (all either ongoing or short-term) include: 

* "Update the existing MOU with MOTI in order to realize shared multi-modal objectives for Highway 14, the Grant Road Connector and associated municipal streets" 

* "Ensure that school site design provides safe access in relation to Highway 14" 

* "Support work-from-home, teleworking and co-work spaces in the town centre, carpooling, car share operators and other initiatives to reduce commuter travel" 

* "Continue to work with BC Transit and MOTI to identify, plan and construct transit priority measures" as well as expanded regional and local service. 

* "Town Centre parking management study" and review of on-and-off street parking management practices. 

Behind the Eight Ball: Trumpian Context
All the above is logical in blessedly normal times. Yet these clearly are not that given looming trade wars, retaliatory tariffs, resultant recessions and who knows what next fresh hell/madness from King Donad. Our privileges, even more than is already happening in this age of polycrisis, are being severely tested. There's likely an argument to be made that the District’s best practices and next-generational thinking/spending be paused until sanity prevails.  Then again, costs will only rise and this is a project intended for both this and multiple next-generation Sooke residents. 

​

Standing note for this and all other pre-2025 blog posts & updates: Sooke's excellent new website revision last year has rendered many older links here 404/obsolete. I'll endeavour to fix them if possible once I've more time on my hands later this year.

In brief: The professionals are ready for the worst. Are you? 

Spring 2026 Update
Sooke Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazard Risk Assessment (CANHRA)
- First look presented at Committee of the Whole, May 19, 2026 
- Required of all local governments by the BC Emergency and Disaster Management Act (2023)
- Prepared by Chad Pacholik of Logic League Consulting (North Saanich) and Bremer Consulting (Victoria)
- Funded through a $150k grant from the UBCM Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation stream.
- Inspired by Australia's CoastAdapt and the United Nations' Office for Disaster Risk Reduction conceptual formula 
- Climate data from University of Victoria's Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium 
- BC Provincial Disaster and Climate Risk Resilience Assessment 
- Location Risk Intelligence Tool - Munich RE

- Contract awarded at the July 28, 2025 Council meeting (see pp. 163-312)
- Three bids. Logic recommended due to "demonstrated strong local knowledge, relevant experience in comparable communities, and a thoughtful approach to stakeholder and Indigenous engagement." 
- Mission: Create a proactive rather than reactive emergency system through a disaster risk reduction lens 
- Logic has developed evacuation plans for Colwood, View Royal, Highlands, Oak Bay and the CRD as a whole
- Jaya Bremer and Logic has collaborated on the Metchosin risk reduction strategy
- Bremer prepared plans for Oak Bay, Sidney, Squamish RD + Sooke's 2025 Emergency Management Plan 

"The CANHRA will identify local climate-related risks and natural hazards, evaluate vulnerabilities, and provide prioritized actions to reduce risk and improve community resilience. Supports access to future grant opportunities. 
Significance: The District is increasingly experiencing the impacts of a changing climate, including atmospheric rivers, wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and drought. Having a localized risk assessment allows the District to: 
​
* Better prepare for and respond to climate-related emergencies; 
* Integrate resilience into infrastructure investments; 
* Access senior government funding; and 
* Fulfill strategic plan goals and climate action mandates." 

Deliverables 
- Research, identify & describe core elements of community geography, development, infrastructure & economy; 
- Map risk areas, including hazardous materials, flooding, seismic, steep slopes, storm surge, tsunami & wildfire; 
- Map vulnerable community infrastructure, including wastewater, firehall, municipal hall, IT, roads and bridges; 
- Map and categorize vulnerable populations, addressing age, income, race, gender and other qualifiers; 
- Research businesses, institutions and community groups that contribute significantly to community success; 
- Identify and describe major hazard threats, including specific areas and mechanisms of potential impact; 
- Prepare a Community Risk Assessment for the public (to be posted on the Sooke website) 

Realities of Risk in Face of Hazards, Exposure & Vulnerability 
- "Risk is driven by conditions, not hazards - The same storm produces vastly different outcomes depending on preparedness, infrastructure and social cohesion." 
- "Risk is unevenly experienced" - Seniors, low-income residents and people with disabilities are more vulnerable 
- "Pressures are increasing" - Climate change, urban growth, aging infrastructure" 

Risk Context in Sooke 
- Highway 14 - "A single closure creates isolation risk" 
- Commuter Dependency - "Road impacts can create cascading points of failure" 
- Growth in Community - "Rapid population growth puts pressure on all systems." 


Useful Resources for the Fire Season Ahead 
- District of Sooke Emergency Planning and Preparedness home page 
​- Sooke FireSmart Program home page 
- Sooke Public Alert Notification System 
- Emergency Operations Centre Manual 
- Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (2023) 
- Emergency Management in BC 

- CRD: Regional Emergency Management + Guide to Emergency Prep in the Capital Region
- CRD Emergency Dashboard ~ "A source of trusted information for residents and visitors to access emergency response information and preparedness resources within the region. Visit emergency.crd.ca/ to start using this dashboard and save the link for future ease of access. The dashboard automatically maps alerts across the region and provides a centralized system for accessing emergency information, notifications, and resources from trusted providers including Environment Canada, BC Hydro, and DriveBC."  

- Province of BC Fire Weather Danger Class reports (daily updates) 
- BC Wildfire Map
- Fire Smoke Map 

- BC Wildfire Service 

- Government of Canada: National Emergency Preparedness Week (May 2-9) 
- Province of BC: Emergency Preparedness Week 

- ClimateReady BC website 
* Hazards and Mapping Tools 
* Data Sources 
* Funding 
* Resource Catalogue 

- British Columbia FireSmart 
- UBCM FireSmart Community Training and Programs 
- "Lack of Funds Drives Changes to UBCM FireSmart Programs" (Jan. 28, 2026) 
- "Additional Funding for FireSmart" (UBCM, Feb. 25) ​

The 2026 Great British Columbia ShakeOut earthquake drill is October 15th at 10:15 a.m. Last year, almost 868,000 people in BC participated! It is time to complete your annual renewal using the simplified process on our updated website.  Please sign up today at www.shakeoutbc.ca to help us reach our target of over a million people in BC who Drop, Cover, and Hold On committing to participate.


​2026 Cautionary Notes 
​- Spring 2026 Seasonal Outlook (April 15, 2026) ~ "Heading into the 2026 wildfire season, fuel conditions across British Columbia reflect a combination of last summer’s Drought Code, winter precipitation events and recent warm and dry conditions. These factors have influenced moisture levels across the landscape and will shape wildfire potential across the province in the coming months." + YouTube briefing 
​
- Vancouver Island Enters 2026 Wildfire Season At Elevated Risk - Mosaic Forestry 
- Coastal Fire Centre Open Fire Ban Announced (May 7, 2026) + lifted on May 16 following rainfall 


Articles 
- "Heat Records Fall As Wildfire Risk Rises" - Times Colonist, May 3, 2026 
- "Warm Winter, Ongoing Drought Could Elevate Fire Risks This Season in BC" - CBC News, April 16
- "Will BC Axe FireSmart Funding in New Budget?" - The Tyee, Feb. 16


2025 Fire Season 
- Public Safety Canada press release (Oct. 30, 2025). "2025 has been the second worst wildfire season in Canadian history, with more than 6,000 wildfires in nearly every province and territory, impacting communities across the country and burning over 8.3 million hectares ... Since April, the heightened risk and impacts have forced evacuations of more than 85,000 people, including over 45,000 people from 73 First Nations communities."  

- Province of BC: 2025 Wildfire Summary ~ "The 2025 wildfire season, while impactful in nearly every region of B.C., was less destructive than the previous two seasons. Despite fewer starts than average (1,370 total), the 886,300 hectares burned in 2025 is well above B.C.'s 10-year average." 

- Wikipedia 2025 Fire Season Canada-wide summary

Sooke Wildfires 
- Grass Lake Fire Near Potholes Held - Victoria Buzz, July 16, 2025 + Island Social Trends coverage 
- "Firefighters Knock Down Brush Fire Near Glinz Lake" - Times Colonist, July 17


Miscellaneous
- Statistics Canada: Studying the Economic Costs of Wildfires (Aug. 6, 2025). Looking back to the 2023 wildfire season, the worst ever recorded in Canada.

​<clip> "In 2023, approximately 232,000 Canadians, comparable with the population of Kitchener, Ontario, evacuated their communities in the wake of 282 wildfires. Indeed, the 2023 wildfire season was the most destructive season on record, with nearly 5,500 fires burning 17.3 million hectares of land. For perspective, the burned area was larger than the land area of the three Maritime provinces. Quebec, the Northwest Territories, Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan had the most hectares burned. The number of evacuees in these regions ranged from about 5,000 people in Saskatchewan to 59,000 in British Columbia. Wildfires caused an estimated $945 million in insured damages in the regions of Okanagan and Shuswap in British Columbia, Behchokǫ̀-Yellowknife and Hay River in the Northwest Territories, and Tantallon and Hammonds Plains in Nova Scotia."  

- Building Resilient Neighbourhoods ~ "Since 2012, BRN has been developing and testing different on-the-ground programs in British Columbia to help build neighbour connections and community resilience. Our flagship “Neighbour-to-Neighbour” programs—delivered by BRN and our network of partners—bring neighbours together to strengthen social connections, foster mutual support, and become better prepared for and resilient to different kinds of emergencies and chronic stresses.


February, 2025 Update 
District of Sooke Emergency Management Plan, 2025-2027 
"​The Sooke Emergency Program encompasses the organization, plans, and procedures established within the District to prepare for, respond to, and recover from major emergencies and disasters. Provides a framework for an active, cooperative, and permanent endeavour to address risks from major emergencies by coordinating action by community members, municipal staff, commercial utilities, and the provincial government.

This Emergency Management Plan outlines the mission, objectives, and strategies for the District of Sooke over a three-year period from 2025 to 2027. This all-hazard plan lists the hazards the plan intends to address, establishes the
overall authority for conducting emergency management activities, and assigns roles and responsibilities for emergency planning and operations. It also provides an overview of Sooke’s emergency response and recovery
organization." 

Includes eight objectives and annual action plans that build on, update & refine existing #Sooke emergency plans:  
1. Get (Further) Organized
2. Assess Risks 
3. Mitigate Risks 
4. Plan for Emergency Response
5. Plan for Business Continuity
6. Plan for Disaster Recovery 
7. Ensure Preparedness 
8. Evaluate and Renew the Program 

Next steps will include (in order) ... (section 4 of the plan) 
1. Sooke Climate Adaptation and Natural Risk Assessment (2025/26) 
2. Sooke Mitigation Plan (2026) re: wildfires, flood, earthquake and extreme weather 
3. Create hazard specific plans, lists and FAQs (including evacuation) 
4. Develop Standard Operating Procedures (flood events, waterways, Sooke parks) with planning department 
5. Enhance Public Notification Systems 
6. Collaborate with partners (T'Sou-ke, CRD)
7. Plan for business continuity and develop toolkit with Chamber, SRTA, WorkLink, others  
8. Disaster recovery planning - interim housing, disaster financial assistance, develop partnerships (schools, care homes, community service providers) 
9. Continue strong support of ESS
10. Establish Emergency Operations Centre at wastewater treatment plant ($50k, 2027) 
11. Education program for school-age children re: FireSmart and emergency response 
12. Update action plans on regular basis 

Emergency Management Plan exists in relation to ...
• Sooke Official Community Plan (2025)
* Sooke Climate Action Plan (2022) 
• Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (2023)
* CRD Dam Emergency Plan
• CRD Tsunami Inundation Mapping
• Department Emergency Plans (comms)
• District Financial Plan 2024-2028
• District of Sooke Risk Matrix 2013
• Emergency Response & Business Continuity Plan (2013)
• Emergency Support Services Plan
• Evacuation Plan (2020)
• Fire Master Plan 2022
• Hazard-Specific Plans 

Evacuation Protocols (District website) 
"Every emergency is different. Evacuation decisions are guided by several trigger points that consider current conditions and potential risks. These include:

• The proximity and behaviour of a hazard (e.g., wildfire direction, flood levels, air quality)
• Road accessibility and safety for responders and residents
• Availability of shelter and support services
• Weather and environmental forecasts
• Direction from emergency officials and provincial agencies

In Sooke, our vast geography and coastal setting mean an all-of-community evacuation is unlikely. Instead, evacuations are more likely to be localized, depending on the area and type of emergency. Depending on conditions, transportation may include ground, air, or water options.

Highway 14 provides Sooke’s primary transportation corridor - east toward Victoria and west toward Jordan River and Port Renfrew. Weather, road conditions, and the nature of the event can influence which routes are available and how residents move to safety.

During an evacuation, the District works with local, regional, and provincial partners to support residents who do not have personal transportation. This includes partnerships with School District 62 (with a bus compound near Sooke’s town core) and BC Transit.

If you need help evacuating:

• Follow directions provided through Alertable, emergency responders, or official announcements
• Identify yourself to officials or volunteers at the Reception Centre so assistance can be arranged.
• Emergency Support Services (ESS) can help coordinate safe transportation for residents with limited mobility, health challenges, or other specific needs.
• Whenever possible, plan ahead with neighbours, friends, or family to identify shared transportation options in your area.

Sooke’s evacuation planning is community-based and flexible, designed to adapt to our coastal location and ensure no one is left behind - on land, by sea, or through the air."


Update 2024: Old Man Lake Wildfire
October 16, 2024 - Capital Regional District Regional Water Supply Commission
- Wildfire report, see agenda Item 8.4  ... <clip> "In 2024, the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area experienced only 57 days in high and extreme fire danger compared with 114 days in 2023. Given drought conditions and warm temperatures in 2024, the fire danger moved quickly from high to extreme, with a greater number of days in extreme (32) than high (25).  Significant rainfall July 29-30, 2024 and August 18 and 23-26 dampened fire danger ratings providing welcome periods of fire danger relief ... Despite the fewer number of fire danger days, a wildfire started in Sea-to-Sea Regional Park on July 22 that grew to 230 ha before it was declared under control on July 30. Containment was aided by a large amount of provincial firefighting resources and the July 29-30 rainfall. There was also a small fire started by a lightning strike in the Leech WSA on August 17."

First report: July 22 - "Sooke Fire Fighters IAFF Local 4841 - On July 22, your #Sooke Fire Fighters and JDF Mutual Aid partners from Metchosin Fire Department, East Sooke Volunteer Fire Department, and Otter Point Fire Department were dispatched to a reported wildfire in the area of Sooke Potholes Park.

Upon arrival of Battalion 1 and Engine 1, an out of control wildfire was located along the Sooke municipal boundary in Potholes Park, with gusting winds spreading the fire. RCMP, CRD Parks, Sooke Bylaw and fire fighters coordinated an evacuation of Spring Salmon Campground, and closed access to Potholes Park.

Coordination of fire attack transitioned to the BC Wildfire Service supported by Capital Regional District Water Wildfire Protection. The District of Sooke EOC supported ground crews, residents, and visitors through the evening and continues to plan and coordinate municipal support.  Wildfire crews remained on site overnight, and suppression efforts are continuing." 


October 10, 2023 - Council adopts a new Community Wildfire Resilience Plan 
"This CWRP is an update to the District of Sooke’s 2011 Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The area of interest for this plan is Sooke’s municipal boundary. The CWRP provides the District of Sooke with an updated action plan to mitigate the wildfire risk to the community. The plan can be used to guide the improvement or development of emergency and evacuation plans, emergency response, communication and education programs, bylaw development, and the management of potentially hazardous vegetation within the eligible Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)." 


Original Post - Aug. 22, 2023 
People are asking: Are we ready for the worst? Well, the answer depends. Yes, Sooke's public safety professionals are ready and able as you'll read here. Whether you are as an individual or family is down to your willingness to adopt and follow best practices as recommended so clearly in documents such as this one.  (I'll give the Batemans a 'solid start, can do better' rating.) 

This became BC's worst-ever wildfire season on record on July 18, and it has only grown considerably worse in the weeks since.  (See Aug. 17 Provincial Wildfire Status Update.) We have, touch wood, had just one small out-of-control fire in the area (Tugwell Creek, Aug. 1-3) this summer. Nonetheless, the BC Wildfire Service rates parts of Sooke in the more dangerous of its Wildland Urban Interface Risk categories, so 24/7 vigilance is essential. (A brush fire on Henlyn Road caused by a discarded cigarette butt in June, 2019 is one recent example of a near-miss; strong winds at the time threatened to make it a major event but Sooke firefighters controlled it after a long day.) 

Aside from the haze on Saturday, we've not been subject to the smokey, particulate-infused days that have characterized some recent years here on the coast, i.e., August 2018, when the region's air qualified as the world's worst when it is usually - surely - among the wind-freshened best most of the time. Count us fortunate. 

The District of Sooke updated its definitive emergency planning pages earlier this week, so i suggest you begin or further your own readiness planning/thinking there. More links follow here on wildfires, tsunamis, earthquakes and other potential apocalypses -- for which the province has prepared case-specific plans. [The inevitable big quake is the one that keeps me hot-eyed and sleepless occasionally when I ponder it. Reading Gregor Craigie's On Borrowed Time: North America's Next Big Quake and/or Jerry Thompson's Cascadia's Fault: The Coming Earthquake and Tsuanami that Could Devastate North America will make you a nervous believer and proactive preparer, too.]


​Starting Points for Personal and Community Safety
- District of Sooke Emergency Planning
- Emergency Planning and Evacuation Considerations 

<clip> "When it comes to community-wide emergencies, such as a threat of wildfire, we have an excellent team of professional and volunteer emergency responders through the District's emergency program. However, it is the combined effort of all in the community that will ensure resiliency and see our community through such an emergency." 

What we residents can do ... 
1. Read the extensive material in the links shared above. [Fact: Professionals in multiple public safety services have our backs and are ready for every eventuality while also counting on each of us to have our acts together.]

2. Register for automated emergency alert notifications (via phone, text or email) + EmergencyInfo BC 

3. Be prepared! with grab-and-go kits and by FireSmarting your property

4. Consider volunteering with ...
- Sooke Fire Rescue Paid-On Call Recruitment
- Sooke Emergency Support Services 
- Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue Services (Sooke Station 37)
- Juan de Fuca Search & Rescue 
- Block Watch (via RCMP's Sam Haldane, email) 

5. Organize a minimum of six neighbours to form a POD through the Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP). These groups plan, prepare for and share resources during emergencies. 

6. Familiarize yourself with the common-sense and logical neighbourhood disaster escape-route guides contained in this agenda package (pp. 9 to 202). They're part of a grant-funded 2020 report produced by Smart Risk Control Planning Services, which worked in collaboration with Sooke Emergency Program/Sooke Fire/Rescue staff and Juan de Fuca mutual aid partners. 


Sooke Emergency Planning 
As you'll read in the District's links, the Province of BC's British Columbia Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS) is "a comprehensive framework that provides a structure for a standardized approach to developing, coordinating and implementing emergency management programs across the province." It provides guidance on the development of local plans, in Sooke's case these being: 

- Sooke Wildfire Protection Plan, published in 2011 and now undergoing an update by its same authors, Bruce Blackwell and Associates, widely recognized among BC's top authorities on wildfire protection. 

~ Sooke Emergency Response and Business Continuity Plan (2014)

The priorities of these plans: 
- Provide for the safety and health of all responders;
- Save lives;
- Reduce suffering;
- Protect public health;
- Protect property and government infrastructure;
- Protect the environment;
- Reduce economic and social losses;
- Restore corporate and development services.

Ground zero for any response to a local emergency will be Sooke's Emergency Operations Centre on the second floor of Fire Hall #1. Its guidelines are detailed in the EOC Manual. 

Potential emergency centres if required in the District: 
- Sooke Community Hall
- Edward Milne Community School 
- Metchosin Community Hall 

Emergency Management BC "provides executive coordination, strategic planning and multi-agency facilitation" 

​- Sooke RCMP
- Fire Services
- BC Ambulance
- Emergency Social Services
- Engineering and public works contractors
- BC Housing
- JDF Search & Rescue
- Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue
- Harbour Authority - Sooke Government Wharf
- Neighbourhood Watch & Citizens on Patrol programs 
- BC Ministry of Health 
- BC Coroners' Service 

Miscellaneous other links ... 

Federal ​
~ Public Safety Canada + Wildfire Response
~ Emergency Management Strategy for Canada: Toward a Resilient 2030 
~ Hazards and Emergencies

​Provincial 
~ Emergency Management in BC 
~ All Hazard Plan (2022) 
​~ BC Wildfire Service 
​~ Legislation 
~ Emergency Education Programs and Toolkits 
~ Modernizing the Emergency Program Act + Latest Update (July 4, 2023)

Regional  
~ Prepare Yourself! A Guide to Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region
~ CRD Regional Emergency Management (tsunami, earthquakes, wildfires, severe weather, flooding and storm surges, landslides, infectious disease, HAZMAT incidents) 
~ Public Alert Notification System (PANS) - sign up for direct notification of tsunami, wildfire or evacuation notice

​~ "Greater Victoria's Water Supply Supply Deemed Highly Vulnerable to the Threat of Wildfire" - Water Canada, 2016

• Central Saanich: Emergency Preparedness
• Colwood: Emergency Planning
• Esquimalt: Emergency & Resilience Program
• Highlands: Emergency Preparedness
• Langford: Emergency Preparedness
• Metchosin: Emergency Program
• North Saanich: Emergency Preparedness
• Oak Bay: Public Safety
• Saanich: Emergency Program
• Sidney: Emergency Planning
• Sooke: Emergency Planning and Preparedness
• T'Sou-ke First Nation: Emergency Program
• Victoria: Emergency Preparedness 
• View Royal: Emergency Preparedness

Sooke Region 
"The Sooke Emergency Program is considered the responsible emergency management organization by the municipality. It is responsible for the planning, mitigation, response and recovery from any emergency or disaster that happens within its jurisdiction. The volunteer Emergency Support Services (ESS) group (25 members), hosts Open Houses throughout the year to educate the public on emergency preparedness and participates in the Great BC Shakeout (third Thursday each October) at all Sooke elementary schools. The Sooke Emergency Radio Group (SERG) members provide amateur emergency radio communications during an emergency." - District of Sooke Annual Report

~ Sooke Fire Rescue Department
~ Sooke Fire and Emergency Program Facebook page + Twitter 

~ Sooke Emergency Operations Centre (District staff and community volunteers are trained to assist emergency professionals in the EOC command structure) 
~ EOC staff working with T'Sou-ke First Nation on shared guidance and support 
~ EOC at Level One readiness throughout COVID pandemic 

~ Sooke Emergency Support Services (250 642-5422) 
"Community Engagement team offers free emergency preparedness sessions to community groups, families, businesses, stratas, etc. to build a resilient community"   

~ Sooke has tapped the UBCM's Community Emergency Preparedness Fund repeatedly in recent years for evacuation route planning, new equipment and modernization of the Emergency Operations Centre. ​
~ UBCM funding stream updates 

Wildfires
~ BC Wildfire Service + Wildfire Map 
~ FireSmoke Canada - 48-hour smoke forecasts 
~ Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (daily updated national fire mapping)  

~ Wildfire Glossary of Terms 

~ FireSmart program prioritized as BC prepares to deal with potential local impacts of the "fifth season." 
~ FireSmart Canada
~ FireSmart Begins At Home (PDF guides to home prep, landscaping and home development)  

2022 BC Wildfire Season Summary (includes annual data from 2003 onwards)
​"As our Sooke team moves into the new year, we are reflecting on our most recent wildfire season. The Coast had a total of 281 wildfires and was right behind the Kamloops Fire Centre in total hectares burned at 21,779. With sustained warm and dry weather throughout the fall, the season got extended well into September and October. New records were set for the months of August and October for the number of fires detected per week compared to the past 20 years."

~ "Sooke Fire Rescue Gears Up For Wildfire Season" - Sooke News Mirror, May 2020 

~ Few Sooke fires annually but always possible: Sooke is now recognized as a Level 1 wildfire hazard zone given our proximity to so much (tinder dry in the summer) forested land in what's termed a "Wildland Urban Interface Zone." Blackwell & Associates studied the historical wildfire data in Sooke from 1919 onwards (pg. 12/13); we average just one or two fires in most years, almost all human caused, with 1952 (7 fires), 1973 (6) and 1978 (6) as our worst in numbers per year. The vast majority are relatively small (under a few hectares), with the record burns being a 900-hectare fire in 1922 and a 1500-hectare fire in 1927. 

~ Training Exercise: Wildland Fire at Erinan Estates (2018; full-scale exercise involving multiple fire departments, the RCMP and the evacuation of 117 residents to a reception centre at EMCS)  

~ Tree Canada: Wildfire and the Urban/Rural Interface
~ State of California Wildfire Preparation Tips 
~ Canadian Red Cross: Wildfires - Before, During & After

~ Fuel load:
-  Wildfire Science - Government of Northwest Territories
- "Western Red Cedar in a Death Spiral?" - Van Isle News, July, 2021
- "Dry Summers Take Heavy Toll on Island Trees" - Times Colonist, Sept. 2019

Earthquake 
~ Province of BC: Get Prepared for an Earthquake 
~ Shake-Out BC (Oct. 19 at 10:19 AM annually) 
~ Provincial Earthquake Immediate Response Strategy (2022)
~ BC Earthquake Preparedness Consultation (2014) 

Tsunami/Sea-Level Rise
~ BC Tsunami Zones + Capital Region map including Sooke + Alerts 
​
~ Capital Region Tsunami Information Portal 
​~ CRD Seawater rise and inundation mapping 

~ Sooke Tsunami Awareness  
~ Staff training via Royal Roads University MA In Disaster and Emergency Management program
~ Sooke Floodplain Regulation Bylaw (adopted 2020) 
~ Tsunami Community Awareness Report: Kaltasin/Sooke (RRU study) 
~ "Tsunami Warning: How Well Did We Respond?" (Times Colonist, Jan. 23, 2018) 

 Oil Spills
~ Sooke liaison with Western Canada Marine Response Corp. and the Canadian Coast Guard 
~ Inside WCMRC (Capital Daily, May 22, 2023) 
~ Beecher Bay response station: "The Beecher Bay satellite base is located on Sc’ianew First Nation territory and reports to Vancouver Island operations in Nanaimo. It houses personnel, a skimming vessel, a coastal response vessel, landing craft and workboats. A warehouse and office will be complete in 2024." 

Air Quality
~ Sooke Burning Bylaw 292 (revised June, 2021) + staff report 
~ BC Venting Index 
~ Burning Issue (from this blog)  

Mutual Aid
~ CRD Fire Services: Juan De Fuca 
~ Otter Point Fire Department 

~ Rotary Club of Sooke donates Disaster Aid Canada kits to the Sooke Emergency Program 
~ Black Press "Be Ready" Emergency Guide ​
​~ CRD Emergency Preparedness for Pets guide 
~ CRD Seasonal Readiness Planning sessions each spring 

Other Province of BC Emergency Plans 

• Provincial Flood Emergency Plan 
• Flood Waste and Debris Removal Plan 
• Pandemic Provincial Coordination Plan 
• Tsunami Notification Process Plan 
• Provincial Coordination Plan for Wildland Urban Interface Fires 
• Extreme heat preparedness for agencies and ministries 
• Nuclear Emergency Plan for B.C. 
• Agriculture Emergency Planning
• B.C. Coroners Service Mass Fatality Response Plan
• B.C. Drought Response Plan 
• B.C. Public Post-Secondary Education Sector Integrated Response Plan for Catastrophic Events 
• Dam Safety Program
• Disaster Response Routes
• Emergency Management Planning Guide for Schools, Districts and Authorities
• Federal Emergency Response Plan
• Foreign Animal Disease Emergency Support Plan for B.C.
• Spills and Environmental Emergencies

​Recent News Articles 
~ "Canada's Ability to Prevent Forest Fires Lags Behind the Need" ~ New York Times, June 9, 2023 
~ "How To Break Western Canada's Accelerating Cycle of Wildfires" - Globe & Mail, June, 2019 


Footnote: A member of the public came to Sooke council last month and stated that human stupidity is the cause of wildfires, not climate change, reducing a complex matter to an either/or statement. I asked Sooke's Fire Chief about this later in the meeting, and he gave a more nuanced answer.

Yes, he said, natural causes (lightning strikes responsible for 60% of wildfires) and braindead human behaviour (40%) -- i.e., cigarette butt-tossers, campers who don't extinguish the campfires they shouldn't have started in the first place, outright arson -- remain the leading factors in what a month ago was already the record wildfire season in BC.  

And yet he also noted that fuel load in our forests and clearcuts has increased dramatically due to the extended droughts that have become routine in recent years. 

Sooke's Wildfire Protection Plan (2011) addresses "Future Climate Considerations" on pp. 8/9.  "Implications for wildfire are that drought events could result in extended wildfire seasons with more days of fire weather supporting difficult to control wildfires (i.e., more high and extreme danger class days than shown in Figure 5) and drought conditions supporting more severe fire effects (i.e., more high and extreme drought code days than shown in Figure 4). Severe wildfires occurring under drought conditions may consume more of the duff layers and heat the mineral soil, leaving those soils more prone to erosion. Extreme rainfall events that occur before those soils have been re-colonised by vegetation would likely result in substantial erosion."

~ Defining "Fire Weather" (National Resources Canada). "Fire weather refers to weather conditions that are conducive to wildland fire, affecting its occurrence and subsequent behaviour. It determines the fire season – the annual period during which forest fires are likely to start, spread, and cause damage. Changes in fire weather affect forest ecosystems, as well as human health and safety and the ability to access the forest.Preliminary analyses show that the fire season has become longer in some regions of eastern Canada and shorter in most of southwestern Canada. Future projections suggest that the fire season will lengthen in almost all areas. By 2100, the fire season in certain forest regions may have lengthened by more than a month."

~ "Warming Sets the Stage for Canada's Record Wildfires, Study Finds" - New York Times, Aug. 22, 2023. 
<clip> "Hot, dry and gusty conditions like those that fed this year’s wildfires in eastern Canada are now at least twice as likely to occur there as they would be in a world that humans hadn’t warmed by burning fossil fuels, a team of researchers said Tuesday, providing a first scientific assessment of climate change’s role in intensifying the country’s fires ... “Fire-weather risks due to climate change are increasing,” said Dorothy Heinrich, a technical adviser at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center who worked on the analysis. “Both mitigation and dedicated adaptation strategies are going to be required to reduce the drivers of risk and decrease its impacts on people’s lives, livelihoods and communities.”
 
~ Climate Atlas of Canada: Forest Fires and Climate Change (2023) <clip> "To figure out what climate change means for forest fires in Canada, Flannigan and a team of researchers at the Canadian Forest Service analyzed the findings of almost 50 international studies on climate change and fire risk. [4] They found that our future looks “smoky” because climate change will worsen the three major factors that influence wildfire: having dry fuel to burn, frequent lightning strikes that start fires, and dry, windy weather that fans the flames ... Another recent study [5] by Flannigan and several other scientists predicts that western Canada will see a 50% increase in the number of dry, windy days that let fires start and spread, whereas eastern Canada will see an even more dramatic 200% to 300% increase in this kind of “fire weather.” Other studies predict that fires could burn twice as much average area per year in Canada by the end of the century as has burned in the recent past. [6]"

~ "There Are Complex Reasons for Our Dire Wildfires, But Scientists Say Climate Change Plays a Key Role" - CBC British Columbia, Aug. 19, 2023. 

~ Fire Weather: The Making Of A Beast - John Vaillant (McNally Robinson Books, 2023). "In May 2016, Fort McMurray, the hub of Canada's petroleum industry and America's biggest foreign supplier, was overrun by wildfire. The multi-billion-dollar disaster melted vehicles, turned entire neighborhoods into firebombs, and drove 88,000 people from their homes in a single afternoon. Through the lens of this apocalyptic conflagration--the wildfire equivalent of Hurricane Katrina--John Vaillant warns that this was not a unique event but a shocking preview of what we must prepare for in a hotter, more flammable world."  

~ The Fire Beast Is Everywhere: A Checklist for Fighting Back - Guy Dauncey. "In a few short decades, we have burned our way through fossilized energy that took millions of years to form. We have released all of its stored carbon into the atmosphere, where, as carbon dioxide, it traps heat. As a New Scientist editorial stated in June 2023, “The basic science of climate change is so universally accepted that only the most fringe elements of society now deny it.”  

- What Lies Beneath: Exploring Canada's Invisible Carbon Storehouse - Globe & Mail, Nov. 10, 2021 

- World Wildlife Federation: Canadian Carbon Map (2022). "Canada’s first-ever national carbon map reveals the location of billions — yes, billions — of tonnes of carbon stored in ecosystems across the country. This data, and how we use it, could alter the pace of climate change." + Final report 

Image: The BC Wildfire Service's Wildland Urban Interface Risk Class Map identifies local red danger zones (i.e., extreme risk) in the hills north of Saseenos, T'Sou-ke Reserve #2 and the Phillips Road/Sunriver corridor. Yellow and orange areas (moderate/high risk) cover a large swath of the Sooke Hills. Much of our area map is black, indicating private and managed forestry land that hasn't been assessed.

​



















https://letstalk.sooke.ca/budget

CAO Report, May 25: "For the average assessed residential property, the municipal increase is approximately $186.87 annually, or $15.57 monthly. Taxes are due July 2, 2026."  

April 2 
Council voted 4-3 (Tait, Bateman, Beddows, St-Pierre in favour, Haldane, McMath, Pearson against) yesterday to proceed with the first three readings of the five-year financial plan at a 10.5% tax increase in 2026. That equates to $210 more for the average assessed home in Sooke. I'm not running again in October, so this will be my final budget vote and I'm content that we and staff have done our very best to balance civic needs and the rising costs thereof while providing an accurate-as-possible accounting of what lies ahead through 2030 in terms of future anticipated costs for police, fire, asset management, union staffing and potential debt repayments on new road infrastructure. 

As the vote split indicates, tax increases and the District's current cost of doing business will be an election issue this fall (as Cllrs. Pearson & Haldane seemingly made clear in a recent press release). This sets the stage for an echo of the 2011 election that brought in a council (including these two council colleagues) that voted for no or exceptionally low tax increases during its three-year term.  Sooke was a notably smaller and different community at the time as it weathered the fallout of the 2008 recession. Our growth spurt started in earnest in 2015 and continues at a clip of about 2% annually as we get set to exceed an 18k population in 2026. 

At yesterday's special council meeting, a motion at the 10% rate was introduced initially to launch a near three-hour discussion. The slim majority of us concluded that Asset Management reserve contributions were non-negotiable and brought back the full 2% amount (rather than cutting 0.5% as proposed). That amendment took us to 10.5%. 

Our conversation was informed by public input at the start of the meeting from a half-dozen speakers. They noted that this tax increase will hurt them and those they know given the overall affordability crisis driven by the cost of housing (link to Affordable BC), food (Stats Can Food Data Hub) and gas ($2.14/litre today at PetroCan in Sooke).  Also referenced were the overall economic uncertainties in general facing British Columbians (see CPA BC review of Budget 2026), Canadians (Bank of Canada projections) and the planet at large (Export Development Canada's Global Economic Outlook 2026). 

Like the 1,700 residents who participated in last year's Budget 2026 survey, the speakers generally supported the police/fire hires and infrastructure maintenance necessary given Sooke's growth. They did wonder why the District does not cut back hard on municipal staffing and ride out the difficult times in lean/mean fashion, just as the private sector must do. (In order to reduce its $13.3b deficit, the Province is cutting 2,000 public service jobs this year; the Local Government Act and Community Charter contain strict rules that require local governments to operate with balanced budgets, i.e. no deficit.) 

One speaker was in strong support of a double-digit hike on the grounds that the increases are all well justified to maintain service levels in a growing community and that (as proven by the low/no tax increase period of 2011-2015) future taxpayers must pay the piper eventually.  As my vote demonstrated, I agree. (And no, I nor any of us feel the least bit good about yet again increasing everyone's tax bills, yet these last few months -- and in previous years -- we have pushed staff and laboured for many hours of public meeting time to find the right mix.

This council committed to 24/7 union police and fire coverage in 2023, then approved Sooke's first-ever asset management levy a year later. These increases are the price, we have unanimously agreed in the last three budgets, for adequate (not deluxe, I argue) community safety and functionality. Reaching these goals requires hikes here in one of the lowest-taxed communities of our general size in the province. So say four of seven of us.  Result: A tough decision duly made by the majority.  

Budget impacts of yesterday's decision ... 
- One less police officer is now in the mix; as Staff Sgt. Willcocks told us, Sooke RCMP will still be bolstered by two new hires - one a Community & School Police Liaison Officer, the other a general duty officer -- with more to follow in future years. The Staff Sgt. has committed to dedicating his own time to addressing town centre public safety concerns and liaising with the business community.

- Sooke Fire Services team will grow with two additional firefighters this year (#14 and #15) with one new hire projected annually through 2030 as the District works towards a full compliment of 20 to enable effective four-member rotations 24/7.  

- New municipal staff vacancies will be all the more carefully and creatively analyzed for value and worth rather than automatically posted. Technology (read: AI) is being mindfully, strategically and all-due-cautiously integrated into District operations to serve as a time-saving aid for staff researching District policies, bylaws and past agendas/minutes so as to improve turnaround times for reports and decisions, thus freeing them up to tackle other priorities on their various extended to-do lists.  

- "Small town with a big heart" (aka Sooke Compassionate City) support remains intact through funding for existing service agreements and the Community Grant program. Our vote also renewed now-lapsed funding for groups such as the Wild Wise Society, Amber Academy, Harmony Project Sooke, Need2 Suicide Prevention and the essential prenatal and youth navigator counselling work of the Sooke Family Resource Society.  Overall direction of the youth and youth-serving non-profit sector has been enhanced with a per-capita contribution ($14,400) for two years to a full-time coordinator position for The Village Initiative's Municipal Leadership Advisory Council, a salary shared by other regional local governments. (All this I definitely feel good about.) 

- Five-Year Plans are reworked annually at the discretion of council, and this 2026-30 model will again undergo tweaks and possibly dramatic changes pending the make-up of the new crew to be elected in October. As it stands, this new financial plan projects an additional 41% over five years largely to be spent on (in order of dollar projections) police, fire, asset management and non-discretionary contract increases for CUPE and IAFF employees. Also included in this total are potential debt payments on the large-scale borrowing for the Throup/Phillips bypass road, it being conditional, of course, on a future referendum vote.

- Ahead is the Budget Open House on Wed. April 8 at the Municipal Hall. All are welcome to drop in and explore the nitty gritty in (sometimes heated, often curious and engaged) conversation with staff and those of us from council who can be counted on to attend. 

- Perspective: Approx. 4,500 budgets are produced annually by all levels of government in Canada (including 3,572 incorporated municipalities across the country).

Summing up, and to quote the District ... 

"The proposed increase is driven by the following key components:

• 3.04%: Fire - Additional staffing, including two career firefighters, and maintaining emergency response capacity
• 2.60%: Police - Two additional RCMP officers, including a school and community liaison services officer 
• 2.00%: Asset Management - Investment in maintaining and replacing infrastructure such as roads and facilities
• 1.81%: General Municipal - Ongoing operational costs and service delivery including municipal roads, parks and trails, bylaw and legislative requirements
• 0.97%: E-Comm 9-1-1 - Full-year funding for emergency call answering and dispatch services
• 0.08% Debt Servicing

Rough Calculations Chez Bateman  
based on the expected tax bill for the near average-assessed home Carolyn and I have lived in these last 23 years: 

* Covering a little over 45% of our total bill, our municipal contributions will be about $2,020, I'm calculating. The District of Sooke share of our statement last year was a little over $1,800. 

- Other line items on the bill to be delivered in late May (without factoring in homeowner grants) ... 
* School tax - $950 last year (annual lift determined under the School Act in mid-April) 
* CRD costs this year are up 5.6%, taking the average assessed cost of its services (see chart below drawn Appendix I of the March 11 CRD Board of Directors agenda) to about $600
* BC Transit increase in its 2026/27 Budget & Tax Regulation is 6.5%; this amounts to about $290 for us this year
* VI Public Library increase for 2026 in its Five-Year Plan is 4.6% (i.e., bringing its share to ~$145 on our bill)  
* The CRD Regional Hospital District fee is effectively unchanged at approx. $100
* BC Assessment will be about $30
* The Municipal Finance Authority charged 0.16 cents last year 

Total bill we expect this year will likely be a little over $4,000. Like many, we qualify for BC homeowners grants.  When I apply the basic grant under Column B (which reduces school taxes by some 60%) this amount will drop to approx. $3,400.  As seniors, we can also apply the Column C discount, which cuts another 20% from the school tax.

With the grants included, our likely final total this year is around about $3,300 -- give or take if I have these numbers right. In 2025 we paid $2,995.65. 

Optional: Property Tax Deferment Program 
BC Tax Deferment Program
- Regular program (for people who are 55 or older, are a surviving spouse or a person with disabilities)
- Families with children program (homeowners with children under age 18) 
- Eligibility requirements 

- Changes introduced in Feb. 2026 BC Budget
Changing the interest rate structure for the Property Tax Deferment Program from simple to compound and adopting a prime plus 2% rate for loans. Prime rate as of Feb 17 is 4.45% so with the above would mean a 6.45% interest rate.
- As of this time last year, BC residents deferred $2.33b in property taxes (2024/25) vs. $2.13b a year earlier 
- CBC coverage (Feb 17) + web article on the changes, March 2026 + Global News (April 2) 

​- Press release from Office of the BC Seniors' Advocate (May 5, 2026) 
<clip> "The Ministry of Finance data shows that under the new program terms, a senior homeowner deferring the median tax amount of $3,800 every year for 10 years will pay just over $17,000 in interest costs. Under the previous program terms, a senior deferring the median tax amount annually for 10 years would pay just over $5,000 in interest costs.

These estimates assume a prime rate of 4.45% and consistent annual deferrals. However, it is likely both the rate and tax amount deferred will change over time. Approximately 80% of seniors who defer their taxes repay the loan within about 10 years, typically when they sell their home.
​
“Despite tax deferment costing $1,200 more per year on average with the government’s recent changes, the loan is not due until the home sells which is a huge advantage over other lending programs,” said Levitt. “There has been a lot of inaccurate information shared about the financial impact of government’s changes, however, the program still provides significant support for seniors needing extra money to pay bills each month or cover an unforeseen expense.”

March 31 Update 
- We meet tomorrow to debate tax increases at 8, 10 and 12% levels in 2026

- Pocketbook context: A 1% tax increase equals an extra $20.04 per annum on an average assessed Sooke house (i.e., $786k as of the latest July 1, 2025 determination of BC Assessment). At 12% this would be $240.48. Since 2012, Sooke taxes have risen 61% at a cost of approximately $1,200 to this average-assessed homeowner. 

- Between the previous post and now, we have had two more rounds of budget talks based on updated staff reports ~ March 23 (agenda) and March 16 (agenda). 

- A motion to approve the budget at the 12% rate failed in a three-three tie vote on March 23. Yes: Bateman, Beddows, St-Pierre. No: Haldane, McMath, Pearson. All of us are homeowners and taxpayers ourselves, but we clearly have a split view on how to move forward in this election year. 

- The later three focused on the need for significant cuts to address the affordability crisis faced by some unknown but significant percentage of homeowners in our community. They logically ask: Has the District looked at every possible belt-tightening measure? Tough times undoubtedly call for austerity budgets. These questions have been asked at earlier budget meetings that were missed by Pearson (on holiday) and McMath (at work). 

- We three in favour recognize from personal experience that money is tighter than ever and that increases hurt but we are willing to absorb the political heat from some vocal quarters to ensure services and infrastructure are properly funded. We acknowledge that the top-end of the potential hike this year was an untenable 18% and staff have reigned it in substantially.

- We also recognize that this council committed to 24/7 union police and fire coverage in 2023, then okayed Sooke's first-ever asset management levy a year later. These increases are the price for adequate (not deluxe) community safety and functionality. Reaching these goals require hikes here in one of the lowest taxed communities of our general size in the province. (And no, to repeat, the comparison charts we're shown are not apples-to-apples given differing services operated by each municipality, but there's no question we have got maximum bang for our relatively limited bucks since incorporation.) 

- Haldane's follow-up motion called for a new staff report to provide options for 6%, 8% and 10% increases this year. McMath seconded this motion, but immediately amended it to eliminate the 6% on the grounds that it was mission impossible given non-discretionary items within the budget. I pointed out that these unavoidable  costs (two-thirds of them rooted in union contract increases) total over 10% alone when administrative and police numbers are added up.

- The motion passed 4-2 (Haldane, Pearson, McMath and myself in favour vs. Beddows and St-Pierre opposed.) I voted 'yes' to avoid further tie votes and to move the process forward to tomorrow's meeting, where a full council (now that Mayor Tait is home from her visit to our sister city in Japan) will be able to weigh in. 

- To make meaningful cuts to the 12% increase, we would need to consider axing the following as per the chart at the top of this page:
 
i) Up to half of the 2% to be dedicated to the Asset Management Reserve Fund first established in the 2024 budget.  Full details on the fund in the Dec. 11, 2023 Council agenda  (pp. 49-182). In brief, asset management ensures the DOS can maintain roads, drainage and other infrastructure, especially our failing stormwater systems, culverts and potholed patches on municipal roads. BC local governments have been playing catch-up by creating and building these reserves over the last decade, and the entirely common-sense consensus is that they're essential. Critical, in fact, when unforeseen and unbudgeted emergencies occur on (to cite this year's examples so far) Blythwood (sloughing of the roadside bank following heavy rainfall), Dufour Road (sinkhole) and the corner of Brownsey and Goodmere (sinkhole).  
 
ii) One or two of the three requested Sooke RCMP officers that Staff Sgt. Willcocks has persuasively argued are required this year in addition to more to follow over the length of the five-year plan. The cuts, should we go to 10% or lower, would include the hybrid Community Police Officer/School Police Liaison Officer strongly supported by the Sooke Chamber of Commerce and the principals at EMCS and Journey Middle School. 

iii) The Sooke Community Association's ask for an annual $70k to support its operation of Fred Milne Park and Art Morris Park (atop the $35k already provided in the Community Hall service agreement). The SCA made a strong pitch at the Jan. 17 meeting by noting that municipalities typically fund and staff their own recreational facilities as per multi-million examples from Langford, Colwood, Metchosin and View Royal. The new funds would support "base operations, facility maintenance, safety and capital readiness ... the partnership would allow us to leverage District support to access external grants for major upgrades - the community hall, turf improvements and field lighting." 

The agenda for the special council meeting tomorrow (April 1, 4 PM) ...
asks that council select between and/or modify options at the 8%, 10% or 12% levels. 

<clips from the agenda>

Financial Context
- 1% taxation = $144,488  (a comparable 1% in Central Saanich, to cite one example, raises $230k approx.) 
- Each 1% of taxation represents approximately $1.67 per month for the average assessed household. ($20.04 per year)
- 10% scenario requires $288,976 in reductions (from 12%)
- 8% scenario requires $577,952 in reductions (from 12%)

Since 2012, taxes in Sooke have risen 61% ...
approx. $1,200 in total for the average assessed residential property owner.  
2012-2025 ~ 61.0% 
2019-2025 ~ 49.39% 

Each scenario includes measures that defer expenses to future years, particularly where partial-year staffing costs in 2026 will require full-year funding in 2027. 

Breakdown of the potential 12% increase ... 
- Police = 35% of total increase 
- Fire = 21% 
- Asset Management = 17%
- Municipal Services = 24% 

​Lower taxation scenarios require trade-offs, most notably reduced investment in infrastructure, particularly the asset management program. The scenarios provide a range of options:

- 12% maintains service levels and aligns with community priorities
- 10% maintains core services with moderate long-term impact through reduced investment in infrastructure 
- 8% introduces significant service and infrastructure risk
 
8% Scenario – Key Consideration
"The 8% scenario reflects significant service reductions, including a reduction from three additional police officers to one, impacts to parks and trails and community services, and increased long-term financial risk due to reduced investment in the asset management program. Council is asked to consider whether this reduction is worth the increased infrastructure risk or additional service impacts. Staff do not recommend reducing investment in the asset management program to zero given current infrastructure conditions and associated risks." 

Working five-year projections in the draft 2026-30 plan ... 
I asked specifically at the Feb. 17 meeting that the five-year projections be as accurate as possible based on the "known knowns" of what lies ahead (i.e., additional hires requested by police, fire and municipal hall) while always open to the fact that there will be unknown costs driven by realities on the ground and the decisions of future councils.

Finance Director Liu delivered the following. 

2027 - 13.46% 
2028 - 15.55% (pending borrowing for the Throup connector) 
2029 - 8.10% (pending borrowing for the Throup connector) 
2030 - 4.17%
41.28% additional total

2027 - 13.46%
- Police = 35%
- Fire = 21%
- Debt = 8%
- Asset Management = 15% 
- Municipal Services = 21% 

2028 - 15.55%
- Police = 34%
- Fire = 8%
- Debt = 34%
- Asset Management = 13%
- Municipal Services = 11%

2029 - 8.10%
- Police = 7%
- Fire = 14%
- Debt = 43%
- Asset Management = 25% 
- Municipal Services = 11% 

2030 - 4.17%
- Police = 13%
- Fire = 26% 
- Debt = -13%
- Asset Management = 48%
- Municipal Services = 26%

The plan focuses primarily on new hires to enable full-scale transition to 24/7 police and fire coverage. The wild card unknowns in these increases relate to whether the District will proceed with work on the Throup Road connector should this be determined through a referendum vote.

District staffing increases will be minimal over the five years if not quite a bona fide hiring freeze. There will be an emphasis on the use of technology (read: AI) to aid and abet the work of existing municipal employees. 


District of Sooke Current Staffing 
- 70 permanent full-time employees
- 35 auxiliary, part-time and paid-on-call employees 
- Fire: 15 IAFF firefighters + 24 paid-on-call 
- Sooke RCMP: 14 officers 

District staff count in 2019: 39 full-time employees
(at a time when there were half-a-dozen or so existing staff vacancies, including permanent CAO) 

Then and Now Budget Comparisons
* Fire (2016) - $1.2m 
* Fire (2026) - $3.6m  

* Police (2016) - $1.7m 
* Police (2026) - $3.99m 

* General Government Services (2016) - $3.7m 
* General Government Services (2026) - $6.1m 


Other Municipal Comparisons 

* Esquimalt - 2026 budget overview + initial proposed 13% reduced below 12% in February. In 2024, the City brought its increase below 10% by cutting its infrastructure reserve fund contribution in half. <clip> "Since 2024, staff have warned council that it will have to raise property taxes if it wants to keep up the quality of roads and pipes, saying issues such as flooded homes during heavy rainfall will become more common if the municipality’s approach to infrastructure is kept at the status quo." 

* Sidney - 9.37% increase approved on March 18. ( <clip> "$176 more for the average residential property for the year. Previous tax increases were among the lowest in the region because they were supported in part by reserve funds, which now need to be replenished, the town said. RCMP and fire improvements represent a 5.4 per cent increase, more than half of this year’s increase, while police dispatch costs are equivalent to a 2.6 per cent increase.)

* Saanich - 5.35% for 2026 ... Saanich budget home page. Saanich raised its taxes by 8.02% in 2025. This added $280 to the average-assessed residential tax bill last year. 

* Central Saanich - 7.3% tax increase under consideration (Times Colonist). This amounts to a $205 increase for average  assessed residential property. 

* Duncan - proposed 8.73% increase in 2026 

* North Cowichan finalizes this year's tax increase at 8.42% (March 30 ~ "The municipality faced a number of uncontrollable costs in 2026, including inflation, a $1.6-million increase in staff wages, a $1.2-million increase in long-term debt, a $575,000 increase to the RCMP contract, an increase of $205,000 for E-Comm services, and $131,000 for the municipal elections in October.  But, during the budget-building process, North Cowichan’s senior staff repeatedly warned council and the public about the risks of not sufficiently financing the municipality’s operations." 

Related
* "Thinking of Moving To A More 'Affordable' Part of the Country? Consider This" (CBC News, March 17, 2026) 

* Tracking BC's Interprovincial Migration (BC Examiner, March 2026) <clip> "British Columbia has gone from attracting nearly 20,000 net interprovincial migrants per year between 2014 and 2022 to an average of barely 500 per year for the past three years. Interprovincial migration is no longer making a measurable contribution to population growth in this province ... For a province that has long relied on in-migration to support population as well as economic growth, this marks a meaningful shift – one that may persist if relative economic and labour market conditions do not improve." 

* British Columbians Want A Future Worth Staying For (Business Council of British Columbia) + Aug. 2025 report 

* "There Is Only One Escape from the Affordability Crisis" (Globe and Mail, Feb. 28, 2026)
<clip> "As it stands, every barometer of the Canadian consumer base shows sentiment in the dumps, comparable with past recessions. The strain of high costs courses through all facets of daily life, with two-thirds of Canadians saying today’s cost of living is the worst they can ever remember it being, according to a recent Abacus Data survey.Yes, inflation has been subdued. The numbers aren’t fake. But that does nothing to cushion the blow from what was the worst inflationary episode since the 1980s.
When inflation spiralled out of control in 2021, prices permanently levelled up in a way that Canadians are still trying to wrap their heads – and their budgets – around, especially when it comes to essentials.
Compared to a decade ago, food, gas and shelter costs have each jumped by roughly 40 per cent – nearly double the rise in overall prices that a 2-per-cent annual inflation rate would have delivered over that time." 



Update Feb. 18: Post-COW 
* Council (Beddows, Haldane, Tait and myself) sitting as the COW this afternoon voted in favour of asking staff to "provide additional reporting on an updated 2026-2030 Financial Plan based on a maximum annual tax increase of 12% including associated service-level impacts and reserve implications."

* Policing discussion focused (at Mayor Tait's suggestion) on adding a third RCMP officer to this year's budget so as to serve as a Community Police Officer with a particular focus as Sooke's first dedicated School Police Liaison Officer. (District of Mission SPLO example.) The requested office manager would be deferred to a future year. 

* This potential hire shapes up as a significant act of "upstream intervention." The SPLO officer would work in concert with SD #62 at all Sooke-area schools, delivering straight talk and sound advice about drugs, gangs and sexual exploitation, facilitating restorative justice interventions, and generally ensuring students steer well clear of the youth justice system. (See the Victoria Family Court & Youth Justice Committee SPLO backgrounder on the high-profile debate/controversy in recent years at the Victoria School District. SD #62 schools in the west shore have a SPLO program through West Shore RCMP. Modified Sooke school engagement of this general kind ended some years back when Constable Sam Haldane moved to a new position.)

* The community policing part of the job is timely given the rising fears around safety in the town centre following a string of arson incidents and the results of the Chamber of Commerce Business Walk survey that captured up-Sooke business concerns related to theft, vandalism and homelessness. The TBA officer (budget approval pending) would be the "face of Sooke RCMP," said Staff Sgt. Willcocks. She/he would be a visible presence around town and would liaise on community safety initiatives, including with the business community. 


Original Post: Starting Points 
- Budget Deliberations Start on Feb. 17 (press release)
- Let's Talk Budget 2026 (DOS microsite)
- Budget and Finance - District website home page 
- Five-Year Financial Plan, 2025-2029 (adopted: April 7, 2025) 
- Five-Year Financial Plan 2024-2028 (adopted in April, 2024)

Committee of the Whole - Feb. 17, 2026
We now enter the phase in the annual budget cycle when things get, as they say, real. Crunch time, and nobody is likely to be happy (to quote BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey regarding the province's own budget to be delivered tomorrow.)   

Brace yourself, Sooke: You'll again be paying more in this year's needs-not-wants budget as the District continues to strive to make up lost time (and tax dollars) by addressing essential municipal responsibilities - fire, police, asset management and union contract increases.  There is arguably again zero fluff in this budget -- at least not if you recognize support for non-profit organizations through Sooke's Community Investment Program as a must, not a nice-to-have. 

The key points in tomorrow's agenda: 

- District staff will present potential tax increases ranging from 10.23% to 18.51% this year

- This hike will be subject to council decisions regarding discretionary and new-funding budget asks  

- Average household increases will range from $182 to $330 per year ($15 to $28 per month) pending the final determined % increase. 

- In 2026, a 1% tax increase = $144,488 in additional municipal revenue. In comparison, other municipalities gather considerably more from a +1% hike, i.e. Saanich ($1.75m), Langford ($450k), Colwood ($212k). 


Catching Up: Critical Context 
In 2025, Sooke yet again ranked as the third lowest among 26 local governments on Vancouver Island in residential property taxes collected for municipal services -- $2,022 on the average assessed residence. (These are not apple-to-apple comparisons, it is routinely noted; some munis provide garbage pick-up, others (like Sooke) do not; however we're told, in the balance and given discrepancies, we have enjoyed bargain tax rates for many years well below the norm.) 

If we opted for the maximum $330 (which I'm confident we will not), we'd still be among the lowest 10 communities on the island given increases by those immediately ahead of us on last year's chart.  Oak Bay ($6,139), Victoria ($4,065) and Saanich ($4,002) lead the CRD in general municipal tax. We're in the ballpark with North Saanich ($2,059), Metchosin ($2,122) and Sidney ($2,444). 

The VI average is approx. $2,500 per average household. We slipped behind our own growth curve in 2012-16 back when Sooke RCMP first began calling for more officers. Despite bold tax increases since 2017 (60.22% total) following five years of no or ultra-low hikes, we continue to need additional funds in the areas of police, fire and asset management in particular. 

Staff recommendation that the Future Policing Cost Reserves fund be left untouched ($433,597 as of Dec. 31, 2025). This will ensure available funding for any potential cases involving the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit and is a starter on funding for the one-day need for a new RCMP/emergency services building. 


2026 General Fund Operating Costs 
- General Government - $5,011,303 (26%)
- Planning, Development & Building Services - $1,537,234 (8%)
- Operations - $3,715,339 (19%)
- Police - $5,237,952 (27%)
- Fire & Emergency - $3,753,895 (20%)
TOTAL: $19,255,733 

Budget Components 
Municipal Services (excluding RCMP)
 7.59% is non-discretionary 
- 5.51% - labour cost increases (CUPE 374 Sooke and IAFF Local 4841) 
- 0.45% - debt servicing 
- 0.01% - election costs 
- 0.24% - contractor and maintenance 
- 0.49% - IT software and licensing 
- 0.14% - insurance and banking fees
- 0.16% - BC Hydro rate increase
- 0.10% - materials and equipment
- 0.03% - fuel 

 2.0% - Asset Management Reserve Fund increase is discretionary
 
2.71% is discretionary 
- 0.46% - Firefighter #14 
- 0.31% - Parks Auxiliary labourers 
- 0.26% - Geographic Information Services co-op student 
- 0.55% - Community Service Agreement increases (SCA) 
- 0.42% - Zoning & Building Bylaw consultancy 
- 0.35% - Rainwater infrastructure maintenance
- 0.10% - Streetlight contract maintenance
- 0.10% - Parks vehicle & small-machine maintenance
- 0.07% - Connector road engagement for referendum 
- 0.06% - Tree maintenance 
 
0.22%+ in new funding requests 
- TBD – Deputy Mayor’s pay 
- 0.21% - Foundry BC contribution
- 0.1% - The Village Initiative coordinator contribution (shared with West Shore communities & SD #62) 
 

Sooke RCMP 
 2.64% is non-discretionary 
- $198,855 to cover latest RCMP union contract increases for 14 budgeted RCMP members
- $42k to cover pay and benefits for three public-service employees 
- $430k for a full year of E-Comm 9-1-1 service 
 
3.69% is discretionary 
- $532,452 for two more RCMP officers 
 
1.57% in new funding requests 
- $130k – new office manager position 
- $97,500k – new GIS Disclosure Clerk (to handle heavy paperwork now managed by officers) 
 
Total request: 7.90% 
- $1.14m = $141 per household per year 

"Policing is the largest single service within the District’s operating budget. RCMP contract costs, staffing levels, equipment requirements, and provincial standards strongly influence overall municipal expenditures and property tax scenarios." - DOS

Budget Next Steps 
As we have in years past, council will likely ask the District's finance team to chop what and where it can even given all the preparation and preamble that has led us to this place.  [The District's budget survey was completed last fall. The service review presentations by all District departments, Sooke RCMP, Sooke Fire Service and service-agreement participants ended last month. And now, in the agenda for this meeting, council and the public are seeing the first projected tax increases for 2026. 

Ahead of us at near-term council meetings prior to the Province's May 15 deadline applicable to all local governments:  i) First, second and third reading of the budget; ii) the annual Community Budget Open House; and iii) budget adoption.

The Province is introducing an austerity budget tomorrow. Ideally, we should as well, however the needs of Sooke Fire and Sooke RCMP are critical to community safety as this council has strongly recognized at budget time since 2023.  
 

Backgrounder 
Who Gets What: Sooke Property Tax Bill 
District of Sooke - 45.4%
Provincial School Tax - 26.2%
Capital Regional District - 15.3%
BC Transit - 5.9%
VIRL - 3.7%
Hospital District - 2.7%
Municial Finance Authority - 0.8%


Sooke Budget 2026 Citizen Survey 
​- Budget 2026: What We Heard Report (public survey in summer 2025) + presentation 

- Fire Rescue Services: Transition to 24/7 staffing model — now 92.7% satisfaction, highest of all service areas
- Policing: Enhanced local presence and coverage — satisfaction at 80.5%
​- Bylaw Services: Expanded team from 2 to 3 officers, improving reliability and weekend coverage

"The District recognizes that the recent rate of property tax increases is not sustainable over the long term. This year’s survey asked residents to share perspectives on revenue diversification — how the District can reduce reliance on residential taxes ...  Strong support for:

• Shared revenues with other levels of government (e.g., cannabis and cell service taxes)
• Attracting new businesses to expand the commercial tax base
• Hosting community events to generate local revenue

"Balancing Affordability and Service Delivery
- Residents recognize the need for fiscal responsibility but do not support reducing service levels
- 40% of respondents said they trust the District to find effective, responsible ways to manage trade-offs

Community priorities:
• Expand staff cross-training to improve flexibility
• Share services with neighbouring governments and nonprofits
• Use technology and automation to improve efficiency

Residents emphasized that cost-saving measures should:
• Maintain service quality and responsiveness
• Avoid over-stretching staff or reducing community access

Frequently Asked Questions page from Let's Talk, Budget 
Example: Can’t we just cut costs to keep taxes low?  "It’s a fair question - and one we hear often. The District is always looking for ways to be more efficient. We’ve already made improvements, like offering more digital services, streamlining internal processes, and working with partners to share costs where we can. But the reality is, most of the budget goes toward people and infrastructure—the staff who provide services and the facilities, roads, and systems we all rely on.

• Wages make up the largest part of the operating budget. These are based on union agreements and reflect the cost of hiring qualified staff to do important work.
• Emergency services depend on having enough trained responders available when residents need them.
• Parks, trails, and roads need regular maintenance to stay safe and prevent bigger, more expensive problems later on.

Cutting too deeply in these areas doesn’t just mean fewer services. It can lead to:

• Slower emergency response times
• Delayed repairs that cost more to fix later
• Less safety and cleanliness in public spaces
• Higher staff turnover and burnout, which brings extra costs for recruiting and training new employees

"The tax increases since 2012 average to 4.3% -- highlighting that increases in 2025 (15.29%) and 2024 are not typical. Stabilizing tax increases and diversifying funding sources is a priority."

Taxation in Sooke since 2012 
Municipal tax hikes since 2012 total 61% ... nonetheless, to dive into the stats cited above, Sooke has the third lowest residential taxes on Vancouver Island. Sooke at $1,758 in municipal residential property taxes (for the average assessed property) is second only to Lake Cowichan ($1,593) and Lantzville ($1,744) in having the lowest bills on Vancouver Island amongst communities south of Campbell River. The median tax among the 25 jurisdictions cited in the draft plan is $2,524 (i.e., what folks in Port Alberni, Colwood, Central Saanich and Qualicum Beach approximately pay). Oak Bay tops the list at $4,976 per tweed-curtain household. Not that this alone justifies major local increases, of course. 

2025 - 15.29%
2024 ~ 10.53% (introduction of asset management reserve fund)
2023 ~ 6.99%   (launch of first phase of 24/7 RCMP and Fire service) 

2022 ~ 6.09%
2021 ~ 3.31%
2020 ~ 0.00%
2019 ~ 7.18%

2018 ~ 2.79%
2017 ~ 5.58%
2016 ~ 0.85%
2015 ~ 0.00%

2014 ~ 0.02%
2013 ~ 1.59%
2012 ~ 0.00%
 
2019-2025 ~ 49.39% 
2012-2025 ~ 61.0% 
 
Working five-year projections in the 2025-2029 plan 
2026 – 9.70%
2027 – 7.71% 
2028 – 10.72% 
2029 – 7.34% 
35.47% total 


Working five-year protections in the draft 2026-30 plan ... 
2027 - 13.46%
2028 - 15.55% (pending borrowing for the Throup connector) 
2029 - 8.10% (pending borrowing for the Throup connector) 
2030 - 4.17%
41.28% additional total 

 
Optional: Property Tax Deferment Program 
BC Tax Deferment Program
- Regular program (for people who are 55 or older, are a surviving spouse or a person with disabilities), or
- Families with children program (homeowners with children under age 18) 
- Eligibility requirements 

- Changes introduced in Feb. 2026 BC Budget
i) Changing the interest rate structure for the Property Tax Deferment Program from simple to compound and adopting a prime plus 2% rate for loans. Prime rate as of Feb 17 is 4.45% so with the above would mean a 6.45% interest rate.
 - As of this time last year, BC residents deferred $2.33b in property taxes (2024/25) vs. $2.13b a year earlier 

​- CBC coverage (Feb 17) + Blog article on the changes, March 2026 + Global News (April 2) 


Policing Services - Sooke RCMP 
See Committee of the Whole agenda, Jan. 19, 2026 for the power point presentation
delivered by Staff Sgt. Greg Willcocks 

Municipal Requirements under the BC Police Act 
15   (1) Subject to this section, a municipality with a population of more than 5 000 persons must bear the expenses necessary to generally maintain law and order in the municipality and must provide, in accordance with this Act, the regulations and the director's standards,
(a) policing and law enforcement in the municipality with a police service referred to in section 3 (2) [responsibilities of Provincial and municipal governments for providing policing and law enforcement services] of sufficient numbers (i) to adequately enforce municipal bylaws, the criminal law and the laws of British Columbia, and (ii) to maintain law and order in the municipality,
(b) adequate accommodation, equipment and supplies for (i) the operations of and use by the police service required under paragraph (a), and (ii) the detention of persons required to be held in police custody other than on behalf of the government, and
(c) the care and custody of persons held in a place of detention required under paragraph (b) (ii).
(1.1) The duties of a municipality under subsection (1) of this section include the duty set out in section 4.03 to use and pay for specialized services provided by a specialized service provider.
(2) If, due to special circumstances or abnormal conditions in a municipality, the minister believes it is unreasonable to require a municipality to provide policing or law enforcement under subsection (1), the minister may provide policing or law enforcement in the municipality, subject to the terms the Lieutenant Governor in Council approves.
The Province can step in and order municipalities to ensure sufficient policing budgets (2022 Esquimalt example) 


Current Staffing 
- 14 municipal officers (budgeted strength)
- 10.92 Full-Time Equivalent employees as of Dec. 31, 2025 (due to extended leave, sick leave, etc.) 
- 18 authorized positions*
-  6 provincial officers (to cover regional responsibilities as far west as Port Renfrew)

- Sooke RCMP is undertaking a Core Policing Service Review. 
- Police Resources in BC (2024) 
 
* Definition: "Authorized strength represents the maximum number of positions that the detachment or department has been authorized to fill as of December 31 of each calendar year. The authorized strength for both municipal police units (RCMP) and municipal police department jurisdictions represents the number of sworn officers/members and sworn civilian officers/members assigned to a detachment or department, but does not include non-sworn civilian support staff, bylaw enforcement officers, the RCMP Auxiliary program or municipal police department reserve police officers." 

Trends in Sooke Municipal RCMP Budget 
- $1.2m in 2010 (70% cost share with the Province as per the BC Police Act based on a community's population size) 
- $2m in 2017
- $3.02m in 2023 (90% cost share as population exceeds 15k) 
- $3.99m in 2025 (includes $684k increase last year) 
- $6.2m projected in 2029 according to the current Five-Year Financial Plan 

Approx. 400% increase since 2015

2025 expenditures included ... 
- New vehicles - $202k
- Radio communications systems - $22k 
- Computer equipment - $60k 
- Office workstation upgrades - $50k 

2026 Budget Ask
-- Increase budgeted officers from 14 to 16 officers.
* This will budget for the GIS position and one front line general duty position (2025).
* Increase authorized officers from 18 to 20 officers.
* Both these officers will be front line policing (one being a supervisor).

- Authorize the creation of a detachment municipal manager.
- Authorize the creation of GIS disclosure clerk.
* This is the minimum amount necessary to prevent service reductions in 2026.

Sooke RCMP COW Report 
(see agenda, pp. 7-53)
* "The budget plan addresses the two primary directions from the residents of Sooke which are: maintain strong public safety by strengthening police while balancing costs.
* Creates a safer environment for the officers with better access to backup so they can better manage call volume and high-risk situations. Also supports member wellness.
* Allows the detachment to better respond to critical incidents in Sooke.
* Allow the detachment to continue to address the growing rate of serious crime and overall calls for service with an emphasis on front line policing (boots on the ground).
* Significantly reduces risk of being over budget in 2026 (reduction of 1 million dollar gap).
* Provides critical administrative support for the officers and allows for the detachment to remain open.

* The detachment will continue to focus on maintaining safe roads while increasing our presence on the roads and coming back to a focus on impaired driving, speeding, and school zone enforcement." 

Rationales 
- Policing staff in Sooke has increased 27% since 2010 vs. population increase of 62% (11 officers then, 14 now) 
- Detachment switched to 24/7 policing due to increase in provincial officers 
- Struggling to maintain basic services due to population increase and accelerated service calls  
- Cop to Pop ratio is "dangerous for the public and the RCMP officers who serve here." 
- "There is a narrow window to avoid service cuts in 2026 with the proposed budget plan." 
- "Overtime will continue to be high to maintain minimum levels" 
- "Without action, we would be putting additional pressure on future councils and budgetary years to close the gap." 

Sooke – 2025 Cop/Pop Ratio
- 1:1,250 ... one officer per 1,250 residents, second highest ratio in BC
- Victoria ~ 1:472
- Langford ~ 1:788
- Colwood ~ 1:939
- North Saanich ~ 1:1103

- Without new hires, Sooke will be 1:1,484 in 2030
- Cost per capita for Sooke taxpayers is $203 per year 
- Central Saanich with similar population has 23 officers at $284 per capita 

Call for Service Trend 
- up 23% from 2023 and 14% from 2024
- Sooke RCMP on pace for approx. 6,686 calls this year (5,288 or 79%) in Sooke
- Sooke has the fourth highest call volume in the CRD in 2025 and the largest increase in calls for service 
 
Crime Severity Index 
- The Crime Severity Index (CSI) is a measurement used by Statistics Canada to track changes in the level of severity of police-reported crime. In B.C., recent data from 2026 shows a significant 11% drop in the province's CSI for 2024, the largest decrease in the country. 
- CSI index in Sooke = 79.5 (up 44% since 2020) 
- BC average is 92.98
- CSI rises when major criminal activity is apprehended; the District established a General Investigative Services (GIS) unit in 2024 that has cracked major cases, hence increasing our indexed number. 
- In smaller municipalities a few serious incidents can dramatically inflate CSI as the index is scaled by population 
- The CSI does not include calls for non-criminal matters (mental health, traffic, missing persons)
​- An increase in the CSI may actually reflect better policing or improved reporting methods (such as new online tools) rather than more actual crime.

Budget 2026 Community Survey 
- " Support for RCMP: 63% of respondents indicated they somewhat or strongly support increased investment, with 42% strongly supportive before a tax value was applied.

Fire Rescue Services Plan 
"The Fire Master Plan recommends adding two full-time firefighters per year over the next three years to improve response times and maintain safety standards. Support: 65% of respondents indicated they somewhat or strongly support this investment, with 31% strongly supportive." 


Issue: Organized Crime in Sooke 
- Organized drug trafficking and weapons 
- Sexual exploitation investigation 
- Youth assault 
- add media clips 

​Issue: Proactive vs. Reactive Policing
Because of funding shortfalls and recruitment issues, some BC municipalities have been forced to shift from proactive to reactive policing services … Prince George, Cranbrook, Terrace are three examples.  There is currently a 20% RCMP staffing vacancy rate across BC. 

Calls that are impacted under reactive policing model 
- Property crimes (minor) 
- Non-emergency traffic issues 
- Proactive patrols – foot and bike patrols that deter crime and social issues 
- Wellness checks 
- Administrative and low-priority disturbances 
 
Community Impacts 
- increased dispatch wait times
- erosion of public trust 
- burnout and safety risks to officers
- delayed investigations 
- resource strains on small municipalities 
 
Dangers of the reactive model 
 - property crime becomes normalized 
- small stuff escalates
- upstream intervention and determent 
- trust goes down when you call emergency lines and nobody shows up 

Triage and Prioritization of Calls
- While the RCMP processes all calls for service, officers do not necessarily respond in person to every call they receive. The RCMP uses a triaging system, similar to a hospital emergency room, to prioritize urgent incidents over non-urgent matters to ensure resources are used effectively. 

 
Possible Community Initiatives 
- Canadian Citizens On Patrol Program
- Block Watch Society of BC + BC RCMP affiliation 
- Business Improvement Associations – hiring of private security 
- Advocacy for integrated units: Peer Assisted Care Teams (PACT),  Mobile Integrated Crisis Response (IMCRT) 
- RCMP Online Crime Reporting Tool 
- Restorative justice engagements (West Shore RCMP example) 
- Advocate for regional policing models 

Option: Community Safety Officers (Tier 2) 
- One way to somewhat affordably ease the load on the Sooke RCMP team
- Enabled in 2024 amendments to the BC Police Act (see UBCM release) 
- A new class of peace officers to work in conjunction with police 
- Salary: $70k (Saanich) … less than half the price of an RCMP officer (now factored all-in at $260k) 
​- Examples: Langford, Saanich and Delta 
- Cannot issue speeding tickets 
- Cannot conduct field sobriety tests 
- CSOs free up RCMP time from everyday tasks so that RCMP officers can focus on higher-risk work 

Potential CSO duties:
1. Community patrols – visible foot, bike and vehicle patrols 
2. Administrative support – document service, front-desk inquiries and taking reports for minor incidents
3. Operational support – crime scenes, traffic patrol, detention guard duties
4. Focused engagement in schools, care facilities and transit hubs 
5. Limited peace officer powers: lower-risk functions 
6. Sooke Shelter and Drennan St. calls 
7. EMCS School Police Liaison Officer role 
8. Administrative and other support requested by Sooke RCMP 

Additional RCMP Cost Pressures 
* "Local Governments Advised to Prepare for RCMP Collective Bargaining Settlement" - UBCM, Feb. 4, 2026 
<clip> "The second RCMP Collective Agreement, which included a 4% annual salary increase for two years, expired on March 31, 2025. Based on the timelines outlined in the second Collective Agreement, the National Police Federation could submit a notice to bargain as early as December 2024, which it did. Bargaining has picked up since the April 2025 federal election, but an agreement has not yet been reached.

Local governments continue to emphasize the importance of cost containment, given the rising cost of RCMP policing. The 2024 Police Resources in British Columbia publication notes that BC local governments over 5,000 in population spent $855.5 million on RCMP policing in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 10% ($76.4 million) compared to the previous year. This amount does not include costs incurred as part of the Surrey Police Model Transition or by local governments under 5,000 in population, who contribute through the Police Tax.

Although the federal government has been unwilling to meet directly with UBCM and the BC Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee, the cost concerns expressed by local governments, including members of the CMC, have been acknowledged." 

Archive of my earlier budget posts 
- Budget 2025
- Budget 2024
- Budget 2023 
​- Budget 2022
- 2020/21
- CRD (2019)
- Budget 2019

British Columbia 

Standing Items
- BC Government news portal  
​- Progress of Bills 
- Office of the Premier 
- Legislative Assembly 
- Parliamentary Calendar
​- BC Government Directory 
- Prime Minister of Canada news portal 

Spring 2026 Legislative Session 
February 18 to May 28 (41 working days) 

Budget 2026
- Budget 2026 announced by Minister Bailey on Tues. Feb. 17
- budget and fiscal plan (PDF) 
- budget highlights 
- budget speech 
- estimates for fiscal year ending March 31, 2027 

- Analysis by CRD Chief Financial Officer Nelson Chan - see Item 6.3 of the March 4 Financial Committee meeting agenda. 

News Coverage 
- BC Budget Includes Tax Increases, 15k Public Job Cuts, Projected #13b Deficit - CBC News, Feb. 17
- BC Budget Brings Cuts - Times Colonist, Feb. 18 
- More Money for Health Care, But Long-Term Care Projects Face Delays - Times Colonist, Feb. 17
- BC Budget Brings A Record Deficit and No Big Changes - The Tyee, Feb. 18
- Miscellaneous: RBC + Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives + Fraser Institute

* Legislative Assembly explainer 
* "BC Budget Must Cut Government Spending" (Canadian Taxpayers' Federation) 
* Austerity Budget Expected (CHEK News, Feb. 3)
“Absolutely we’ll be reducing spending in the next budget, but the reductions will be focused on administrative costs and bureaucracy, while we’re preserving frontline services,” said Premier Eby. "British Columbians will actually see an increased investment in services like education and health care.” ... Bailey confirmed she’s taking a hard look at spending, and said the current eight per cent annual growth in health care (which makes up almost 40 per cent of the province’s entire budget) is unsustainable when the B.C. economy is only projected to grow around 1.5 per cent in the coming year." 

April 2026

- Statements on 10th Anniversary of the Toxic Drug Crisis (April 13) + latest monthly statistics (150 deaths in January) + Youth Statistics, 2019-2023 report 
"Since the public-health emergency was first declared in 2016, more than 18,000 people in British Columbia have died from toxic drugs. Deaths continue to disproportionately affect Indigenous people, men and people working in the trades. Between January and June 2025, First Nations people died at 5.4 times the rate of other B.C. residents, with First Nations females dying at 8.5 times the rate of other females. Similarly, the BC Coroners Service found that 21-23% of people who died between 2022 and 2025 were currently or previously employed in trades, transport or as equipment operators.
Over the last decade, government has worked urgently to expand and strengthen mental-health and substance-use services throughout the continuum of care, including prevention, education, early intervention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery, supportive and complex-care housing, and aftercare. 

• As of April 2026, the Province added more than 829 publicly funded substance-use treatment and recovery beds in the province, for a total of 3,875.
• To date, complex care housing services are in place for more than 600 people, with government and BC Housing working to build new housing for people living with addictions issues.  
• From January 2019 until October 2025, 17,060 potential death events were prevented with observed consumption sites."

- Adventure Tourism Hub announced (April 9) - Easing permit delays for adventure tourism operators in support of the Look West: Tourism Sector Action Plan + application portal for Crown Land Tenure in BC + Eligibility & Restrictions + details re: Recreation and Tourism on Crown Land (per forthcoming Sooke Bike Club application for use of crown land east of Butler Main Road for a future bike trail network serving beginning and intermediate mountain bikers + further tenancy details) 

- Proposed Professional Reliance Act (Bill M216) Withdrawn (April 7). "“In recognition of the local governments, organizations and individuals that took countless hours to provide written submissions to the committee, the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs will be engaging with stakeholders to see how we can continue to reduce permitting timelines for new housing projects. This work will explore how to build on the principles of safety, speed and professional responsibility while balancing the needs of local governments and regulated professionals." - Minister Christine Boyle while referencing progress to date through Development Permit Approval Process (Sooke included) and the Building Permit Hub. 

- Primary Care Statistics (April 2) + One-Year Update on Recruitment Program (March 17) 

• "More than 600,000 people have been connected to a family doctor or nurse practitioner since 2023
• Upwards of 77% of British Columbians now have a primary care provider and approximately 4,000 more people are being matched each week 
• As of February 2026, more than 500 U.S.-trained health professionals have accepted job offers within B.C.’s public health-care system – 100 more since last month’s announcement
• B.C. now has the most doctors per capita in Canada with more than 15,000 physicians, which equates to 271 physicians per 100,000 residents, increasing the number of family doctors by nearly 1,500, which represents growth of 23% from 2017 to 2024 
• In 2025, the nursing workforce increased by 3,300, bringing the total to 78,750, while the number of nurse practitioners has tripled from 550 in 2018 to more than 1,650 to date."

March 2026
- Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project continues with release of new policy paper (March 27) 

- New Police Training Centres in Vancouver and Victoria (March 6) - Addressing the fact that police recruitment is 20% behind needs. "Budget 2025 invests $235 million in new funding over the next three years to improve community safety through various public safety and justice programs. This investment is increasing access to the justice system and supporting court operations, including sheriff recruitment, legal aid and Crown counsel." 

- Look West: The Tourism Sector Action Plan (March 4 + announcement) 
"B.C.’s Tourism Sector Action Plan sets a clear path to double visitor spending to $48 billion by 2036. The plan is built on five pillars: marketing B.C. as a top-tier destination; improving access through expanded air services and provincial corridors; leveraging events; mobilizing private-sector investment; and creating a supportive business climate for tourism operators and investors." 

- Amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act to improve health and safety in supportive housing (March 4). Highlights: "Keep weapons out of supportive housing; provide operators a continuum of options to temporarily restrict the access of tenants to a supportive housing site to de-escalate critical health and safety risks to other residents and staff." 

​- Permanent Daylight Savings Time (March 2 press release)

- Cowichan Nation land-title legal action update (March 2). <clip> "For transparency, neither the Cowichan Nation nor British Columbia are seeking to invalidate any privately held fee simple titles on the Cowichan Title Lands through the negotiation or appeal processes.”


February 2026
- BC Greens Won't Renew Accord (Times Colonist, Feb. 10)  "The New Democrats have 47 members in the 93-seat legislature, while the Greens have two. The Opposition B.C. Conservatives have 39 seats, having lost five members from their caucus who are now sitting as Independents."

- Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) to establish new HQ in Vancouver (Feb. 9) 
- Community Gaming Grants Update (Feb. 5) - $53m distributed to more than 2,500 BC organizations in 2025 + recipient list (includes $470k approx. to 20 Sooke region organizations - Sooke Fall Fair, Sooke Region Historical Society, Sooke Philharmonic, school PACs, Sooke Fine Arts, etc. Top awards: $250k to the Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue and $85k to JDF Marine Rescue Society.) 

January 2026
​- First Ministers' Joint Statement (Ottawa, Jan. 29) 
- Premier Eby on Alberta Separatism (Jan. 29) 
- Announcement of five more Foundry youth centres (Jan. 27) 
- Western Canada Critical Mineral Strategy + web page (Jan. 25) 
- Results of 2025 BC Hydro Call For Power - 14 proposals, 13 wind/1 solar; five proposals from the southern Interior, two from the central Interior, four from the North Coast and three from the Peace region + BC Hydro page + 2024 Call for Power results (Jan. 21) 
​
- Heritage Conservation Act update - postponement of proposed amendments (Jan. 19) 
- Addiction Hot-Line Service Improvements (Jan. 14) 
- BC Trade Mission to India (Jan. 12-17, 2026) 

Developing ... 
- BC Conservative Party Leadership Race (official)  
- Emily Lowen on Next Steps for the BC Greens (The Tyee, Jan. 8) 


Fall Legislative Session 
Oct. 6 to Nov. 27 
* UBCM Executive Advocacy With the Province - UBCM statement, Dec. 3
* Fall Session Focus - Province of BC, Oct. 6
* What To Expect from BC Legislature's Fall Session - The Narwhal, Oct. 6 

​* BC's Population Has Dropped (Times Colonist, Jan. 1, 2026). "Between July and October of this year, more than 26,000 non-permanent residents left B.C. as part of a trend that dropped Canada’s overall population by 0.2 per cent ... B.C. gained large numbers of people in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and its population soared from 5.3 million to just under 5.7 million. Losses in the first quarter of 2025 were due to a decline in natural population growth and interprovincial migration. But decreases in the past two quarters, making up the vast majority of the decrease, have been due to out-migration." 


Ministry of Finance - Second Quarterly Report (November, 2025) 
"The updated fiscal outlook for 2025/26 forecasts an operating deficit of $11.2 billion, $390 million lower than the projection in the First Quarterly Report." 

Bill 25 - Housing and Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (Nov. 28) 
- Policy bulletin issued by the Ministry 
- Relatively minor changes to Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing and Short-Term Rental regulations 
- Backgrounder 

Special Committee on Democratic & Electoral Reform (Nov. 26)
​- Committee home page 
- Report (first of two) Toward A Stronger Democracy in British Columbia (Nov. 26, 2025) 
"The Committee makes 36 recommendations to strengthen BC’s democracy by supporting British Columbians’ participation and engagement, examining the efficacy of legislation and policy, and enhancing the responsibilities of and resources for Elections BC, political parties, and MLAs."
​- submissions 
- Proportional Representation Won't Be Revived on Eby's Watch (Rob Shaw, Dec. 16, 2025). <clip> "I think British Columbians are done with that conversation," said the Premier. 

CleanBC Independent Review Panel (Nov. 26)
Rising To the Moment: Final Report 
"CleanBC is, for the most part, working. Its policies and programs are measurably reducing climate pollution while creating jobs, improving community health, and lowering everyday costs for British Columbians. Yet, despite these successes, the plan is not yet reaching its full potential. The government now has an opportunity to adjust and close gaps in CleanBC—improving outcomes for all—while acknowledging current challenges."

Priorities for Action
1. Accelerate clean electricity production and electrification as the foundation of energy security and economic growth
2. Make it easier for British Columbians to cut energy bills and climate pollution
3. Leverage B.C’s clean energy advantage to create more jobs in the energy transition
4. Support B.C.’s industries to become cleaner and more competitive
5. Increase production of clean, made-in-B.C biofuels and renewable natural gas
6. Deepen partnerships with First Nations and local governments
7. Focus on delivering effective, achievable and fiscally responsible outcomes

- engagement home page ~ "Over the course of the review we met with 157 organizations in 41 engagement sessions, received 279 written submissions from 232 different organizations and 47 members of the public and/or experts, and received 2,650 public engagement survey forms." 
- review led by Merran Smith from Clean Energy BC and Simon Fraser University's New Economy Canada; and Dan Woynillowicz from the consulting firm Polaris Strategy + Insight.  

DASH, Digitally Accelerated Standardized Housing online platform (Nov. 20) 
"A new BC Housing online platform called DASH is helping developers and non-profit organizations design and construct three- to six-storey buildings more quickly and at lower cost using products manufactured in B.C." 

Look West Workforce Development Strategy (Nov. 20) 
- Home page
"Look West is a targeted plan designed to deliver major projects, create good jobs and strengthen B.C.'s and Canada’s economic security in the face of economic threats." 
- Accelerating Maritime Industry's Shift to Clean Energy 
- COAST Innovation Challenge  
- Innovate BC + 2024/25 Impact Report 

​Proposed Private Members' Bill M-216 - Professional Reliance Act (Oct. 27) 
- Draft legislation introduced by MLA George Anderson ... approval required by the Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members' Bills before advancing to the legislature. Public input welcome until Jan. 6, 2026; Standing Committee likely to address it at its meeting of Feb. 2 

- UBCM expresses concern (Nov. 7) 
"UBCM views the proposed legislation as continuing a trend towards sweeping, centralized legislation that impacts local governments, developed without meaningful local government input. If adopted, Bill M216 would prohibit local governments from requiring a standard technical peer review during housing development applications. Instead, local governments would be required to accept any certified submission of a registered professional (in accordance with the Professional Governance Act) hired by the developer. If passed, any local government that disputed the submission would have to appeal the certification with the Office of the Superintendent for Professional Guidance."  

​- Metro Vancouver Mayors Outraged (CBC) 
- The Quiet Revolution in BC Planning (City Hall Watch) 
- Professional Reliance Review (2019) 

- North Cowichan Considers Joining Judicial Review of M-216 (Chemainus Courier, Jan. 8, 2026) 

Cowichan Tribes Decision 
* BC Supreme Court Decision - Aug. 7, 2025 (case first filed on Sept. 9, 2019) 
* Cowichan Tribes website statements on the decision + technical backgrounder 
* City of Richmond: Notice to Registered Owners - Oct. 2025 
* Legal Panel Discussion at UBCM Conference, Sept. 23, 2025
* Coverage of the UBCM discussion (Resource Works) <clip> ""The panel agreed on two points: the Cowichan case is measured, not catastrophic, and it is also massive in significance. Appeals are already underway, and the process could take seven years or more. In the meantime, municipalities, lenders, and governments will be navigating uncharted territory."
* ​The Cowichan Ruling Doesn't End Private Property, It Tests Our Honour - Vancouver Sun, Oct. 24
* Correcting Misconceptions: The Cowichan Tribes Decision - Kate Gunn, First Peoples' Law 
* "It's A Big Deal," says BC Premier - Les Lyne, Vancouver Sun, Oct. 20 
* Related: Rising Tide - Haida Land Title Agreement, April 14, 2024 

Miscellaneous
* Zero Emissions Vehicles Framework Update (Nov. 18) 
* North Coast Transmission Line - Oct. 20 + BC Hydro project map 
* 900 New Child Care Spaces (including Choo Choo, Let's Go/Sooke) - Oct. 17
* Clearer Short-Term Rental Rules - Oct. 9 
* Holding Vape Manufacturers Accountable for Public Health Costs - Oct. 8
* Province to make way for more child care at schools - Oct. 7 

Media Coverage
* Eby Stands Against Proposed Pipeline as First Nations Vow It Will Never Happen - Times Colonist, Nov. 28
* Carney's Energy Deal Went Down Differently Depending On Who You Ask - CBC, Nov. 27 
* David Eby Says He Will Not Support A Pipeline From Alberta. Can He Stop It? - Vancouver Sun, Oct. 7 
* Pipeline Push: Majority of Canadians, Including BC Residents, Support a North Coast Pipeline - Angus Reid, Oct. 9
* As Smith Pushes New Pipeline Plan, Eby Says No Way - The Tyee, Oct. 2 

* Eby Takes A Beating At Hostile Developer (UDI) Luncheon - Rob Shaw, Business In Vancouver (Oct. 7) 
* What Does David Eby Have To Be Thankful For? An Amateur Opposition in Utter Turmoil - Globe & Mail (Oct. 9) 


Spring Legislative Session 
* Press Release 
* Archive of New Legislation (Spring 2018 to Spring 2025) 
* Parliamentary Calendar 2025 - Next session - Oct. 6 to Nov. 27

Housing Legislation 
* Local Government Housing Initiatives - one stop overview 
* Inclusive Zoning and Density Bonusing Comprehensive Guidance
​(updated June 13) 
* New Local Government Tools 
* Housing and Municipal Affairs guide for local governments - Proactive Planning Guide 
* From the blog: Bill 44 Update + BC's New Housing Regulations
+ Housing 101 + X Homes + Y People + Z Cars = ?

Homelessness Point-In-Time Count Provincial Data Released 
* press release 
* homeless counts in the 20 communities in which BC Housing did the count 
* CRD conducted PIT counts in Greater Victoria in association with the Community Social Planning Council + results released on Sept. 24 + data + technical appendix <clip> "The 2025 PiT Count was conducted on March 25 and 26 and identified 1,749 people who were experiencing homelessness compared to 1,665 in March of 2023." + CRD Housing Data & Analysis 

Fiscal Plan Update (Sept. 15, 2025) 
* Report from the Ministry of Finance + press release

Infrastructure Project Acts (July 2025 to March 2026)
* Engagement process - three-part survey  

Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project (July 9) 
* Home Page 
* Updating the Act 
* Ministry of Forests press release (July 9) 

* The Act applies to 64k sites listed in a provincial registry, 90% of them within First Nations territories 
"The Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) encourages and enables the protection and conservation of sites with historical, cultural and/or archaeological value in B.C. These sites hold physical evidence of how and where people lived. Many of these sites in B.C. are culturally sensitive, contain ancestral remains, and have important sacred and spiritual value to First Nations in B.C. Altering these protected sites without a permit is prohibited under the Act."

UBCM press release - Sept. 24   "“We want to be very clear, UBCM recognizes and supports the importance of archeological conservation, particularly as it relates to Indigenous values,” said UBCM President Trish Mandewo. “But while the Province took seriously its obligation to work with Indigenous groups in developing the legislation, engagement with local governments was largely disregarded.”

- "BC Pushes Heritage Act Reform Amid Concerns of Development Slowdowns" - Globe & Mail, Sept. 26
- "UBCM Blasts Province for Lack of Consultation on Heritage Conservation Act" - Vaughan Palmer, Vancouver Sun, Sept. 24 

Province of BC Responses to UBCM 2024 Resolutions (July 2) 
* Resolutions Reply Book (includes original resolutions adopted in Sept. 2024 and Provincial response) 

Development Cost Charge Amendments (July 2) 
* ​Housing and Municipal Affairs Press Release 
* About Development Cost Charges 
* DCC Best Practices Guide (April 2025)
* DCC Guide for Elected Officials (April 2025) 

* Amenity Cost Charges: Best Practices Guide (March, 2025) 
* Amenity Cost Charge Guide for Elected Officials (April, 2025) 

Times Colonist - "The British Columbia government is loosening the rules for payment of development fees in a bid to jump start home construction that has been hampered by upfront costs.

Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon says among the biggest changes will be more flexible and extended payment timelines for homebuilders, so instead of paying development fees up front, they will pay 25 per cent at permit approval and 75 per cent when the building is occupied.

Developers will also have four years, rather than two, to pay the charges, in rule changes that Kahlon says are needed because the current market conditions have stalled projects in the province.

While some municipalities want letters of credit from a bank as a promise the work will be done, that can restrict a developer's access to credit, so the government will also change the regulations provincewide to allow for the financial guarantee of on-demand surety bonds."  

Declaration On The Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (June 25)
* Sixth Annual Declaration Report (June 25, 2025) 

BC Coroners' Service (June 24) 
​* 2025 summary to date as of April 30 (with 10-year trend charts) 
​* Ministry press release 
 
Municipal Liabilities Regulation Amendment (June 24) 
* Housing and Municipal Affairs Press Release 
* Municipal Liabilities Regulation (amended) 
* BC Municipalities Allowed To Take On More Debt For More Projects (CBC News) 
<clip> "On Tuesday, the province announced changes that will:

• Allow municipalities to borrow up to $150 per person without a referendum or AAP if the term of the borrowing is less than five years, up from $50.
• Raise the borrowing limit without a referendum or AAP from five per cent of annual general revenue to 10 per cent for projects with a longer repayment schedule.

The changes won't allow municipalities to bypass public input for their biggest projects, but will allow more small projects to be approved quickly, said Kahlon.
"This is something local governments have been asking for for more than 30 years and we believe it is time for them to be able to catch up," he said."

Innovative Clean Energy Fund 2025 Performance Report (June 24)
* June 2025 Update + Report .... "Since 2008, the ICE Fund has committed over $124 million to support pre-commercial clean energy technology projects, clean energy vehicles, research and development, and energy efficiency programs."

Ease of Doing Business Review (June 5) 
* Jobs, Economic Development & Innovation Press Release + Backgrounder 
“We are listening to B.C. businesses as we work to ensure our province is an easy place to do business,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “This review will help us to continue to modernize our regulatory and permitting systems, as we secure B.C.’s position as the economic engine of Canada’s new economy.”

New Funding for Building BC: Community Housing Fund (May 30) 
* Press Release 
​* Community Housing Fund backgrounder 
* Homes For BC - Completed Projects Map 

Cooperation & Responsible Government Accord (CARGA) 
​* Quarterly report (Jan. 1 - April 30) on NDP and Green Party accord 
* Full CARGA agreement signed March 12, 2025

CleanBC Accountability Report 
* 2024 accountability report 
* CleanBC 2025 Review announced (May 7)  
* CleanBC review - survey/deadline Aug. 1

Provincial Forest Advisory Council (May 22) 
* Ministry press release 
"Members of the newly formed Provincial Forest Advisory Council are tasked with providing recommendations to government on advancing forest stewardship, while supporting communities and workers that rely on forests." 
​* Terms of Reference 
* A New Future For Old Forests: Strategic Review (2020) 

Clean Power Overview (May 5) 
* Energy and Climate Change Press Release 
* BC's Clean Energy Action Plan 2025
* Frequent Calls for Power to Be Expected (Bennett Jones Law Firm) 

Infrastructure Projects Act - Bill 15 (May 1) 
* Office of the Premier Press Release
* Legislation (assent on May 29) 
* Technical Briefing (slide deck) 

* UBCM Perspective ~ "UBCM notes that the process leading to the drafting of the legislation has been rushed, and did not include meaningful consultation with UBCM or member local governments. As has been proven in the past, a fast-tracked approach that skips over consultation is more likely to lead to unintended consequences." + May 21 update + UBCM and First Nations Leadership Council Call For Withdrawal 
* Kill The Bill: BC First Nations Leadership Council 
* Legislation Narrowly Passes (CBC News, May 28) 
* Legal perspective (Beale&Co, Toronto) + Clark Wilson Law, Vancouver 

Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act - Bill 14 (April 30) 
* Legislation in full 
* Press release 
* BC Energy Regulator 

Mental Health Act Review Announced (April 30) 
* BC premier announces review of mental health legislation (CBC News) 
​* Mental Health Act home page 

Carbon Tax Eliminated (March 31) 
​* BC Ministry Press Release 
* Federal government removes carbon tax (March 22) 
"Cancelling the tax and the credit will have an estimated impact of $1.99 billion in the coming fiscal year. The Province will restructure programs funded by carbon tax revenue to minimize the impact on B.C.’s budget, while supporting people in British Columbia in achieving climate goals. The Province will continue to ensure big polluters pay through the B.C. output-based carbon pricing system. The system supports decarbonization efforts, incentivizing industry to lower their emissions to avoid paying the tax." 

* BC Output-Based Pricing System (Province of BC guidelines) 
​
* BC Officially Kills Tax (CBC News) 
​* Statement from Fortis BC 
​* Clean Energy Canada response at federal level 
* Carbon Pricing and Consumer Myopia: Why Carbon Taxes Fell Short and What We Should Do Next (University of British Columbia) <clip> "Carbon pricing was poorly understood and poorly communicated. Although most of the revenue was returned to households—through rebates or tax cuts in places like B.C.—many people only noticed higher fuel prices and ignored the money coming back. The policy felt like a tax, and that made it unpopular. Ironically, now that it’s gone, many lower-income households will be worse off ... Yet the reality is, the consumer carbon tax wasn’t strong enough to meet our climate goals. So, scrapping it isn’t quite as damaging as it might seem. It opens the door to rethink climate policy in a way that’s both more effective and politically durable." 

BC Budget 2025 (March 4) 
* Ministry of Finance Home Page + slide deck 
* BC Budget Pushes Deficit to $10.9 Billion (CBC News) 
* Budget Highlights (KPMG) 
* What Do You Need to Know About the BC Budget (The Tyee) 

Speech From The Throne (Feb. 18) 
* Text of Lt. Governor Wendy Cocchia's speech 
* Release from Office of the Premier 

Ministerial Mandate Letters (January 17) 
* Cabinet and Parliamentary Secretary mandate letters in full 
* BC mandate letters focus on affordability, public safety, economic growth (CBC News) 
* Letters summarized (Capital Hill Group consultants) 
* Pembina Institute response - linking climate action and community economic development 
* Mandate Letters: Post-Secondary Institutions (June 2025) 



Other Provincial Parties

Conservative Party of BC 
* 2025 news and commentary portal

BC Green Party 
* Media releases  

OneBC
​* Website 

​Federal Government 

Build Communities Strong Grant Stream
Announced April 7, 2026 + launch announcement - formerly known as the Canada Community Building Fund  
- Build Communities Strong Fund home page 
- British Columbia Community Grant Stream 
​- UBCM related website 

Assault-Style Weapons Buyback Program 
"While participating in the program is voluntary, compliance with the law is not. Individual firearm owners must safely dispose of or permanently deactivate their assault-style firearms before the amnesty period ends on October 30, 2026, or risk criminal liability for the illegal possession of a prohibited firearm." 
- list of firearms and "upper receivers" for individuals 

- RCMP firearms page ~ "A firearms licence shows that the licence holder can possess and use firearms. A registration certificate identifies a firearm and links the firearm to its owner. You need a registration certificate for restricted and prohibited firearms. Usually if you are in possession of a firearm, you need a licence even if you are not the owner and never handle the firearm."  + RCMP explainer

​- Firearm statistics in Canada (2022) ~ 2.2m individuals licensed; 10.4m firearms in circulation 
- number of weapons by province returned by March 31, 2026 deadline ~ 67k in total, 15,600 in BC 

- firearm regulation in Canada (Wikipedia) + history of gun buyback programs (Argentina, US, UK, etc.) 
- guns per capita world-wide (Wikipedia) ~ 34.7 guns/100 people (Canada) vs. 120.5 per 100 (US) & 0.3 per 100 (Japan) 

"The collection, deactivation and compensation processes are expected to run from spring through early fall 2026 with the support of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), participating local police of jurisdiction and secure mobile collection units. Firearms collected by the RCMP or local police under this program will be sent in consolidated shipments to a processing facility where they will be validated and destroyed. Firearms collected through mobile collection units will be validated and destroyed on site. After the firearms have been validated, compensation will be issued within 45 business days. Start dates for these processes will be staggered in different parts of the country to ensure that resources and supports for each area are in place. Participants will be notified directly and further details will be provided. All destruction of firearms collected over the course of the program will be completed before the end of the amnesty period, on October 30, 2026." 

Following the end of the amnesty period on October 30, 2026, the RCMP and local police will be responsible for the collection of prohibited firearms from individuals who have not complied with the federal ban. The process will shift from a voluntary compensation phase to a mandatory compliance phase, where unauthorized possession of previously prohibited long guns becomes a criminal offense.

- Fraser Institute editorial ~ "The ban targets “assault-style” rifles popular with hunters and sports shooters who—based on the data—are exceptionally law-abiding and less likely to commit murder than other Canadians. To own a firearm in Canada, you must obtain a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) from the RCMP after an initial vetting, then the government monitors PAL holders daily for possible criminal activity." 

Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy (Feb. 2026) 
Vision: "A robust Canadian defence industry that provides technological and operational advantage to the Canadian Armed Forces and its security partners in their mission to defend Canada, and maximizes growth, job creation and economic benefits for all Canadians." 
- Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy (backgrounder 2025) 


- Canada's Trade Diversification Strategy 


- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (Jan. 26, 2026) 
"The benefit will be paid quarterly, at the start of the quarter, to permit timely access to the funds to help families with day-to-day expenses. These amounts are additional to existing benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement." 

- Is Canada Ready for an American Civil War? - The Walrus, Jan. 2026
- Disruptions on the Horizon - Canadian Policy Horizons (Government of Canada), April 2024
- On Hybrid Warfare - Canadian Armed Forces Special Operations Forces Command (2016)


- Davos 2026 Speech by PM Carney (Jan. 21) + text 
<clip> "Canada is a pluralistic society that works. Our public square is loud, diverse, and free. Canadians remain committed to sustainability. We are a stable, reliable partner – in a world that is anything but—a partner that builds and values relationships for the long term. Canada has something else: a recognition of what is happening and a determination to act accordingly.We understand that this rupture calls for more than adaptation. It calls for honesty about the world as it is. We are taking the sign out of the window. We know the old order is not coming back. We should not mourn it. Nostalgia is not a strategy.
But we believe that from the fracture, we can build something better, stronger, and more just.  This is the task of the middle powers, the countries that have the most to lose from a world of fortresses and the most to gain from a world of genuine cooperation."


Federal Budget 2025 (Nov. 4) 
- Canada Strong: Budget 2025 + Our Plan infographics 
- What's In The Federal Budget For You (CBC) 
- Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer 

Misc. 
​- Introduction of Colour-Coded Weather Alerts (Environment Canada, Nov. 26) 


Build Canada Homes (announced Sept. 14, 2025) 
"Build Canada Homes is a new federal agency that will build affordable housing at scale. It will leverage public lands, offer flexible financial incentives, attract private capital, facilitate large portfolio projects, and support modern manufacturers to build the homes that Canadians need ... A Special Operating Agency within Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada." 

- About Build Canada Homes 
- Prime Minister Carney's announcement 

"Build Canada Homes is ready to engage with partners who are committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. We are especially interested in opportunities that can:  

• Deliver housing at scale 
• Expand non-market and community housing 
• Demonstrate financial viability and leverage other investments 
• Use innovative building methods and Canadian-made materials 

We will be releasing more details on our investment policies in the coming months." 

​- Investment Policy Framework (Nov. 22) 

Perspective: 
- Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness 
- "BC Builders Skeptical" - Business In Vancouver, Sept. 16 
- "Carney Unveils Plans to Double Pace of Home Building" - CBC, March 31 

Major Projects Office 
Mission: "To get nation-building projects built faster, accelerating sustainable growth, strengthening national unity, and putting Canada on a stronger path to long-term economic prosperity." 
- Home page 
- First set of five on-track projects (all well-advanced in their respective processes) 
​- Future "transformative strategies" 

- "BC Tapped for Two Nation-Building Projects" (Business In Vancouver) 

- Long list of 32 projects (internal document acquired by the Globe and Mail, Sept. 4) 
"The eight mining projects on the list include the Teck Strategic Minerals Initiative and the Red Chris Copper and Gold Mine expansion in B.C.; Saskatchewan’s Foran McIlvenna Bay and Rook Uranium projects; the Minago Nickel Project in Manitoba; the Crawford Nickel Project and the Ring of Fire in Ontario; and the Strange Lake Torngat Metals Ltd. rare earths mine in Quebec.

The 14 energy-related projects feature a heavy focus on Western Canada. The list includes a 750-kilometre transmission line linking Yukon and B.C. Other B.C. projects include LNG Canada Phase 2, which would expand the liquefied natural gas facility in Kitimat, B.C.; Ksi Lisims LNG, backed by the Nisga’a Nation; the North Coast Transmission Line that would help power critical-mineral mines; a dredging project at the Port of Vancouver that would accommodate fully loaded oil tankers in Burrard Inlet; and the Northwest Coast Oil Pipeline.

Five other projects are in Eastern Canada, including the Gull Island Power Plant that is part of the Quebec-Newfoundland and Labrador new energy partnership; Newfoundland’s Bay du Nord offshore oil and gas project; transmission lines linking Prince Edward Island to the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia power grid; and proposed wind energy projects off the coast of Nova Scotia.

The five ports projects on the list also include the construction of a deep-water port and all-season roads linking Yellowknife to the Arctic Ocean, and a new Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project at the Port of Vancouver. 

Rounding out the list are five projects related to transportation. They include the Mackenzie Valley Highway project in NWT; various proposals to twin the Trans-Canada Highway; rehabbing the century-old New Westminster Rail Bridge in B.C.; the Alto High-Speed Rail project linking Toronto and Quebec City; and the proposed Western trade and economic corridor." 


Tariff Response 
- Full list of measures to be undertaken to address tariff impacts 
- Canada's Response to US Tariffs (Sept. 1, 2025) 
- List of US Products Subject to Counter-Tariffs (effective Sept 2025) 

- Support for Strategic Industries, including steel and softwood lumber 


The One Canadian Economy Act - Bill C-5
* Royal assent granted (June 26) 
* Intergovernmental Affairs backgrounder 
* Bill C-5 as adopted 

Perspective
* First Nations Opposition Draws Comparisons to Idle No More Movement (CBC News, July 1) 
* The Public Interest Need to Reconsider C-5 (Canadian Environmental Law Association, June 11) 
* What The One Canadian Economy Act Is All About (Globe & Mail, June 6) 


​Federal Government Mandate Letter - Office of the PM (May 21) 



​

​




​


​March 3, 2026
The Land Use and Development Committee received and approved (pending Council's final decision) the Catalyst development permit for its six-storey building on Lot A. It will feature the Urgent and Primary Care Centre on its ground floor with 80 units of below-market (middle income) rentals above (including 14 housing units reserved for medical staff who must be recruited and retained) and a 38-car parkade (matched with 78 surface parking spots.)  See agenda pp. 68-178. 


Update - February 2026
All systems almost go to start construction of the Urgent and Primary Care Centre on Lot A in the spring.
From Council agenda of Feb. 23, pp. 39-41

"At the November 24, 2025 Regular Meeting of Council (see agenda pp. 129-177), a motion was passed to approve the Ground Lease Agreement between the District of Sooke and Catalyst Community Development Society for Lot A Wadams Way. The intent of the lease is to enable Catalyst to construct and manage a mixed-use building on the southeast corner of Lot A. The lease is for 63 years and outlines what the expectations are for the construction and ongoing maintenance of the proposed building and landscaping. 

Catalyst has applied to subdivide the southeast corner of Lot A from the remainder of the property and has applied for a form and character Development Permit. The subdivision is in the process of being finalized by the District lawyers and the Development Permit application will be reviewed at the March 3, 2026 Land Use Development Committee. 

Once the Development Permit has been approved, Catalyst will be able to apply for the building permit and it is hoped the building permit will be approved by late April 2026 and construction will begin shortly thereafter. 

On October 15, 2025, the Ministry of Health committed to release $840,000 to this project which shows they are committed to funding the Urgent Primary Care Centre in this building. The Ministry of Health has done design drawings for the UPCC space and have agreed to a sublease of the 6,500 sq ft with Catalyst. 

The sublease identifies the rent the ministry will pay and their commitment to fund the construction of the offices and facilities. The Ministry has also committed to hiring all the staff for the UPCC space as well as all the ongoing costs of running the UPCC including paying for ongoing maintenance of the offices, rent of the offices and staffing of the offices. 

On February 12, 2026 BC Builds provided Preliminary Project Approval for the development which is step 1 of 2 for financing approvals by BC Builds and allows the project to make formal application to CMHC for financing. This will secure funding for the project." 


Update - October 2025
Urgent and Primary Care Centre on Lot A
Progress reported in this Aug. 11  press release from the District.  <clip> "Catalyst Community Developments Society is the successful proponent to develop the proposed health centre and housing project at 6651 Wadams Way. Catalyst is a BC-based non-profit developer and operator of rental housing and community servicing spaces. Catalyst has a proven track record of delivering high-quality health care spaces and housing co-located together in one building. The proposed six-storey, mixed-use building will include 80 rental apartment homes (30% of which will be rented at 20% below market rates), a health centre and additional medical services space. This innovative project will integrate rental housing affordable for middle-income households with integrated health services to support the needs of the Sooke community." 

* Now patiently awaiting word from the BC Ministry of Health re: annual operational funding and staffing for the health centre. (Example: Aug. 2024 announcement of the Cowichan Urgent Primary Care Centre in Duncan, a 10k sq. ft space for family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, mental-health clinicians and clinical support staff.)  Scroll down this page for details as announced by the Province on March 16, 2023. Since then, of course, a disruptive new us president is waging a trade war, BC's debt has ballooned, and the Province is tightening staffing and its financial belt in the face of "fiscal headwinds" and a possible recession. 

* Most UPCCs operate from 8 AM to 8 PM year-round. Guidelines as per our nearest UPCC at 582 Goldstream Ave. in Langford: 

"Do you have a health concern that needs attention but isn’t an emergency? You can visit this clinic with these conditions, which should be seen within 12 to 24 hours:
​
Common Illnesses

• Coughs, colds, sore throat
• Ear infections
• Urinary tract infections (also available through pharmacy)
• Allergic reactions or asthma (if you have trouble breathing, call 911)
• Skin conditions (rashes, skin irritation, minor wounds or itchy spots)
• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation
• Minor illnesses, fevers or infections in children
• Infections or abscesses
• Mental health concerns such as low mood, anxiety and depression

Minor Injuries

• Sprains and strains
• Stitches for cuts
• Suture removal
• Stabilizing you for hospital transport if needed

Reproductive and Sexual Health

• Pregnancy testing and options
• STI testing and treatment
• Support and care after sexual assault" 

* Seven UPCCs currently operate in the Island Health region: Westshore, Nanaimo, North Quadra (Victoria), James Bay, Downtown Victoria, Esquimalt and Gorge Road. 

The Gathering Place 
- Included here since shared spaces are critical for personal and collective health and wellbeing ...
 Update from Sooke Region Communities Health Network, July 2025 

<clip> "SRCHN originally envisioned a project that included 75 subsidized rental apartments for seniors with an integrated seniors’ drop-in centre to be built on Wadams Way’s Lot A, which is owned by the District of Sooke.  BC Housing was to provide the funding for the housing part of the project as well as provide a contribution to partially fund the seniors’ centre portion of the project. Unfortunately, prior to project approval BC Housing changed the project funding rules. This meant the seniors’ centre portion would cost an estimated $5.1 million. The SRCHN Board realized raising that amount of money for the seniors’ centre was not realistic.

SRCHN presented the District of Sooke with a more cost-effective option for the seniors’ centre to be built on Lot A. We proposed a stand-alone single story seniors’ centre with a threshold target for fundraising at $2 million. We requested that Sooke council approve in principle the construction of a Seniors Drop-In Centre as a stand-alone building on Lot A. Having land on which to build the centre is a critical component of our fund-raising strategy." 

Council received this request in-camera and it remains a priority now that the approved Development Permit for SRCHN's original proposal has lapsed and the full $250k in public funding for the project has been spent.

One critical mitigating factor is the size of the footprint on Lot A that will be required for the health centre. As stated above, the District provided an update on this BC Builds project in a press release dated Aug. 11, 2025. 

Foundry BC
* A Sooke satellite office of The Foundry West Shore to be based in Langford is on track for 2027. Led by Thrive Social Services, it will offer mental health and addiction counselling, physical and sexual health care, and peer support to youth and young adults aged 12-24. Foundries are a proven model already established in 16 communities across BC.

An exceptionally good application and the realities of a growing West Shore population ensured we were part of the next wave of these centres announced by the Province in March, 2024. Sooke's office (location TBD) will be a "spoke" of the Langford HQ, currently planned to be a 10,000 square foot space ideally near the new RRU Langford/John Horgan Campus and with adjoining office space for other youth-serving non-profits. Also in the plan is an affiliated Port Renfrew office.

The development team is led by former Island Health veteran Kathy Easton in collaboration with Thrive's Scott Bradford.  Thrive's Leadership Advisory Circle includes reps from Island Health, the Ministry of Child and Family Development, indigenous nations and local governments, The Village Initiative, two individuals with lived experience as youth with mental health or substance use issues, one individual as a parent/guardian of an impacted young person, and a representative from Foundry BC. I've been representing Sooke at these meetings, moved and highly impressed by the vision and work of all involved in their dedication to helping vulnerable young people meet their challenges and find their feet in these frankly insane times. 

* Foundry West Shore-Sooke Briefing Document + FAQ 
* Foundry Impact Report 2023/24 
* Foundry Service Model Guide (2024) 
* Thrive Resource Page 
* Foundry BC Virtual Services

* "Celebrating a decade of youth health care at Foundry" - St. Paul's Foundation, Vancouver 2025 

SKA'PEȽ I'SOT ALEṈ T'Sou-ke Community Complex and Health Centre
- T'Sou-ke Nation announcement upon centre's Sept. 15 opening. <clip> "The CCHC serves as a cornerstone for community life with a spacious hall for large gatherings and community events, a fully equipped kitchen for providing meals and training opportunities, and several meeting and community rooms to conduct business and host community activities. The building is home to the Nation’s administration, children and families, health, and lands and environment departments. A key highlight of the CCHC features brand new doctors’ offices and laboratory and medical equipment required to provide holistic health services to T’Sou-ke community members. It provides a well-equipped space to deliver programs to address the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health needs of the community ... The Community Complex and Health Centre stands as a powerful testament to the T’Sou-ke Nation’s strength, resilience, and vision. It will serve not only as a place for governance and health, but also as a vibrant heart of culture, learning, and connection for generations to come." 

- News Mirror coverage of opening
​- T'Sou-ke website health centre page 
- "$14m T'Sou-ke Nation Centre Takes Inspiration From Sooke River" - Journal of Commerce 


Ayre Manor Seniors' Housing 
Expansion Plans for a new 56-bed wing (2012) at Ayre Manor stalled in 2017 but Island Health recognizes that Sooke needs more long-term care beds. Sooke currently provides 40 beds per thousand people over the age of 75 in our community. This ratio is well below the current provincial average of 58 beds/thousand (and well short of the 77 beds/thousand in 2015).  

[As of the 2021 census, there are 2,215 individuals aged 65+ in Sooke, with 880 of them aged 75+.  Ayre Manor operates 31 long-term (complex care) rooms in addition to its 25 assisted living units and 18 independent living cottages. It's recommended that future residents file applications at least two years prior to anticipated occupancy.]
 
In recent years Colwood, Nanaimo/Lantzville and Campbell River have had the lowest such ratios on Vancouver Island, and it was those three communities that received funding in 2023 for new long-term care facilities due to open in 2027. We're among the communities next on the list for new beds, Island Health's VP of Community Clinical Operations & Support Programs James Hanson acknowledged at a UBCM meeting arranged by Sooke council. He intends to work with Ayre Manor to develop a business plan that could logically be based on the shovel-ready plans developed a decade ago. 

Ayre Manor qualifies as a "campus of care" given that it "provides a range of housing, meals, support and care options, including independent living, assisted living and residential care." (see Ministry of Health page on residential care options). The website Senior Care Access explores why these "continuing care retirement communities" or "continuum-of-care environments" are so effective.  

BC's Seniors' Advocate Dan Levitt pointed out the urgent future needs for new beds provincially in a report titled From Shortfall to Crisis: Growing Demand for Long-Term Care Beds In BC that his office released this summer. <clip> "Over the past ten years, the waitlist for long-term care in B.C. has ballooned. Between 2016 and 2025, the number of people waiting to be admitted to long-term care rose from 2,381 to 7,212, an increase of 200%. The provincial average wait time has grown by 98% over the past eight years, from 146 days in 2018, the first year data was collected, to 290 days in 2025." Levitt renewed his concerns in a recent Times Colonist article. ​

- Seniors' Advocate: Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Directory 2024
<clip> "The British Columbia Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Directory contains information on 298 long-term care facilities that have 28,364 publicly-subsidized beds, 112 facilities (9,250 beds) are operated directly by a health authority and 186 facilities (19,114 beds) are operated by a contractor (for profit or not-for-profit) with funding from a health authority."  Includes data on wait times and quality-of-care indicators. 

Advocate's report page includes ... 
* Annual Report 2024/25 
* Aging Matters: Listening to BC Seniors (June 2024) + PDF 
* Reframing Ageing: British Columbians' Thoughts on Ageism (March 2025) + PDF 
* Resourceful and Resilient: Challenges Facing BC's Rural Seniors (Feb. 2024) + PDF 

[Following council's meeting with Levitt at the 2024 UBCM convention, I invited him on a Sooke tour this spring that featured stops at the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, the Contact Loan Cupboard, Ayre Manor and the library, where SRCHN reps shared their work on the Gathering Place and Community Health Centre. Cllrs. Pearson and St-Pierre attended alongside reps from all these organizations.  Levitt expressed strong support for these grassroots, largely volunteer-driven initiatives. Writing after the fact, he said: "I was very impressed with the array of services offered for seniors and the dedication of many people involved in serving older persons. Sooke is exemplary in offering seniors with the supports needed to age with dignity in a community that truly values older adults."]


The Village Initiative: Sooke/Westshore 
Launched by SD 62's tireless and inspiring Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities Coordinator Cindy Andrew in 2020, The Village Initiative (TVI)  is "is an inter-disciplinary network of more than 70 organizations sharing a commitment to the vision of healthy and thriving children, youth, and families across the Sooke and West Shore communities ... it recognizes that their health and wellbeing is best supported through an all-hands-on-deck approach – a Village."  

* 2024 Annual Report and Looking Ahead to 2025
- Current priority: Securing stable, three-year or more funding for a full-time TVI coordinator from regional local governments and other partners as recommended by the organization's Municipal Leaders Advisory Team. This team includes elected reps from Sooke, Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, the JDF Electoral Area, SD #62, Island Health and the Community Social Planning Council, among others. (I'm Sooke's representative on behalf of Mayor Tait.) 

Sooke-based TVI members include the District of Sooke, Rotary Club of Sooke, SEAPARC, Sea to Tree Health and Wellness, Sooke Family Resource Society, Sooke Food Bank, Sooke Region Communities Health Network, Sooke School District, Sooke Shelter Society, Vancouver Island Regional Library and WorkLink Employment Society. See the complete list here. 

Upcoming events
- Third Annual Child and Youth Service Providers Networking Event (speed-date format, Oct. 16, 2 PM at City Centre Park in Langford + participating organizations include EMCS Society, Sea to Tree, SEAPARC and Sooke Family Resource Society. 
- Child & Youth Mental Health Conference - Nov. 20/21 at Royal Roads University + conference program 

A recent TVI membership survey revealed the following results that align with TVI's priorities: 

"What’s Working … 
~ Cross-sectoral networking and relationship development that involves the public, private and non-profit sectors.
~ Convening events like the Art of the Possible, annual gathering of Child & Youth Service Providers, Youth Health Symposium (Adolescent Health Survey) enable members to come together to learn about the latest data impacting their work, exchange views and share solutions which benefit community.
~ Community of Practice for frontline service providers.
~ Serving as a catalyst in helping to develop a Foundry model to serve our unique region.
 
What’s Not … 
~ Whether it’s enabling cross-sectoral collaborations or finding more affordable, accessible and appropriate programming spaces, Village network members need help to move from ideas to concrete actions. 
~ Most network organizations lack the extra leadership bandwidth to coordinate new opportunities, so work needs to be done to provide the organizational capacity to support meaningful action.
~ 61% of survey respondents are concerned about the financial sustainability of their community service organizations."

- Project Plan for Sooke-Westshore Shared Space Network and System (March, 2022)
- Space survey results (2021)
- See full list with links of member organizations at end of this post 
​- Sooke/Westshore Community Health Profile (2022) 

​
Saunders Family Foundation 
Work is underway to develop a Sooke Region Resilience Plan as coordinated by Dave Saunders, health care consultant Valerie Nicol (South Island Division of Family Practice, South Island Primary Care Network) and West Plan Consulting Group's Mark Holland following an initial community meeting in December, 2024. This is being done independently of the District. I was invited to sit in on a small group online meeting in the spring and await word about what's next. 

- Recruiting and Retaining Healthcare Workers - Island Social Trends, June 12, 2024
- Developing a Sooke Region Resilience Plan - Sooke News Mirror, Dec. 10, 2024

- The Foundation's Healthy West Shore initiative has led to publication of its Playbook and Toolkit encouraging municipalities to support healthcare and emergency workers in BC communities. BC Health Minister Josie Osborne noted at the UBCM conference this year that the Ministry is endorsing this work and will be urging local governments to explore its recommendations. 
- Local Government Community Healthcare Support Policies for Consideration 
- Creating a Municipal Healthcare Committee 
- Community Healthcare Support Pilot Project (2022) 


Miscellaneous 
* Carol Fenton has been appointed Chief Medical Officer for Island Health's South Island region, replacing retiree Dr. Murray Fyfe + Medical officers across province (listing as of June 2024)

* Minister of Health Josie Osborne appointed Nov. 18, 2024 + mandate letter from Premier Eby​

* Bill 19 introduced in legislature on Oct. 7 
- Legislation Would Let School District's Provide Child Care - Times Colonist (Oct. 8) 

* Sooke is part of the Western Communities Primary Care Network ~ "a community-based network of health care professionals and clinics who plan and deliver the health care needs of a community." + listing of associated clinics (includes West Coast Family Medical Clinic) 

* Island Health: Western Communities Health Profile (updated June 2025; mental health and substance use stats on pg. 23/24) 
 
* Mental Health, Substance Use and Addictions Report (Hermione Jefferis, March 2023 for Sooke Region Communities Health Network) 
 
* Challenge and Change: A Public Health Response to Our Perplexing Relationship with Psychoactive Substances (Dr. Reka Gustafson, Island Health Chief Medical Officer, 2024) 

* Better At Home website, Sooke region services through SRCHN  ~ "Helping older adults with simple non-medical, day-to-day tasks so that they can continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities. United Way British Columbia Healthy Aging administers the Better at Home program throughout BC, supporting over 85 non-profit organizations who deliver Better at Home in over 260 communities. This community-based approach ensures that local agencies are responding to local needs." 

* Trendsetting first: City of Colwood's municipally funded The Colwood Clinic at 346 Latoria Dr. opened in Feb. 2025 with family physicians recruited and employed by the City itself + CBC news story + Victoria News update, June 2025 + CBC interview with Mayor Doug Kobayashi 

* Province of BC international doctor recruitment program through the Provincial Health Services Authority + Province secures 780 applications in two months from qualified US physicians (July 2025 Ministry press release) 

* Emergency room closures across the Province remain a top concern. Between 2023 and mid-April 2025, BC ERs were closed for over 16,453 hours, with 29 of the province's 77 ERs experiencing at least one unplanned closure. Encouraging news from the Minister of Health: There's been a 37% reduction in closures this year compared with 2024. Keeping ERs open is a top provincial priority. 

* Island Health, as directed by Province, has reducing its expenditures by 1% while cutting 117 non-contract jobs from its roster of 2,500 such employees - Times Colonist, July, 29, 2025 

* United Nations: "More than 1 billion people are living with mental health disorders, according to new data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), with conditions such as anxiety and depression inflicting immense human and economic tolls." (Not sure if these reports was released before or after a certain malevolent, blowhard us president’s toxic address to the assembly).  + World Health Today annual report + Mental Health Atlas 2024 

* The BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions updated its resource page on Sept. 25 ... links to emergency call lines and counselling services for youth and adults. 

Recent Reports 
Healthy Aging CORE BC resource page (updated frequently) 

* The Real Face of Men's Health - UBC and Movember Institute of Men's Health (Sept. 25, 2025) + PDF 
* National Volunteer Action Strategy - Volunteer Canada (July 2025) 
* Understanding the Factors Driving the Epidemic of Social Isolation - Canadian National Institute of Aging 
* Elements for the Successful Community Engagement with Older Adults - Healthcare Excellence Canada (2025) 
* Navigating Home Care and Seniors Housing - Seniors First BC (Aug. 2025) 
* Aging In Place Toolkit - United Way British Columbia (July 2025) 
* From Loneliness to Social Connection - World Health Organization (June 30, 2025) + Plain Language Summary 
* Elder's Guide 2nd Edition - BC First Nations Health Authority (Aug. 2024) 
* Benefits Wayfinder: A Tool for Low and Modest-Income Citizens - Prosper Canada (2025) 
* Greater Victoria Hoarding Education and Action Team Infographic - Island Health (June, 2025) 
​* Changemaker Wellbeing Index - Future For Good (2025) 
* World Happiness Report 2025 - Oxford University 
* BC Summit on Aging 2024 Final Report - United Way BC (Nov. 2024) 
* Enabling Aging In Place - Better At Home Program Promising Practices - United Way 
* Malnutrition in Canada - Canadian Malnutrition Task Force (Oct. 2024) 
* Sharing Our Space: A Toolkit for Developing Intergenerational Spaces - Generations United (2024) + Toolkit
* United Way Healthy Aging Reports Archive

Mental Health 
* The Attention Economy - Centre for Humane Technology 
* My Social Truth - website with youth submissions detailing "the biggest challenges young people are facing on social media platforms that profit from our outrage, confusion, addiction and depression." 
​* United Nations report on the Attention Economy 
​* Information Overload - The Decision Laboratory biggest challenges young people are facing on social media platforms that profit from our outrage, confusion, addiction, and depressio



Updates - October 2024
* BC Health Coalition ~ BC Election 2024 -  A Platform for Public Health Care
- Primary issues: anti-privatization, primary health care reform, seniors’ care. 
- “Six Solutions” infographic (Oct. 2024) 
​
April 29, 2024 - BC Builds program to pair CHC/UPCC with middle-income affordable (CMHC definition) housing
- SRCHN announcement + District of Sooke press release 
- Public Opportunity Notice – Sooke
- Video of the May 9, 2024 BC Builds Housing Development Opportunity presentation led by Lisa Helps 
​
November 1, 2023 District press release re: new Standing Committee on Community Health Care featuring three members of the Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN) and Council appointees Beddows, McMath and Pearson. 
 
May 2023: SRCHN releases its Mental Health, Substance Use and Addictions report authored by consultant Hermione Jefferis. See the four-page summary and the full report. Conclusions and recommendations on pp. 51-53. One disturbing finding: "Sooke Region’s community members, youth especially, are experiencing higher rates of depression and mood and anxiety disorders than the rest of BC.” 


March 16, 2023: Red letter day!  
New Integrated Health Care Centre Coming to Sooke (BC Ministry of Health press release) 

"Improving access to health-care services for people in B.C. is a key priority for our government. This centre will be critical to meeting the health-care needs of people living in Sooke and surrounding areas, now and in the future, and I am proud that people in the region will soon benefit from being able to access the care they need, close to home." - Premier John Horgan, MLA, Langford-Juan de Fuca  

“Approval of the proposed community health centre/urgent primary care centre is fantastic news for Sooke! The proposed health centre will undoubtedly increase access to primary-care services for people living in Sooke and the surrounding communities. A big thanks to Mayor Maja Tait for initiating discussions between the District of Sooke, Island Health, the Sooke Region Communities Health Network, and the Sooke family physicians that ultimately led to the development of this proposal; to the volunteers of the Sooke Region Communities Health Network who did all the hard work in drafting the proposal; and to the Honourable John Horgan, who was willing to listen to our concerns and advocate on our behalf for improving the delivery of primary health services in Sooke.” - Dr. Anton Rabien, West Coast Family Medical Clinic

"Today’s announcement is a culmination of the work of many people who remained steadfast to ensure the residents of Sooke have access to the health-care services they deserve. Thank you to all project partners, including the Province of British Columbia, Island Health, the Sooke Region Communities Health Network, the Primary Health Care Service Working Group, and the doctors and care providers of the West Coast Family Medical Clinic, who, through collaboration and innovation, are working together to ensure our residents have access to medical services closer to home.” - Mayor Maja Tait 


Original post: Nov. 28, 2022
The Mayor will be in Ottawa for Federation of Canadian Municipalities meetings next week, and I've been enlisted to be her stand-in at a meeting involving the Island Health Board of Directors and representatives from the Sooke Region Communities Health Network, Sooke Shelter Society and West Coast Family Medical Clinic, among others. 

This will be followed by an Island Health public information session at the Community Hall from 2:30 to 4 PM on Thurs. Dec. 8. All are welcome as per this invitation: 

- Get an update on health and care delivery from Island Health President & CEO Kathy MacNeil and meet local Island Health leaders.
- Meet your local Medical Health Officer, Dr. Murray Fyfe, for an update on public health and wellness.
- Enjoy a presentation from local Island Health staff and community organizations.
- Have your questions answered. Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing asktheboard@islandhealth.ca or asked by those attending the in-person event.

At time likes this, of necessity, interest and the fact that I'm a relative know-nothing on the subject, I do what I always do: Pull all that's health-themed from my groaning file cabinets, pepper Google with inquiries and trust I'll reach some fake-it/make-it degree of armchair knowledge by the time I'm required to say a few words on behalf of the boss next week. 

The critical need identified long ago and very much front-and-centre now: A hybrid Community Health Centre/Urgent Primary Care Centre for the Sooke region. Outside of limited weekday hours, residents without their own local doctors and sometimes even so must trek a half-hour to the west shore when emergencies strike, braving unpredictable traffic in the process. CHC's continue to open in BC, including this clinic in Colwood. Ours would provide significantly expanded quarters for the West Coast Family Medical Clinic team of physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners now operating from its current Evergreen Mall location. They'd be joined by an additional cohort of health-care professionals who'd provide emergency services. 

The District has reserved the southeast quadrant of the nearby Lot A for this purpose (as per this paragraph from the 2019 Lot A Charette final report: "5-or-6-storey Health Centre with limited-size independent commercial retail units on the base and market housing units on the upper floors. This quadrant would include an underground parking component  ... conceived as a wood-frame building with a total floor area of approximately 7,000m2.")  That's the concept, which would be subject to variation based on real-world negotiations as the Sooke-owned property is integrated with the rest of Evergreen Mall (owned by Guelph-based Skyline Group of Companies.) 

Dedicated planning and advocacy work by the District's Primary Health Care Services Working Group (PHCSWG) has kept this vision on the front-burner with Island Health and the Ministry, and there it remains. Meeting routinely, the group pairs the Mayor, local physicians, reps from the Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN) and other health professionals. 

The CHC/UPCC project on Lot A is being coordinated by SRCHN's Mary Dunn, Rick Robinson and Annemieke Holthuis  with Island Health, BC Association of Community Health Centres, West Coast Family Medical Clinic and West Communities Patient Care Network. West Coast Family Medical Clinic would be based in this space, which would be governed by SRCHN, a registered charity.  

No wonder our MLA John Horgan is reputed to have said: "There is no community better prepared for this than Sooke." May it be so! 

More on the proposed facility ... 

"SRCHN’s work with West Coast Family Medical Clinic, the District of Sooke, Island Health, and the BC Association of Community Health Centres resulted in successful approval of our preliminary proposal for a Community Health Centre/Urgent Primary Care Centre in Sooke. We are currently working on the final proposal. The success of this proposal will allow us to work with a developer to build a new CHC/UPCC. The transitioning of West Coast Family Medical Clinic and addition of more staff will allow more access to urgent and ongoing medical care for Sooke residents." ~ SRCHN President Mary Dunn in the organization's 2022 Annual Report 

"In contrast to solo practitioner models, Community Health Centres offer high-quality primary care through a collaborative team approach. Social workers, family physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians, chiropodists, dental hygienists, therapists and other clinicians provide services in a team environment, based on patient needs. Community Health Centres integrate team-based primary care with health promotion programs, illness prevention programs, community health initiatives and social services focused on housing, food security and other inputs for health. This reduces silos and makes services more accessible. CHCs exemplify the World Health Organization’s definition and recommendations for “primary health care”. A SRCHN working group has been established to explore partnerships to advance the build of a much needed CHC in our semi-rural community." 

The BC Association of Community Health Centre's defines a CHC as "multi-sector health and healthcare organizations that deliver integrated, people-centred services and programs that reflect the needs and priorities of the diverse communities they serve. CHCs are created by not-for-profit organizations and co-operatives that are committed to providing comprehensive, accessible, affordable, and culturally-appropriate services through a collaborative team approach."

***************************************************************
​
The following is another hodge-podge of live links and direct quotations compiled for my education and reference. It's been a particularly useful and revealing exercise to chronicle the many, if by no means all, steps, forums, reports, motions and day-long workshops undertaken by so many in Sooke since incorporation who've organized and advocated for improved local health care.  

And yes, this subject doesn't vie with housing as the public's leading concern without good reason. This recent CBC town hall is as good a context-setter as any. Or read The Tyee's 2022 reporting here, here and here. 

Province of BC  
BC Ministry of Health 
"The Ministry of Health has overall responsibility for ensuring that quality, appropriate, cost effective and timely health services are available for all British Columbians."
- Medical Services Plan 
- Pharmacare 
- HealthLink BC (Call 811 for 24/7 health advice) 

- Primary and Community Care in BC: A Strategic Policy Framework (2015) 

BC Ministry of Mental Health & Addictions 
"The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions was created in 2017 to build a seamless, coordinated network of mental health and addictions services that works for everyone in B.C., as well as lead the response to the toxic drug crisis."
​- A Pathway to Hope: 2018-28 ~ "This new strategy lays out government’s 10-year vision for mental health and substance use care, in which people living in B.C.’s mental health and well-being are supported from youth to adulthood and programs and services are available to tackle challenges early on."
- 2020 Update/Progress Report 
- Canadian Mental Health Association BC 2020-21 Annual Report 

BC Ministry of Children and Family Development
"The Ministry of Children and Family Development’s primary focus is to support all children and youth in British Columbia to live in safe, healthy and nurturing families and be strongly connected to their communities and culture. The ministry supports the well-being of children, youth and families in British Columbia by providing services that are accessible, inclusive, and culturally respectful."
- Annual Service Plan Report 2022 
- Mandate Letter 

Age-Friendly BC Program 
- Tools and Resources
- Becoming An Age-Friendly Community (2014, PDF) 
- Age-Friendly BC: Lessons Learned (2007-2010)

Federal Government
"The federal Minister of Health is responsible for maintaining and improving the health of Canadians. This is supported by the Health Portfolio which comprises Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency." 
​- Wikipedia 

First Nations Health Authority
"The FNHA is the health and wellness partner to over 200 diverse First Nations communities and citizens across BC.​ In 2013, the FNHA began a new era in BC First Nations health governance and health care delivery by taking responsibility for the programs and services formerly delivered by Health Canada."
- Governance model 
- 2020/21 Annual Report 


Vancouver Island: South Island 
Island Health 
"Through a network of hospitals, clinics, centres, health units, and residential facilities, Island Health provides health care to people on Vancouver Island, on the islands of the Georgia Strait, and in the mainland communities between Powell River and Rivers Inlet."  The authority covers four overall regions on Vancouver Island and the mainland. 

- Services offered and specialty clinic locations 
- Island Health President & CEO Kathy MacNeil
- Island Health Board of Directors
- Island Health ED, Clinical Service Delivery Sarah Crawford-Bohl 
- Medical Health Officer (Population & Public Health) Dr. Murray Fyfe 
- Medical staff website portal 
- Clinical Operations org chart (region including Sooke) 

- Local Health Area Profile: The Western Communities (2019 profile) are one of 14 health areas under Island Health's watch as defined by the Ministry of Health. Ours is comprised of Sooke, Langford, Colwood, Metchosin and Highlands. 
- Community Health Facts: Westshore and Sooke (2013) 

- Island Health Facebook page (notable at the moment for the chain of messages about temporary service disruptions at clinics in Port Hardy, Ladysmith and Chemainus due to a lack of physicians.)

Primary Care Network Steering Committee
(co-chaired by Sooke's Dr. Robin Saunders, who also co-chairs Partners for Better Health) 

South Island Division of Family Practice
- West shore and Sooke recruitment page 
- FETCH (For Everything That's Community Health) online listing of 2,200 resources in Greater Victoria (physicians, medical specialists, substance use/addiction, seniors, mental health counselling, low-income support, etc.) 


Sooke and Region 
(scan down for an overview of past initiatives and events leading to the present situation) 

T'Sou-ke Nation Health Care Centre 
- T'Sou-ke Nation Health
- New Community Care Centre Will Deliver Better Health Care to the T'Sou-ke Nation (Ministry of Municipal Affairs)
- T'Sou-ke Community Hall and Health Centre (Urban Arts Architecture) + TC article 

West Coast Family Medical Clinic, Sooke  
The busy Evergreen Mall base for medical care in Sooke. Created in the 2011 merger of Evergreen Medical Clinic and Harbour Medical Clinic. It is home to ten doctors, one nurse practitioner, a social worker, a dietitian and three registered nurses. Together they deliver family practice basics and collectively cover a diverse range of specialities: Maternity care, neurology, chronic pain management, oncology, cancer care, addictions, chronic pain, palliative care, chronic disease management and primary health care included. You'll find bios and individual skill sets/responsibilities for the 16-person-strong team here. 

- "Sooke's Creative Approach to Health Care" (Black Press, May 5, 2022)

* Vacancy notice: Nurse Practitioner (shared here since it explains the position) 
"West Coast Family Medical is looking for a Nurse Practitioner to fill a temporary one year term. In this sub-contracted position the nurse practitioner works within a Primary Care Network and, together with other members of an interprofessional care team, provides full scope team-based primary care for a panel of patients.

The nurse practitioner is responsible and accountable for the comprehensive assessment of patients/ clients/ residents including diagnosing diseases, disorders and conditions. The Nurse practitioner initiates treatment including health care management, therapeutic interventions and prescribes medications in accordance with the statutory and regulatory standards, limits and conditions, policy and guidelines. The Nurse Practitioner provides professional guidance to students and other health professionals and practices autonomously and interdependently within the context of an interdisciplinary health care team, making referrals to physicians and others as appropriate.

This position collaborates with patients/ clients/ residents and other members of the interdisciplinary team to identify and assess trends and patterns that have implications for patients/ clients/ residents, families and communities; develops and implement population and evidence based strategies to improve health and participates in policy-making and quality activities that influence health services and practices. The position participates in peer review and self-review to evaluate the outcome of services at the patient/client/resident, community and population level and to continuously improve quality and safety." 

LifeLabs Sooke (laboratory services)

West Coast Medical Imaging + Greater Victoria locations 

Ayre Manor Seniors' Housing 
Independent and assisted living, complex care and hospice beds. Opened in Jan. 2008. Owned by the Sooke Elderly Citizens' Housing Society (SECHS), a local non-profit charitable society formed in 1968 by the Old Age Pensioners Organization. Ayre Manor is supported by Island Health and the District of Sooke in association with SECHS. 
- Construction begins on Ayre Manor (March 2007)
- Expansion Plans for a new 56-bed wing (2012) 
- Expansion Plans Stalled (2017)
- Accreditation Canada acknowledgement (March 2021) 

Sooke Shelter Society 
Hope Centre Supportive Housing and Shelter (BC Housing website) 
- Who To Call infographic 
- BC Housing inquiry form and phone contact: "We welcome questions and feedback on this project through the Q&A tool on this page or to communityrelations@bchousing.org. We look forward to welcoming the community to tour the building once renovations are complete (1Q 2023) and encourage you to contact us about a tour." 

​Sooke Homelessness Coalition 
A satellite working group of the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness 

Sooke Family Resources Society 

• Sooke Early Years Programs
• West Shore Early Years Programs
• Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR)
• Counselling
• Youth Services
• Family Services
• Adults with Disabilities
• Bridging the Digital Divide

- Island Health Sooke Health Unit at Sooke Family Resources Society 

Sooke Region Communities Health Network 
"Since 2003, the Sooke Co-operative Association of Service Agencies (CASA) and the grassroots Sooke Region Community Health Initiative (CHI) have worked together to benefit the Sooke Region from Port Renfrew to Beecher Bay.  In 2016, the two merged their resources and officially became Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN). It operates as a cooperative non-profit organization with charitable status, which allows it to manage its own grant funding and to act as an umbrella organization for other voluntary groups." 

​SRCHN annual service agreement since 2014 with the District of Sooke. Island Health provides matching funds for a part-time coordinator position filled by SRCHN Executive Director Christine Bossi. The DOS agreement requires ... 
- Sooke Region Resource website
- Sooke Age Friendly Committee (meets monthly under the direction of chair Roy Brown and guided by Christine) 
- Achievement of BC Age-Friendly Committee status 
- Planning for Seniors/Youth Community Activity Centre (aka The Gathering Place) 
- Identify community needs, facilitate community activities 
- Create collaborations and partnerships
- Address issues identified by the Primary Health Care Working Group
- Maintain/develop relationships at regional and provincial levels
- Promote and bolster volunteer activities  

SRCHN Reports and Studies  
​* Youth Activities Report (2021)
* Sooke Region Homelessness Consultation (2021)
​* Sooke Region Food Security Report (2021) 

BC Healthy Communities Age-Friendly Action Guide (2020)

Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation 
Founded in 2018 to "make funding available to local charities who are working hard to provide health-related services to our local communities." Grants from its general fund have been used to purchase equipment for Ayre Manor and the West Coast Family Medical Clinic and Ayre Manor. The Mary Brown Memorial Fund was established last year specifically to address mental health and disability needs; to date its grants have funded counselling services at the Sooke Shelter Society and the Sooke Family Resources Society. A long-time Shirley resident, Mary Brown was a psychiatric social worker who supported people with disabilities and mental health challenges in Canada, UK, and Australia.

- Purpose
- Board of Directors
- How to Give donations options  + Canada Helps direct link 

Sooke Food Bank
Nov. 2022: "Sooke Residents Are Super Generous" (CTV News) 
- Canada Helps donation page 
- EMCS Leadership students' 10,000 Tonight food drives 
- Christmas Bureau 
- Sooke Fire Services campaign + Santa Run
- Grace Garden at the Sooke Baptist Church 

2018 Statistics (most recent on the website): 
Number of Hampers: 3,270
Average 96 families per week
Average 78 children per week
Average 143 adults per week
Cost to date: $229,069.70
Total Pounds: 118,947
Total Kilograms: 53,953

Sooke Transition House Society 
"Provides emergency shelter for women and their children who are in crisis resulting from family violence. Counselling, education, prevention and advocacy."

Sooke Hospice Society 
"The Sooke Hospice Society is a team of trained volunteers and professionals dedicated to the physical, emotional and spiritual care of individuals who are palliative, as well as their families and loved ones, within the community of Sooke." 

CONTACT: Community Assistance Society 
Low-cost loans of medical equipment (canes, crutches, wheelchairs)

ElderConnect
Sooke Region Community Portal data base for seniors. 

District of Sooke 
- Service agreements with annual funding to ...
* Sooke Region Communities Health Network
* Sooke Family Resource Society
* Sooke Food Bank 

- District grant-hosting for the Sooke Shelter Society's Strengthening Communities grant (2021/22)
 
- District support, council liaison and ongoing engagement via Sooke Bylaw, Sooke Fire Services and Sooke RCMP with the Sooke Homelessness Coalition and local homelessness. 
​
- Community Grants Program support for miscellaneous health-related organizations, including (in 2022) ... 
* SFRS Pre-Natal Program ($7k from the Covid-19 Safe Restart reserve fund)
* Sooke Shelter Society ($7k from the Covid-19 Safe Restart reserve fund)
* Steps to the Future Childcare Society ($5k from the Covid-19 Safe Restart reserve fund)
* KidSport Greater Victoria ($7k) 
* Take A Hike Foundation ($5k) 
* Victoria Brain Injury Society ($1k)


Sooke Service Gaps
Leading Service Gap: Community Health Centre/Urgent Primary Care Centre 
Sooke currently lacks and has long lobbied for a dedicated Urgent Primary Care Centre (UPCC) operating with sufficient staffing and hours common to other UPCCs in British Columbia. District land for this centre is reserved on Lot A.

Patients with doctors in Sooke can drop-in to the West Coast Family Medical Clinic during urgent care hours (M-F, Noon to 4:30 PM). Outside those hours (and for all those without local doctors), individuals are advised to book appointments at the Westshore Urgent Primary Care Centre in Langford. 

• Urgent care (same day) services are for people who need care within 12-24 hours but do not require an emergency department and who do not have access to a family doctor, nurse practitioner or walk-in clinic in a suitable time frame.
• Patients experiencing chest pains, severe head injuries or broken bones and any concerns requiring immediate blood testing, x-rays or other diagnostic tests cannot be treated at the UPCC and should attend their local hospital’s emergency department or call 9-1-1 during a health emergency.
• Patients will be assessed at the Westshore UPCC upon arrival and registered to be seen as capacity allows. 
• Please note that due to patient volumes, appointments are not guaranteed. Please check medimap.ca for wait times and capacity.

As the West Coast Family Medical Clinic website states: "Please note that the Westshore Urgent Primary Care Centre is the designated clinic for local residents without a Primary Care Provider ... We recognize that many residents of Sooke do not have access to a Primary Care Provider. West Coast Family Medical Clinic does provide limited, same-day access to a Primary Care Provider for local residents (Sooke to Port Renfrew) through our Urgent Care Clinic [open M-F, Noon to 4:30 PM]. Please note that demand for this service usually exceeds our capacity ... To help us better serve those in our community with urgent medical issues or without a Primary Care Provider, please make every effort to see your own Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner for your medical concerns whenever possible. Same-day appointments in the Urgent Care Clinic can be booked online (online booking only available to patients who already have a chart at our office) or by calling our office at 250-642-4233. Phones are answered from 8:30-12:00, and from 1:00-4:30 (3:30 on Fridays). Please note that it can be difficult to get through by telephone at times due to high call volumes." 

- New UPCC Will Deliver Better Health Care to the West Shore (Ministry of Health press release, Oct. 26, 2018) 
- West Shore Clinic Busiest in the Province, Health Minister Says (Times Colonist, Nov. 26, 2019)

Other Urgent and Primary Care Centres in Greater Victoria 

• James Bay Urgent Primary Care Centre – Victoria
• Esquimalt Urgent Primary Care Centre – Esquimalt
• Downtown Victoria Urgent and Primary Care Centre - Victoria 
• North Quadra Urgent Primary Care Centre – Saanich
• Gorge Urgent and Primary Care Centre – Victoria  

Community Health Centres

• Island Sexual Health Community Health Centre – Victoria 

X-Ray Services in Sooke 
- West Coast Medical Imaging Services (M to F, 11 to 4 PM) 
- "Sooke Mayor Pushing for Beter X-Ray Services" - Sooke News Mirror (Nov. 2015) 
- Advocacy statement 
- "In late 2017, West Coast Medical Imaging improved the X-Ray technology available in Sooke" 

Speech therapist? SRCH advocacy in 2017

More on CHCs: BC Association of Community Health Centres
"BCACHC exists to support and advance the Community Health Centre (CHC) model and engage, advocate for, and support CHCs as an integral part of health and social service delivery in BC communities." 
- What Is a Community Health Centre? 
- The Importance of Community Health Centres in BC's Medical Care Reforms (Canadian Centre Policy Alternatives, 2019) 
- Building Ties With The Health System (CARES, 2020) 
- Roadmap to a CHC 

"Sooke has very little capacity to support the growing needs for Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) services for our community. There is one free service -- Urgent Short Term Assessment and Treatment (USTAT) -- with capacity or  capacity to serve 16 sessions a week. As small as the free service is, it is currently (October 2022) experiencing challenges with a staffing shortage. The USTAT position has been understaffed for several months … There is no equitable access to MHSU services for people with low income or who lack insurance. There is not enough support available for people who have a low capacity to navigate complex access systems. We have to do better.”

Back Story: Sooke Health & Preventative Care Initiatives 

* Way Back: I'll browse the Sooke Story for clues when i get a chance. 

* Pre-2000: "Becoming an Age Friendly Community, a place where seniors, and all ages, are respected and supported has been the goal of community members long before the term was coined. As our community grew its members identified a need for seniors’ supports. As early as 1945 a Sooke Over 60’s Club was formed, which was the forerunner to the Old Age Pensioners Organization, Branch#88. From that group sprung the Sooke Elderly Citizens Housing Society and the Contact Community Assistance Society (Loan Cupboard and Contact Drivers). By 1975 another group was providing a ‘Meals on Wheels’ program as well as inexpensive lunches. This eventually developed into the Sooke Senior Drop-In Centre. The Sooke Elderly Citizens Housing Society worked tirelessly for over 40 years to acquire land and build an assisted living and extended care building in Sooke. The New Horizons Activity Society was formed in the 1980’s and later became the Sooke Seniors Activity Society which raised funds to purchase and operate a bus to assist with seniors’ transportation to events and shopping excursions." - from the Executive Summary of the Sooke Age-Friendly Action Plan (2015)

* 2005: The Sooke Youth & Adult Navigator Project, Dr. Ellen Anderson and Susan Larke. <clip> "In our rural and remote communities, challenged by MHA service access issues, a community-supported Navigator model was designed to increase access to comprehensive, strengths-based assessment, planning and referral facilitation ... Our model utilised the service of two navigators with complementary skills in social work and psychiatric rehabilitation. One navigator focused primarily on youth under age 19 years and one navigator worked primarily with adults. One navigator was female and one was male. However, it was very important for both of them to be able to work with clients of any age and either sex." 

* 2006/2007: Mayor Evans and her council continue advocacy with the Vancouver Island Health Authority, MLA John Horgan and others for improved health care, notably collaboration with the Sooke Elderly Citizens Housing Society re: the future Ayre Manor Lodge. Other health-oriented work included attendance at the Premier's Council on Seniors and Aging Forum, the Victoria Community Task Force on Cystal Meth, a BC Healthy Community Initiatives workshop, and a Planning Institute of British Columbia workshop.  

* Sept. 23, 2006: Sooke Community Health Initiative Forum at the Community Hall 

* Oct. 10, 2006: Announcement that VIHA had signed a $16.1 million contract to construct Ayre Manor. 

* Sept. 8, 2008: "What will it take to create a more age-friendly Sooke?" - day-long conference hosted by Sooke Economic Development Commission in partnership with Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce. Participants explored ideas on topics including Community Infrastructure, Safety & Security, Health Services, Active Aging, Lifelong Learning, Communication, and Transportation.

* 2009: Launch of Sooke Region Food CHI 

* 2013: Sooke Region Community Health Initiative (CHI) designated by the Province as the official Age-Friendly Committee for the District of Sooke

* Fall, 2013: The Primary Health Care Services Working Group (PHCSWG) was formed based on input from the community through Mayor Milne's Advisory Panel on Community Health and Social Initiatives. The working group included members from Sooke Region CHI, Sooke Volunteer Centre, the West Coast Family Medical Clinic, the South Island Division of Family Practice, Island Health and the District of Sooke. 

* Dec. 2013: "A GP for Me" forum. (Britt Santowski's Sooke News Mirror story linked here notes that the BC Liberals made a “2010 Government commitment to provide a family physician for any BC resident who wants one by 2015.”)

* 2014: District Service agreement with SRCHN to fund Age Friendly work and meet senior and volunteer goals outlined in the Official Community Plan. (hence the first service agreement; see details at end of this post)

* Highlights of 2013/14 work by PHCSWG
(Nicky Logins, Marlene Barry, Dr. Ellen Anderson, Emma Isaac, Linda Nehra, Wendal Milne)
- Joined Island-wide initiative for a "physician recruitment navigator" position 
- Highlighted gap in X-ray and ultrasound servcies in Sooke. Four UVic Master of Business Administration students develop a business plan for diagnostic services in Sooke
- "Managing At Home: Support Needs for Sooke Seniors" study funded through BC Age-Friendly grant to assess needs of seniors who are medically at risk and facing social isolation.  
- Worked with Island Health to fund two additional hospice beds for Ayre Manor 
- Advocate for support of the Integrated Health Network in Sooke 

* Nov. 2014: Island Health Board of Directors meetings in Sooke hosted by Mayor Tait and the District 

*  Dec. 15, 2014: Sooke council appoints a liaison (Mayor Tait) to the PHCSWG. States the Committee of the Whole report: "By focusing on buiding not just the physical infrastructure of our community but also the social infrastructure, local elected officials work hand-in-hand with health care professionals to contribute to citizen's health and social needs." At this time, 74% of Sooke residents do not have doctors in Sooke. Waiting list of 800 for new patient uptake at West Coast Family Medical Clinic. 

* October 2015: Release of District of Sooke Age-Friendly Action Plan 
"A strong commitment to supporting our seniors, volunteering and caring for others has helped Sooke to become the place it is now. Sooke is an Age Friendly community with a vision and many citizens have the desire to make it more so. We’ve come together to make things happen in the past and will continue to do so far into the future. We understand that when we build to ‘Age Friendly’ we build to accommodate all ages and abilities." 

- 2015: The Province and BC Healthy Communities recognized the District of Sooke as a community that has demonstrated "incredible commitment to supporting older residents to remain healthy and active in their communities." 

* May 28, 2016: Sooke Region Health Summit at the Community Hall hosted by Mayor Tait. Organized around four topics: Healthy Food Accessibility; Special Populations; Medical Services & Infrastructure; Social and Physical Activities. Gaps that were identified in these areas informed the ongoing work of the PHCSWG and the District of Sooke. Read the final report here. 
 
* Nov. 2016: "No Easy Fix for Doctor Shortage" - Kevin Laird, Sooke News Mirror 

* April, 2017:  The CRD Hospitals and Housing Committee endorsed Mayor Tait’s motion entitled, “Support for Pilot Project: A Regional Health Care Facility in Sooke”. Discussion ensued regarding:
"- the similar challenges regarding healthcare for residents of Victoria and Sooke and if they are more acute in Sooke,
- the different needs perceived by the public versus healthcare professionals, 
​- being a part of the CRD means that residents of Sooke are requested to use the facilities in the region that are not necessarily local,
- any facility would be open to residents of Victoria and reduce the load on services in Victoria, and
- the challenges of the highway to Sooke."

MOVED by Director Tait, SECONDED by Director Helps, That the Hospitals and Housing Committee recommends to the Capital Regional District Board that: The District of Sooke and the Sooke Region Primary Health Care Services Working Group calls on the Capital Regional Hospital District, the Province of British Columbia, Island Health, and all levels of government to support a regional health care facility in Sooke. CARRIED

* Summer/Fall 2017: The Sooke Planning Steering Committee was subsequently formed. Committee members include Mayor Tait as well as representatives from the CRD, Sooke Family Physicians, SIDFP, Island Health and the CHN.  See agenda package for: 1. Sooke Region Health Summit – Final Report (Draft); 2. Sooke Fire Rescue Department – Emergency Call Statistics; 3. Correspondence regarding Health Care Services in Sooke; 4. Island Health – 2014 Sooke Local Health Area Profile; 5. Sooke Pocket News survey – Medical Services in Sooke, April, 2017. 

* Nov. 2017: Sooke Community Heath Care Stakeholders Consultation. Five identified needs: 

Quote: "1. Improved Access to Primary Care: Participants identified the desire for more primary care providers (GPs and Nurse Practitioners), citing limited clinic space and incentives to attract more GPs as barriers. The desire for access to longer primary care hours in the evenings and on weekends, including Sundays and holidays, was expressed. Same-day access to primary care in urgent circumstances was also desired. Many participants indicated that co-located space would be desirable with all-primary health services integrated (virtually or by physical co-location).
2. Care provided by a team of health care providers (team-based care): Participants indicated that having a care team focused on seniors would be valuable. Also, having Nurse Practitioners or Registered Nurses attached to the Physician clinic would be desired to improve access to primary care.
3. Access to more specialized, locally accessible services: Participants identified the need for more access to Mental Health and Substance Use services, including walk-in services. Also, increased services for isolated seniors were suggested, along with the idea of having a drop-in seniors’ activity centre.
4. Improved access to other key enablers: Currently x-ray services in Sooke are available 7.5 hours/week (Tuesday 8:30am-11:00 am, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am-11:30am) and laboratory services are available on weekdays (8am-4pm Mondays to Fridays). The community identified more service hours are desirable to improve access and reduce the need to travel outside the community for these services. Maximizing the use of electronic medical/health records was also cited as a key enabler to bolster service provision.
5. Supporting population wellness: Improved health literacy (access to information on wellbeing and how/where to access services) was deemed a priority for participants. Improved transportation (both within Sooke and to destinations outside Sooke) was also cited by participants as needed, particularly on weekends (note: transportation issues are considered out of scope for this plan). Road improvement needs were also identified."

* May 18, 2018: Aging With Grace: Sooke Region Age 55+ Summit 
Keynote speech by Dr. David Docherty, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria + Overview of the 2018 Provincial Seniors' Summit by Doni Eve, Senior Manager, Healthy Aging, for the Population and Public Health Division of the BC Ministry of Health + talk by Sooke Registered Clinical Counsellor Janet Raynor Thorn titled "The Croning Years: The Later Life Transformations" + break-out groups re: ElderConnect Seniors' Info Hub. 

* June 16, 2018:  Sooke Community Health Service Engagement with stakeholders at Community Hall 

* Aug. 2018: Sooke Community Health Service Planning Report (Island Health/District of Sooke) 

* Winter/Spring 2018/19: Lot A Charette Concept Plan identifies best possible uses of the town-centre, District-owned property's southeast quadrant as a "5-6-storey Health Centre with limited size independent commercial retail units on the base and market housing units on the upper floors. Second floor office space is also appropriate. This quadrant would include an underground parking component ... conceived as a wood-frame building with a total floor area of approximately 7,000m2." 

-  April 26, 2019:  "Expanded Primary Care Coming to Sooke" (Ministry of Health press release) 

- June, 12, 2020: Official opening of expanded West Coast Family Medical Clinic; "Sooke Clinic Aims to Connect More Patients With Doctors" (Times Colonist)

- 2020/21/22: Advocacy continues with the Ministry of Health for a hybrid Community Heath Centre/Urgent Primary Care Centre on the southeast quadrant of Lot A. 


Miscellaneous 
Media Coverage: BC Health Care Issues 
~ "BC's Health-Care Crisis Is Unrelenting: What Can Be Done To Fix It?" (CBC, Sept. 19, 2022;  includes link to the Situation Critical town hall with Minister Dix and others) 
~ "BC Liberals Call for Audit of Urgent and Primary Care Centres" (Times Colonist, July 27, 2022) 
~ "BC Health Care System Strengthened by New Payment Model for Doctors" (Ministry of Health, Oct. 31, 2022)
​~ "BC Health Minister Calls for Trudeau to Engage on Health Funding" (CBC, Nov. 6, 2022) 

Reports 
- Family Doctors Care: The Role and Value of Family Physicians in BC (BC College of Family Physicians, 2020) 

* BC 211
Free, confidential hot-line consultation 24/7 in 150 languages 

* BC Centre For Disease Control 
- Covid 19 page 
- Business protocols 
- Link to current Province-wide regulations 

* Canadian Mental Health Association: BC Division

* Doctors of BC website + Advocating for family physicians 


Greater Victoria Hospitals 

Capital Regional Hospital District 
This CRD corporation "partners with Island Health and community stakeholder agencies to develop and improve healthcare facilities in the region and provide capital funding for infrastructure such as acute care, residential care and hospital equipment.
- 10-Year Capital Plan (through 2032) 

Victoria General Hospital 
"Victoria General started as St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1876. The name was changed when the Sisters of St. Ann gave it to the province in 1972.t The new VGH opened in 1983 on Hospital Way off Helmcken. A 368-bed community-based acute- care facility, it provides general adult & pediatric surgery including orthopedics, endoscopy, maternity & neo-natal ser- vices, sexual assault nurse examiner, as well as mammography, asthma, dia- betes, & respiratory clinics, cancer care, icu, rehabilitation, and much more."

Royal Jubilee Hospital 
Founded in the 1860s and now featuring 500 beds. It offers critical care, surgery, diagnostics, emergency facilities, with a special focus on cardiac medicine. 

Victoria Hospital Foundation 
Supporting care teams at Royal Jubilee, VGH and Gorge Road hospitals.  


Third United Way of British Columbia Provincial Aging Summit (2022) 


"The District of Sooke has entered into a Service Agreement with the SRCHN to provide the following services:
 
• Sooke Region Resource website:
o website improvements, updates and maintenance;

• Age Friendly Committee for Sooke:
o develop planning and/or activities to achieve official provincial status for Sooke as an Age Friendly Community

• Seniors/Youth/Community Activity Centre:
o Identify the needs of the community
o Initiate and facilitate community forum/s or other opportunities to discuss development of a community activity centre, and to inform Council on this initiative
o Solicit partnerships and engage support from interested potential partner organizations
o Goal of September 30 2014 completion date for these services

• Primary Health:
o address issues identified through the Primary Health Care Working Group and Mayor‘s Panel, Community Health and Social Initiatives
o maintain and further develop relationships at regional and provincial levels for community health initiatives
• Volunteer Initiatives:
o Explore funding opportunities to implement OCP identified Volunteer initiatives and activities that promote Sooke‘s claim as the Volunteer Capital of Canada

VIHA has been an avid supporter of SRCHN, matching funds provided by the District of Sooke to fund our activites. As of 2014, VIHA has provided funding for a part-time coordinator's position to futher collaboration and increase opportunities for the region. This was very appreciated by SRCHN as grants often do not provide the possibility to pay indirect costs such as services rendered."

Addendum
Here's an excerpt (shared by permission) of the speaking notes read by Roy Brown at a memorial concert for his late wife Mary Brown held at the Anglican Church in December, 2022. The concert was a Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation fundraiser for Mary Brown Memorial Fund, which supports local charities delivering services to people with mental health and/or disability needs.  A social scientist and practitioner, Roy is Chair of the Sooke Age-Friendly Committee and recipient of the Dr Robert E; Cooke Lifetime achievement award-American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. 

"The following are some of the challenges faced by the relevant families where there are challenging and serious life issues.  If one compares life satisfaction characteristics between families with disability issues with a random sample of the population of the same age without mental health and disability concerns, there are great discrepancies in the following:

- Health issues
- Financial wellbeing
- Family relations
- Support from other people 
- Support from Disability related services - Over 50% of those responding are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.
- Spiritual and cultural needs.
- Careers and preparation for careers.
- Leisure and enjoyment of life. 
- Community and civic involvement.

The more severe the conditions the greater the discrepancy between the control group (no major mental health or disability issues) and those with disabilities. This data was collected in BC and is consistent with other studies. 

I want to make such concerns more concrete and exemplify one simple technique that can be introduced. In one sense light hearted but serious. My mom was celebrating her 100th birthday and was at a party with care staff from the day program she attended. She had severe Alzheimer’s. She brought  along a book of photos representing her life. Staff asked to look at it. Mom wanted to know what the staff were talking about.  Well Mom, the staff say you were a beautiful woman.  Yes,I was She said!  banging her walking stick on the ground!

Then  I realised: The staff did not know the broad details of her life and were learning it for the first time. I now recommend that end of life programs should ensure that families have a book of their loved one’s life. It broadens staff knowledge of the person they are caring for. It is also a visual aid for their patient or client. Remember one is more likely to lose recall skills and retain recognition for longer." 

I wanted to point you to today's Times Colonist article in case you've not seen it  - https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/seniors-advocate-says-province-has-no-action-plan-to-increase-long-term-care-beds-11297464

"The seniors advocate’s report found the long-term care system has gone from providing 77 beds per 1,000 people a decade ago to 58 beds today. Levitt said that number will fall to 41 beds by 2035/36 if beds continue to be built and replaced at the current rate."