British Columbia 

First legislative session in 2026 set for February 18 to
May 28 (41 working days) 

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

February 2026
- Budget 2026 to be announced by Minister Bailey on Tues. Feb. 17
* 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." 

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 
TBA 
- Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy 
- 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) 



​

Update - January, 2026

The CEDC Committee's short run comes to an end on Feb. 2 after seven meetings and the conclusion of its one-year terms of reference. As noted below, there were procedural issues arising from requirements related to our status as a Standing Committee intended to inform council decisions and strategic planning. This proved frustrating for members in bringing their own initiatives to CEDC agendas. Also challenging was the time and energy required from District staff, who initially had planned for a bi-monthly schedule but had to find extra resources after an eager committee voted for monthly meetings starting in the fall. 

The mix of four councillors and three representatives from the business community was unbalanced as ever with standing committees; the previous CED committee (2020-22) was a select committee that featured seven citizen appointees and a single councillor. We're recommending that this format be utilized when the next council considers new committees. It provides more leeway for member to initiate actions independently. 

At its Jan. 14 meeting, the CEDC wanted the District to take a step back and consider practical ways to support community-driven economic development. To that end a motion was prepared and amended by council last night (Jan. 26) to read:

"THAT Council conclude the CEDC Committee's current term after its February meeting.
And THAT Council direct staff to provide a high-level report on alternative models to maintain coordination/communication with the economic development community and ensure continuity
from one council term to the next." 

Our final meeting next week will feature: 
1. Potential motions to council arising from review of the 2011 Sooke Cultural Plan and the 2022 SPA Review (see the drafts at this recent blog post - CANVAS for Sooke Arts.)  
2. Tentative: Royal Roads student presentations re: their recent studies in association with District CED Officer Gail Scott 
3. Visioning Sooke presentation by CEDC members Katherine Strongwind and Scot Taylor based on their ED community gathering at the Stickleback last week. 
4. Sooke Chamber Business Walk report 

As you'll see below, a fair bit was accomplished and more was possible, yet so it goes and thus ends another brief chapter in Sooke's evolving CED strategy now so capably managed by Ms. Scott. As Chair, I'm happy to extend sincere thanks to all who participated and look forward to staff and council responses to the various unfinished motions processed and sent forward by the committee. 

Meanwhile, the Land Use and Development Committee continues as a straight-forward, no-fuss, first-look conduit for rezoning applications and other land-use matters prior to council deliberation via the consent agenda. The last two meetings have been cancelled due to lack of business items, but a meeting is set for Feb. 3.  


Update - Fall 2025
The two committees have been up and running since the spring. The Land Use and Development Committee (LUDC) is serving as a planning advisory group, receiving land use, rezoning and Official Community Plan update reports from the planning department  and giving them a first-look vetting and vote before forwarding with recommendations to the full council. LUDC is necessarily focused on whatever staff brings forward on each successive agenda. 

Community Economic Development Committee has also received a steady flow of staff reports and direction from council while also trying to find its feet as a Standing Committee that features experienced members of the business community who wish to bring forward  motions independently in addition to overseeing and discussing staff initiatives. This earnest desire to be of service has created a few procedural issues that we're working through with the expert guidance of Acting Corporate Officer Nancy Owen. 

Council must be proactive in sending items to the committees, though as stated above is no shortage of content for the LUDC. You'll find agendas for both committees here. Council, as it can, should and must, is routinely cherrypicking committee recommendations from the consent agenda for discussion at regular council meetings. 

Both committees have less than a year remaining. The next council must determine whether these bodies or others are to be established in the 2026-2030 term. Logically, I'll argue, these two fundamental committees should be permanent fixtures whose casts will change as required by new councils ... thereby ensuring continuity over time. 

Community Economic Development Committee 
Focusing for now on this as I'm its chair and and all of us are eager to make the most of our limited time together while approving and cheering on the remarkable work being done by District staff led by CEDC Officer Gail Scott, i.e. Sooke adoption of the MRDT (Hotel Tax) program effective Nov. 1; Destination Canada work on the Juan de Fuca Cross-Border Tourism Strategy;  the Sooke Region Business Services Cooperative (a collaboration between the District, the Chamber and WorkLink BC set for launch in collaboration with consultant JP Ellson); and much else.

Agendas

* Dec. 1, 2025 ~ Review of the 2011 Sooke Region Cultural Plan and the 2022 study of it by the Sooke Program of the Arts Committee.

​* Nov. 3, 2025 ~ Presentation on The Pod Project food hub proposal (with recommendation that Council forward to the Sooke Region Food Systems Network for feedback); receipt of the District's new Recognition, Proclamation and Adornment Policy (recommended for Council approval); and discussion of the South Island Prosperity Project's new report titled Igniting Momentum: Recommendations for Greater Victoria to Overcome Economic Stagnation and Achieve Our Potential. 
- CED Coordinator Gail Scott provided updates on various projects of immediate focus:
* Her Rural Economic Diversification & Infrastructure Program grant application (up to $100k) to develop a "Local Employment Land Use Strategy"; 
* Implementation of the Municipal and Regional District Tax effective November 1
* Sooke Business Walk visits to 40+ town centre businesses led by the Chamber's Executive Director Deb Schenk with committee members to mark Small Business Month in Canada;
* A Royal Roads University student business case study exploring how a neighbourhood and downtown shuttle service could mitigate growing traffic and parking woes up-Sooke while boosting local business;
* Updates on the Sooke to Port Renfrew Business Services Cooperative (aka Shoreline) and Destination Canada's work on the JDF First Cross-Border Tourism Corridor Strategy. 
 
* Sept. 3, 2025 ~ Draft OCP update; CEDC Strategy and Action Plan update; potential collaboration with T'Sou-ke in writing the Ministry of Transportation and Transit re: beautification of the Sooke River bridge; committee designate to the Sooke Region Food Systems Network. 

* July 29, 2025 ~ Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce service agreement amendments (including administration of the proposed Community Vibrancy Microgrant and Town Centre Storefront Beautification Microgrant pilot programs, $10k in total); seasonal adornment in the town centre; and a request for a presentation re: the BC Outdoor Recreation for Community and Economic Development guidebook for rural communities. 

* June 2, 2025  - Community Data Portal introduction; strategic projects update; consideration of business beautification program 


Motions arising to date from the Committee as received and voted upon by Sooke council ... 

2025-231 THAT Council amend the Community Economic Development Committee Terms of Reference to update the Meeting Schedule from a bi-monthly to a monthly occurrence. CARRIED

2025-232 THAT Council direct staff to prepare a report regarding the Business Beautification Program concept for consideration and recommendation by the Community Economic Development Committee. CARRIED

2025-307 THAT Council direct Staff to apply to the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth (JEG) under the Rural Economic Diversification & Infrastructure Program (REDIP) for a grant to support the development and implementation of a Local Employment Land Use Strategy. CARRIED 

From the District draft RFP for this work received by the previous CEDC on Jan. 28, 2022 ... 

"What are Employment Lands? Employment lands refers to privately and publicly owned properties that support institutional, industrial, commercial, office and other land uses that employ people in a variety of jobs and a diversity of sectors (e.g. manufacturing, sales and service, research, technology, etc.) For the District of Sooke, Employment Lands are lands designated in the OCP where employment occurs or will occur. This can include industrial, light industrial, business parks, and other commercial activities.
 
What is Encompassed in a Employment Land Strategy? The Employment Land Strategy ensures that the District is well positioned to respond to Employment Land needs by considering future trends, projected demand, land supply, municipal services, incentives and other tools to support future growth and economic changes. 

Specifically, the Strategy focuses on: 
- key stakeholder input 
- employment land inventory 
- trends analysis 
- population and employment growth forecasts 
- employment land demand 
- gaps and constraints 
- development incentives feasibility 
- finance strategy and Return on Investment (ROI) calculator tool 
- competitive analysis 
- final report and recommendations"


2025-308 THAT Council direct Staff to post a 'Notice of Intent to Direct Award' the contract to 4Ever Strategies for the management and administration of the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT). CARRIED
 
2025-321 That Council defer this item to an upcoming Council meeting (re: Sooke Chamber of Commerce service agreement changes and the beautification & event pilot microgrant programs) CARRIED 

2025-322 THAT Council direct staff to present options for expanded Christmas Decor in the Town Centre seasonal adornment service levels alongside budget deliberations; AND THAT Council refer the Recognition and Awareness Policy, including the 2026 Schedule of Recognized Activities, to the Committee for comment in advance of 2026 budget deliberations. CARRIED 

2025-323 THAT Council defer the beautification of Sooke River Bridge to an upcoming Council meeting for further discussion. CARRIED 

July 29 CEDC motion:
Sooke River Bridge – Letter of Support for Provincial Renewal and Cultural Partnership Opportunity  
MOVED by Councilor Tony St-Pierre, seconded by Katherine Strongwind: 

THAT the Community Economic Development Committee recommend that Council direct staff to write a letter to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, acknowledging the Ministry’s responsibility for the Sooke River Bridge and: 

1.  Encouraging the Ministry to paint or renew the Sooke River Bridge; 
2.  Identifying the project as a meaningful opportunity to support truth and reconciliation, should the T’Sou-ke Nation wish to participate; and 
3.  Offering the District’s support for the project. 
 
2025-324 THAT Council direct staff to present options to update the District Community Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan as part of the 2026 budget deliberations. CARRIED 
 
  
 
Original Post - March 30, 2025
 Two new standing committees are being launched by the District of Sooke in the days ahead. The same four of us on council are on both committees, along with three public appointees selected from a stack of applications.  Cllr. McMath's career in emergency response prevents her participation. The Mayor has an ex-officio role with all District committees, including these two. We will likely shuffle the deck to accommodate a new councillor following the by-election. 

I'd headline this "relaunch" were these new committees to be "select" committees as were the 2020-22 CED and Land Use editions. The difference is that a standing committee is formed by the Mayor to deal with matters she considers would be more effectively explored first by a committee and then brought to council. Half the members of a standing committee must be council members (section 141, Community Charter).  A select committee requires just one council appointee and a broader range of public members. (section 142, CC). 

Both committees are mandated to work closely with the District's current Strategic Plan, which details ongoing, now and next objectives across multiple areas -- CED and land use included. Fresh ideas and asks will need to be packaged as motions that will need formal approval from the full council, who must necessarily weigh available resources (staff and financial) before any arising motions are greenlighted. 

As Sooke's Corporate Officer advises, each of the new standing committees ...   
* Acts as an advisory body to Council. 
* Reviews and considers staff reports and presentations, providing recommendations to Council.
* Reviews matters raised by members through formal motions and makes recommendations to Council.
* Committee recommendations and relevant materials are submitted for consideration at near-term council meetings.

DOS Committee Structure and Function Policy (2020) 

Almost goes without saying, but I'll do so regardless by noting that these are the latest in a substantial line of committees, commissions and task forces created since municipal incorporation in 1999. After roughly scanning the District's archived minutes, I've assembled a list of them at the end of this post. Respect, appreciation and sincere thanks to the hundreds of community members and elected representatives who've brought their best and brightest ideas, vision, experience, wisdom and practical actions forward in service to Sooke's evolution.

Community Economic Development Committee
Terms of Reference (adopted Dec. 9, 2024)
"The purpose of the Community Economic Development Committee is to provide recommendations and support to Council on matters that prioritize a resilient economy focused on health care, town centre revitalization and tourism and the attraction and retention of diverse businesses to stimulate economic diversity and growth. The Committee will work to provide recommendations that support the strategic goals of the District."

Foundational documents
* Council Strategic Priorities, 2024-2027
​* District of Sooke Community Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan (2021) 

Reference Material 
* Sooke Economic Analysis (Urbanics Consulting, Dec. 2019) 
* Sooke Chamber Economic Survey (2024) 

The Committee will first meet at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, March 31.
Meetings will follow every two months on first Mondays ~ June 2, July 29, Oct. 6, Dec. 1, 2025. 
​
Mandate (as per TOR) 
"• Strategic economic development initiatives that align with the municipality's Official Community Plan (OCP) and related policies.
• Support for business retention initiatives.
• Collaboration with the Sooke Region Business Cooperative to strengthen business partnerships and growth.
• Engagement with service organizations like the Sooke Chamber of Commerce, WorkLink BC, and other local groups to offer workshops, networking events, and programs that support business growth and development.
• Provision of resources and grants to local organizations that drive economic development through workforce training, business services, and volunteer initiatives and community events that boost the local economy.
• Implementation of the Municipal & Regional District Tax Program (MRDT).
• Development of long-term regenerative and community-led destination tourism planning.
• Enhancement of support for small businesses and startups.
• Advocacy for inclusion in the Island Coastal Economic Trust Area (ICETA) to gain access to community grant programs.
• Enhancement of community appeal and economic growth through aesthetics and functionality.
• Development of an employment lands strategy.
• Establishment of a Municipal Development Corporation.
• Public engagement recommendations aimed at strengthening the relationship between Council and the local business community, industry stakeholders, and residents to foster broad participation in economic initiatives.
• Items related to the Community Economic Development Strategy.
• Items related to the Low Carbon Resilience model.
• Any other items referred to the Committee by Council or the staff liaison."

Committee Members
In accordance with the Community Charter, Mayor Tait made the following appointments:
* Cllr. Bateman (Chair)
* Cllr. St-Pierre (Vice-Chair)
​* Cllr. Beddows
* Cllr. Pearson 
* Gwen Fisher, The Artisans Garden   
* Katherine Strongwind, Strongwind Solutions, Sooke Chamber of Commerce board member 
* Scot Taylor,  Westcoast Adventure College and Stickleback Oceanfront Alehouse 

Representatives from the following non-voting organizations will participate in an advisory capacity ...
* Sooke Arts Council (William [Gord] Wallace) 
* Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce (Vice President Marleen Kiral) 
* Sooke Region Tourism Association (new website launching April 2025) (TBD, Gwen Fisher and Kiral are on its board)
* WorkLink Westshore Employment Society (TBD, Peter Doukakis) 

Director of Planning and Development Chris Marshall and CED Officer Gail Scott will support the Committee as staff liaisons and will prepare reports and staff recommendations for the Committee's consideration.

Related from the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan 
Community Economic Development is one of five Strategic Areas of Focus. 
The Committee's mandate directly mirrors the Plan's ongoing, now and next priorities. 

"We provide essential local services and prioritize a resilient economy focused on health care, town centre revitalization and tourism. We attract diverse businesses to stimulate economic diversity and growth." 

Ongoing
• Collaborate with the Sooke Region Business Cooperative to strengthen business partnership and growth.
• Work with service organizations like the Sooke Chamber of Commerce, WorkLink BC, and other local groups to offer workshops, networking events, and programs that support business growth and development.
• Provide resources and grants to local organizations that drive economic development through workforce training, business services, and volunteer initiatives and community events that boost the local economy.

Now
• Implement the Municipal & Regional District Tax Program (MRDT)
• Develop long-term regenerative and community-led destination tourism planning.
• Update zoning to promote mixed-use zoning, enhancing community livability and economic vitality through residential-business integration and creating business-friendly environments for both new and existing businesses.
• Enhance support for small businesses and startups.
• Prioritize business retention initiatives.
• Advocate for inclusion in the Island Coastal Economic Trust Area (ICETA) to gain access to community grant programs.

Next
• Invest in infrastructure improvements for key transportation routes and corridors to support economic hubs.
• Enhance community appeal and economic growth through aesthetics and functionality.
• Create an employment lands strategy.
• Lead the establishment of a Municipal Development Corporation.

Sooke CED Key Performance Indicators 
 * Annual increase in business licenses issued by the DOS (+5% target) ~ 2020 (875 licenses issued); 2022 (912); 2023 (957); 2024 (1,023, or +6.9%).  

* CED Officer liaison with five Sooke organizations, attending approx. 50 meetings annually 

* Monetary value of new funding to support economic growth and diversification: 
- 2023: i) Destination BC ($100k for JDF Tourism Corridor Plan development); ii) Cooperatives First ($75k for Sooke Region Business Services Cooperative feasibility study)

- 2024: i) Destination Canada ($250k, JDF Cross Border Tourism Corridor Project development); ii) Cooperatives First ($50K, SRBSC investment plan). 

- 2025: Municipal Regional Destination Tax (if approved, possibly $350k in new tax revenue annually for destination marketing) 


CEDC Committee 2020-2022 
Feb. 26, 2021
- Announcement of hiring of Sue Welke, Sooke's first CED Officer 
- Master Plan updates - TMP & PTMP 
- Development processes - need to focus on protecting view from harbour and basin properties

March 26, 2021
- Small Business Grant Updates - Cheryl McLay, Province of BC
- Cultural Perspectives - Indigenous Perspectives Society (training proposed by Sooke Chamber)
- Community Inventory Mapping - Buildings, land, other assets in Sooke 

April 23, 2021 
- WorkLink presentation (Peter Doukakis)
- Home-based businesses in Sooke (presentation by Diane Bernard)
- Food security strategy presentation (Christine Bossi, SRCHN)
- CED Strategy Development (workshop in early May) 

May 21, 2021 
- Referral from Council: Farmstand business licensing 
- CED Strategy update 
- Recycling Depot (letter from Zero Waste Sooke) 

June 25, 2021 
- Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy 
- CED Strategy preparation for presentation to council in fall 2021 + Business Walk 
- Funding Programs: ICET, Western Economic Diversification, Natural Resources Canada 
- Sooke Region Food Security Report (SRCHN) 
- Transition Sooke presentation: How To Grow A Local Economy 

Sept. 24, 2021 
- South Island Prosperity Partnership (presentation) 
- Draft Official Community Plan

Oct. 22, 2021
- Draft CED Strategy and Action Plan
- Boat Launch Parking 

Nov. 26, 2021 
- Victoria Foundation Vital Signs Report (presentation)
- Draft CED Strategy and Action Plan 

Jan. 28, 2022 
- Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation (presentation by Bill Corsan) 
- CED Committee Data and Measurement System 
- Draft RFP for Employment Lands Strategy  

Feb. 25, 2022
- Metrics and Tools for Green Businesses In Sooke (Climate Action Coordinator) 

March 25, 2022 
- SRCHN Elders' Complex (Mary Dunn presentation) 
​- Lot A update (Matthew Pawlow) 

April 22, 2022 
- Metrics for CED Strategy and 7% Solution 
- Vancouver Island Green Business Collective membership opportunity 
- Co-working hub opportunities in Sooke (CAC Coordinator report) 
- CED Committee End-of-Term Reporting to Council 

May 27, 2022 
- Speaker: Jeff Frank, T'Sou-ke Nation  
- Inclusion of Deconstruction Bylaw in Climate Action Plan 


RFP for Employment Lands Strategy 
"The work will include engagement with Employment Lands-designated land and property owners to understand the readiness and willingness for selling, leasing or renting property that will be used to set up business and create jobs in Sooke. An Economic Analysis was carried out for the District in 2019, and at this time the District would like to have an update and expansion to the Economic Analysis. The expansion would build out policy and recommendations following interviews/discussions with Sooke land/property owners. Further, geographical analysis is required of the District’s Employment Lands to determine feasible industrial or commercial operations. Policy options and recommendations will be developed by the successful proponent following engagement, geographical analysis and an updated economic analysis." 


Executive Summary - Sooke Economic Analysis 
(Urbanics Consulting, Dec. 2019) 

With regards to demographic and macroeconomic trends, the Consultant has the following findings:
- Provincial economy in BC remains strong and will likely continue outperforming the Canadian average.
- Southern tip of Vancouver Island remains an attractive place to live and work due to affordability and quality of life considerations.
- Population growth rates in neighboring markets (30-40 minutes drive) of Langford, Colwood and Saanich is some of the highest in Canada.
- Low education levels hold back the viability of attracting high pay high value add companies.
- Most workers (71%) commute out of town for employment opportunities.
- Median incomes are comparable to BC and CRD.

With regards to the employment lands inventory and commercial market dynamics, the Consultant has the following findings:
- Plentiful pre-zoned employment lands exist in Sooke.
- Significant public land reserves also exist.
- Significant portion of industrial and commercial lands are underdeveloped, and underutilized.
- Commercial rents are quite high for such a small community with small population and commercial services base.
- Vacancies are low.
- Property taxes are competitive.
- Regulatory environment is conducive to business development.
- DCC rates are higher than and uncompetitive with neighboring jurisdictions.

With regards to forecast of employment lands (both industrial and commercial retail/office) required by 2036, the Consultant has the following findings:
- Low scenario projects approximately 8 hectares of new employment lands required by 2036.
- Median scenario projects approximately 13 hectares of new employment lands required by 2036.
- High scenario projects approximately 23.5 hectares of new employment lands required by 2036.

In conclusion, the Consultant finds that:
- The demand for industrial land use out to 2036 ranges between as little as 4 hectares (low industrial employment capture, and high industrial job density) to as much as 13.4 hectares (representing high employment capture and low industrial job density). The median estimate is approximately 7 hectares.
- The demand for commercial land use out to 2036 ranges between as little as 4 hectares (low commercial employment capture, and high commercial job density) to as much as 10.1 hectares (representing high commercial employment capture and low commercial job density). The median estimate is approximately 6 hectares.
- There is 32 hectares of M2 zoned land that is under utilized. In total there is approximately 41 hectares of under-utilized industrial land with 12.39 hectares of vacant industrial land.
- There is 8.8 hectares of C2 zoned land that is under utilized, as well as 8.67 hectares of C4 “Commercial Recreation” underutilized. In total there is approximately 22 hectares of under-utilized commercial land as well as 7.2 hectares of vacant commercial land.
- There is no projected shortage of industrial or commercial land as the industrial and commercial land inventory indicates that there is more vacant employment land than total warranted demand by 2036 under a “median scenario” projection. In addition, there are significant employment land parcels that are host to limited levels of activity and are considered “under-utilized”. These parcels can be subject to intensification in the coming years as market conditions warrant it. That said, the Consultant estimates that the supply of vacant employment lands will be completely exhausted by 2036.
- Growth industries will be healthcare, warehousing and wholesale trade, filming, tourism and recreation.
- Short-term rentals comprise approximately 3-5% of rental housing stock, or 1-2% of total housing stock. It is most likely that they contribute in a small way to increasing rents and prices.


Miscellaneous re: Sooke Community Economic Development 

From this blog ... 
* Promise and Potential: Sooke Region Tourism (March 2, 2025) 
* Sparking Community Development (Aug. 31, 2022) - published prior to hiring of Gail Scott as Sooke's second-ever CED Officer and successor to our first, Sue Welke.  
* Sooke Committees Update (Jan. 2021). The then-active Sooke Program of the Arts (SPA) and Climate Action committees are effectively rolled into the new CED Committee -- which is asked to use the Low Carbon Resilience model in its decision-making and follow the recommendations of the CED Strategy. The District's formal adoption of LCR in Jan. 2021 and the subsequent Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan ensures that a "green lens" is applied to all District of Sooke decision-making. The presence of a rep from the Sooke Arts Council in the new committee will ensure arts matters and issues are addressed. 

​
Action Points in the CED Strategic Plan  <direct quotes>

* Develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an Employment Lands Strategy

* Promote Sooke to investors/entrepreneurs/tourists.

* Develop a Marketing Strategy to promote Sooke and undertake a community branding initiative to develop a
new community brand.

* Develop Sooke business/investment attraction promotions materials

* To promote Sooke as a destination for tourists and a great place to live and work, actively pursue a world-class event (examples: sporting, arts and culture, engineering or scientific or skills competition) to be held in Sooke in 2023 or later.

* Explore a District grant program for new green, LCR entrepreneurs to set up businesses in Sooke.

* Complete the application to the Municipal and Regional Destination Tax (MRDT) program.

* Look into the possibility of a pilot project with Canada Border Services Agency to have a customs officer in Sooke at the government dock.

* Commission a hotel and tourism study to identify the viability of attracting a major recreation-oriented land use which can serve as a catalyst for expanded hospitality, tourism, hotel and conference facility investment by the private sector. The Study will review the natural and environmental impacts of increased tourism, and how Sooke can encourage tourism development that is low carbon resilient and of minimal impact to the environment and climate. The Study will include “culture and the arts” within the definition of “recreation-oriented”.

* The CED Strategy will be revisited, and may be revised based on the success of actions, and emerging needs and opportunities. The District invites community members and groups to be involved in the implementation and co-creation of this CED Strategy.

Sooke Chamber of Commerce 
Executive Director - Deb Schenk 
​President – Tracy Snow (Sooke Optometrist)
Vice President – Marleen Kiral (Almostronaut Creative)
Past President – Mike Menard (Menard Plumbing & Heating)
Director – Katherine Strongwind (Strongwind Solutions)
Director – Abbie Morris (Hive & Thrive Consulting)
Director – Britt Santowski (Author)
Director – Alexander Kingston (Gadget Tree Tech Services)
Director - Karen Stones (A Sea of Bloom)
Director – Les Haddad (Sooke Delivery Guy)
Director – Tim Ayres (Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty)
Secretary – Barb Dunn (Experior Financial Group)

* 2024 Annual Report
* Agendas and Minutes
* Chamber Directory 
* Business Excellence Awards 
* 25 Reasons To Join 

Chamber Publications 
* Everything Sooke guidebook 
* Investing in Sooke Brochure 
* Other investment attraction brochures ...
* Food and Drink 
* Culture 
* Commerce and Industry 
* Clean Energy 
* Tourism 
* Seniors Services

* Shop Sooke First campaign (launched January 2025) 
- Year of Local (monthly shop-local themes)
i.e., April: Sustainable Shopping Month; May: Local Art & Craft Showcase; June: Shop Local Food and Beverage Experience; July: Sooke Customer Appreciation Week; August: Sooke Style Fashion & Retail Week; September: Back to School Local Shopping Week; October: Halloween Local Shopping Spree; November: Holiday Gift Guide Launch; December: 12 Days of Sooke Giving. 

South Island Prosperity Project interview with CED Officer Gail Scott 
Think Globally, Act Locally: Lessons From Sooke's Economic Success (Aug. 23, 2024) 

Sooke Region Business Cooperative : "A partnership between the District of Sooke and WorkLink BC. "Worklink BC is one of the District of Sooke’s strongest economic development partners," says Gail Scott. "The Sooke Region has very few storefront business support programs that can be accessed locally. Our small and medium businesses are often frustrated by this. They don’t want to drive down to Victoria or up to Duncan to go to a Community Futures office. The solution was to create our own business services cooperative. We’ve just finished incorporating it with the support of Cooperatives First ... This solution addresses local business retention, business expansion, and identification of business opportunities.  The key objective here is to create more local jobs and to reduce people from having to spend way too much time on the road which will lead to a much improved quality of life for them and their families." 

30-Year Vision: "Vancouver Island is a vibrant, sustainable and economically prosperous region. Transformations will include advanced transportation infrastructure, green economy initiatives and a thriving Blue Marine economy. The region will be a hub for innovation and raise the bar to attract talent and investment worldwide. Our communities will be more connected, resilient, and inclusive, with a high quality of life that attracts families, businesses and visitors alike. The economic future will be characterized by sustainable growth, strong community partnerships and a robust entrepreneurial spirit that drives continuous improvement, adaptation and responsiveness to global changes.

Sooke, in particular, will have evolved from a bedroom community to a self-sustaining hub and a vibrant space that embraces a circular economy, strong arts community, local food systems and stunning natural environment that will continue to draw people who value this high quality of life and that deep connection to nature and sense of place, again in friendship and cooperation alongside Indigenous peoples, including the T’Sou-ke and Scia’new Nations."

Mayor's Advisory Committee on Economic Development (2013/14) 
Council minutes, Nov. 25, 2013:  "Dr. Steve Grundy, Chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Panel on Economic Development, provided a summary of the Panel‘s business and resident surveys. Dr. Grundy overviewed results from surveys that were completed by approximately 55 businesses. The survey showed that businesses had overall survived the economic downturn and were generally optimistic about the future, they loved the lifestyle in Sooke but expressed concerns such as taxes and rent. Dr. Grundy advised that the businesses felt they were more service orientated compared to other communities. People felt there was uncertainty about what Sooke was trying to be but were clear that they did not want a Langford (box stores). The survey showed that support for the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce was mixed but overall was positive as there was a sense the Chamber was on a new course; similar comments were said about the Sooke Region Tourism Association.

Dr. Grundy reported that there was disappointment in comments around support of the Council for business. Dr. Grundy overviewed results from surveys completed by residents where residents echoed the business survey that there was good service in Sooke, a need for more business, and a need for more variety of business. There were comments around the town not being attractive, frustration with Council, and enthusiasm around making the town beautiful. Dr. Grundy summarized that he would like to see Council putting more money into economic development such as business licence fees and the Additional Hotel Room Tax (AHRT) and that town beautification be made a priority." 

Sooke Economic Development Commission 
- Launched by Mayor Macgregor in 2000 with first appointee Cllr. Lorna Barry
- Restructured into three public advisory panels on Oct. 9, 2012 
- Sooke EDC circa January, 2012: Chair Maja Tait, reps from Sooke Chamber, SRTA, Sooke Arts Council and Sooke CHI Volunteer Centre + appointees John Brohman, Steve Grundy, Michael Niykes, Brenda Parkinson and Edward Stipp 
- Feb. 27, 2012: "Council discussed the reporting expectations for the Sooke Economic Development Commission and stated that Council would like to receive the objectives, budget and timelines for the Commission so that Council can consider them in the Financial Plan. In addition, quarterly reports from the Sooke Economic Development Commission are required; including the deliverables of the member groups as to contracted services." 
- Motions from the EDC re: Sooke Starlight Cinema, membership in the Mountain Bike Tourism Association 


Land Use and Development Committee
Terms of Reference (adopted Dec. 9, 2025) 
The purpose of the Land Use and Development Committee is to provide support to Council on matters related to land use, development, and community planning to support sustainable land use planning to accommodate growth while minimizing environmental impact and maintaining Sooke’s West Coast aesthetic in alignment with the District of Sooke strategic plan.

The Committee will first meet at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 1. Meetings will follow monthly on first Tuesdays ... May 6, June 3, June 2, July 2, (summer break), then Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 3, 2025. 

The committee will serve as a planning advisory body from which Director of Planning Chris Marshall can seek input on various applications before they go to the full council. This year's finalization of the Official Community Plan (due by Dec. 31) will be a top priority. So too will a review of the forthcoming new Subdivision and Development Standards bylaw as well as the zoning bylaw that will follow OCP adoption. 

From this blog: 
- Building/Developing Sooke (April 2023) 
​- Sooke Selfie: Census 2021 Overview (Dec. 2022) 


​Mandate
The Committee is to consider land use and development matters that are to be considered by Council, including:
• Official Community Plan (OCP) amendments, rezonings, development permits, variance applications, strata title conversions, Temporary Use Permits, Agricultural Land Reserve Referrals, and the municipal regional context statement (for the Regional Growth Strategy).
• Updates to zoning to promote mixed-use zoning, enhancing community livability and economic vitality through residential-business integration and creating business-friendly environments for both new and existing businesses.
• Policies to support sustainable land use and community growth, integrating environmental stewardship, economic health, and socio-economic land use matters.
• Public engagement recommendations on land use topics aimed at strengthening the relationship between Council, stakeholders, and community members.
• Any other items referred to the committee by Council or the staff liaison.
* The Low Carbon Resilience Model should provide a lens for the decision making of this committee.

Mayor Tait made the following appointments: 
* Councillor St-Pierre (Chair) 
* Councillor Pearson (Vice-Chair)
* Councillor Bateman
* Councillor Beddows 
* Desiree Cumming - West Coast Design - life-long Sooke resident and new owner of Randy Clarkston and Laurie Wallace's long-standing Sooke company 
* Helen Ritts - Former Chair, OCP Committee and executive member with Friends of Sooke Parks Society 
* Rob Barry - Island Energy 

From the Council Strategic Plan 
Strategic Areas of Focus 
Sustainable Growth and Environmental Stewardship ~ "We promote sustainable land use planning to accommodate growth while minimizing environmental impact and maintaining Sooke’s West Coast aesthetic. We prioritize the protection of blue and green spaces and the implementation of the best environmental practices when planning for growth and development." 

Infrastructure Investments and Multi-Modal Transportation Networks ~ "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." 

Ongoing
• Collaborate with the T’Sou-ke Nation on land use planning and decision-making. Foster ongoing collaboration with the T’Sou-ke Nation to support cultural revitalization and promote traditional ecological knowledge.
• Consider How We Move, How We Build, How We Grow, How We Relate and How We Lead to support a path to Sooke 2030 emission reduction.
• Increase community resilience through emergency management planning including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
• Promote local food security and cultural preservation with a focus on community and indigenous gardens.
• Protect water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Now
• Update Housing Needs Report.
• Update zoning bylaw following provincial regulations.
• Establish clear, consistent and equitable development policies and a process for streamlining applications.
• Integrate ecosystem protection into all stages of
development projects.
• Identify and map environmentally sensitive areas

Next
• Update Official Community Plan
• Develop more substantial, brand-relevant design guidelines to articulate a clear identity for Sooke.
• Create incentives to bring more commercial and industrial uses to the district.
• Create a municipal land acquisition strategy to support planned development and expand green spaces.
• Strengthen environmental protection through Environmental Development Permit Areas.

 
Previous Land Use and Development Committees
This will be the fourth time a Land Use Committee has been struck over the 15 years.

~ The most recent LUC Committee was formed in early 2021: Councillor Tony St-Pierre (chair), Susan Belford, Brian Butler, Paul Clarkston, Katarina Duke, Dave McClimon and Kyle Topelko. 

 Excerpts from end of term report to council (presented to COW on June 20, 2022) 
​"- climate action was not considered sufficiently during the committee's term;
- the community is well represented through a diverse and informed membership;
- members had hoped to contribute more to the OCP's final draft;
- the delay in the OCP’s adoption has slowed the committee’s productivity; and
- future iterations of the committee should consider innovative recommendations which support affordable housing and encourage balanced priorities.
- the committee's purpose was not clear at times and more specific requests for recommendations from Council would have been well received."

Subjects discussed and agendas, 2021-22
- May 2022: Inclusion of Deconstruction Bylaw in Sooke Climate Action Plan (agenda)
- April 2022: Sooke Lions and John Phillips Memorial Park (agenda) 
​- Feb. 2022: Tree management + building permit backlog and wait-times (agenda)
- Dec. 2021: Zoning bylaw updates (agenda) 
​- Nov. 2021: Bill 26 - Municipal Affairs Statue Act (agenda) 
- Oct. 2021: Draft Official Community Plan discussion (agenda)
- Sept. 2021: SRCHN Food Security Report (agenda)
- June 2021: DCC bylaw update + further discussion on secondary suites (agenda) 
​- May 2021: Secondary suites (agenda) 
- April 2021: Additional dwellings on ALR land + Low Carbon Resilience policy (agenda) 
- March 2021: OCP Engagement Draft Growth Scenarios (agenda) 
- February 2021: Inaugural meeting (agenda) 

~ Previous to this, the District organized a Development & Engagement Workshop in September, 2017 and it identified issues (many related to the notorious need to alleviate developer wait times for permits) that spurred the creation of a new Development & Land Use Committee in early 2018. It was chaired by Cllr. Berger and featured local building stalwarts Randy Clarkson and Herb Haldane along with former Sooke Region Food CHI treasurer Lynn Saur. 
 
At the first of a half-dozen meetings during its one-year term, the discussion covered much ground starting with the need for a new Transportation Masterplan. Four areas of focus were determined for future meetings: A new Sooke Building Code based on the Municipal Insurance Association of BC's model bylaw and aligned with the then-newly updated BC Building Act; the delegation of Development Permit approvals to staff (as opposed to council) to speed the process; the District's need to cover the costs of staff time by charging applicants for consultation meetings; and the integration of the BC Energy Step Code into a new building bylaw. 


~ The first Sooke Land Use & Environment Committee was established during Mayor Milne's term (2011-2014). A standing committee (like the Finance & Administration Committee of the time), it featured at least three council representatives (builder Herb Haldane included) and such appointees from the development community as Adrian Cownden and Geoff Steele. (I'm unable to find, at a first attempt, its Terms of Reference within the District's electronic archives, aka the Civic Portal. Easy access to the committee's minutes from 2012, 2013 and 2014, however.) '

The committee did cover a huge amount of ground, from ALR exclusions and cel phone tower applications to rezoning applications, strata title conversions, the community amenity contribution policy, social housing, development variance permits, etc.  Did all the groundwork before sending recommendations to council. Most councillors were involved in meetings. 

Priorities: 
"Need to provide clear timelines for applicants"
"Streamline planning process." 
"Reduce lead time for development starts" 
"Committee to vet preliminary development applications instead of pre-application meetings"
"Committee needs to be informed to make decisions; staff to provide legislative and technical advice"
"Committee to encourage development, rapid use of the process, but respect the process." 
"Need to determine how we can work together: committee, staff and applicant." 

"48-hour building permit process for registered builders" first raised as topic for discussion at meeting of March 19, 2012. "Two week turnaround is the norm in other municipalities." 

John Brohman, Bev Berger, Laurie Wallace (representing the Sooke Community Development Association) and Randy Clarkston were among the minuted speakers in early meetings -- all of which were given full staff support from Gerard LeBlanc (Municipal Planner), Elizabeth Nelson (Municipal Engineer) and Bonnie Sprinkling (CO). 

Main emphasis of committee was the new Subdivision & Standards Bylaw #404, a dramatic upgrade from Bylaw #65 (created following Sooke's first OCP in 2001). A promised staff report on the 48 Hour Building Permit process was seemingly not released prior to the Committee's final meeting in April 2014, and may never have been, but process is addressed repeatedly (and often by regular meeting attendee Clarkston). 


Extras
Current Sooke Committees 
* Standing Committee on Community Health Care established in Nov. 2023 and featuring three members of the Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN) + Council appointees Beddows, McMath and Pearson. 
* Board of Variance (re-established early 2025) 
* Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee  

Previous Sooke Committees & Commissions 
* Official Community Plan Committee (2019-22)
* Climate Action Committee (2020-2022) 
* Land Use and Development Committee (2020-22)
* Community Economic Development Committee (2020-22) 
* Sooke Program of the Arts Committee (launched in 200?-2022) 
* Affordable Housing Committee
* Climate Change Action Committee
* Protective Services Committee
* Parks and Trails Committee
* Community Spaces Committee
* Te'Mexw Treaty Committee 
* Sooke Health and Wellness Planning Steering Committee 
* Community Grants Committee 
* Burning Regulation Review Committee (2012) 
* Emergency Planning Committee (2012) 
* Land Use and Environment Committee (2012-14)
* Liquid Waste Management Plan (Stormwater) Stage 2 and 3 Advisory Committee (2010) 
* Official Community Plan Review Committee (2008-10) 
* Tourism Alliance/Foundation Advisory Committee (2008-09) 
* Spirit of BC Community Committee (2007-10) under the Province's 2010 Legacies Now initiative 
* Sooke Economic Development Commission (2007-12) 
* Climate Action Change Committee (2008-2022) 
* Sign Bylaw Review Committee (2009) 
* Finance and Administration Committee (200?-2014)
* Measuring Up Advisory Committee (2008, accessibility issues)  
* Downtown Revitalization Committee (2006-08) 
* Focus Group Capital Plan Committee (2008, evolved into Community Grants Committee) 
* Spirit Bear Committee (2007)
* 2010 Winter Games Committee (2007) 
* Sooke Revitalization Committee (2003) 
* Boundary Restructure Study Committee (2002/03) 
* Liquid Waste Management Plan Advisory Committee (2003) 
* Bed and Breakfast Committee (2000, Councillor Ron Dumont, creation of Bylaw 22) 
* Emergency Planning Committee (2000) 
* Economic Development Commission (2000, Councillor Lorna Barry) 
* Traffic Study Steering Committee (2000, Councillor Evans & Marcus Farmer) 
* Sewerage Study Steering Committee (2000, Councillor Dumont & John Farmer)
* Land Acquisition/Harbour Access Committee (2000, Councillor Evans) 
* Logo and Signage Committee (2000)  

Task Forces 
* Lot A Northeast Quadrant re: The Gathering Place (established July 2019) 
* "Promote Sooke" Task Force (established March, 2013) 
* Mayor's Advisory Committee on Economic Development (2013/14, chaired by Steve Grundy)
* Mayor's Advisory Committee on Arts & Beautification (2013/14, chaired by Brenda Parkinson) 
* Mayor & Council compensation

Committees recommended by Mayor Tait in November 2016 
1. Protective Services & Community Safety Committee 
2. Community Development Committee
3. Arts & Culture Committee 

Committees as recommended in the current 2010 Sooke OCP ~ pg. 111 
1. Green Advisory or Community Sustainability (i.e., Climate Change Action Committee)
2. OCP Implementation and Monitoring
3. Sooke Agricultural Land Reserve Advisory
4. Sooke Housing Committee or Corporation (i.e., Housing Committee) 
5. DOS Economic Development Corp. (with staff ED officer)
6. Youth Council
7. Arts & Culture Committee (i.e, SPA Committee) 
8. Liquid Waste Water Plan Implementation Committee
 
If staffing resources were no object ... examples of committees formed in other BC local governments 
* Youth Council (or Youth Advisory Committee) 
* Seniors Council
* Health & Social Development
* Farmland Advisory Board
* Governance and Finance
* Liquid Waste Management Plan Implementation
* Advisory Planning Committee
* Advisory Design Panel
* Communities In Bloom
* Harbour Improvement Committee

Reverse order by date. I've found that organizing my thoughts with related links for further reference is essential for this aging, routinely distracted, rather overloaded mind (yes, I did my Wordle this morning, got it in four). It's also something of a community service, I believe, as I'm doing my learning in public and hopefully providing something of value for my colleagues and our successors. My views and perspective keep evolving (as with us all I was so encouraged to discover years ago on first learning about neuroplasticity.) Dive in if and as you wish.  

PS Please note the unfortunate fact that many links in older posts are now dead given new website launches in 2025 by the District of Sooke and the CRD as well as ongoing website updates at other levels of government. I will endeavour to revise them if and as possible as I find time in future. 

(Local Government 101 education and refresh here and here.) 

* Adoption Paperwork - Sooke's New OCP (Dec. 11, 2025)
* Simon Fraser University: "Renovate The Public Hearing" (Dec. 4, 2025)  
* Update: Community Economic Development & Land Use Committees (Nov. 29, 2025) 
* BC Legislation and Report Tracker 2025 (Nov. 26, 2025) 
* Three-Year Review: 2022-2025 (Nov. 11, 2025)
​* Calling 911 On (Seeming) Provincial Downloads (Nov. 9, 2025)
* OCP - Picture Sooke: The Final (?) Frame (Oct. 27, 2025)  
* Sooke School District #62 Update (Oct. 25, 2025)
* Supporting #Sooke Community Organizations (Oct. 19, 2025)
* Rx for Ever-Improving Sooke Health Care (Oct. 1, 2025) 
* Union of BC Municipalities 2025 Convention Prep and Follow-Up (Sept. 20, 2025) 
​* #Sooke Gathering Places and Spaces (Sept. 19, 2025) 
* AVICC Convention 2025 (April 10, 2025) 
* Arts File - CRD, West Shore, Sooke (March 20, 2025) 
* Promise and Potential: Sooke Region Tourism (March 2, 2025) 
​* The Road to Referendum (Feb. 23, 2025) 
​* Bill 44 Update: SSMHU Redux (Feb. 17, 2025) 
* Budget 2025 (Jan. 19, 2025) 

​* Twenty Five Years: District Anniversary (Dec. 7, 2024) 
​* Vote! (Oct. 8, 2024) 
* Preparing for the UBCM 2024 Convention (Aug. 28, 2024) 
* Hwy 14: Condensed & Updated (June 13, 2024) 
* Hwy 14 Revisited: Congestion & Safety Edition (March-June, 2024) 
* CRD’s Proposed Transportation Authority (May 23, 2024) 
* Budget 2024 (Feb. 28, 2024) 
* Living With BC’s New Housing Regulations (Feb. 27, 2024)
​* Responding to Homelessness In Sooke (Feb. 2, 2024) 
* Dealing With Our Own Biosolids in the CRD (Jan. 31, 2024) 

* Sooke Food Security (Oct. 25, 2023)
* UBCM 2023 Convention (Sept. 14, 2023)
* Wildfire Season and Disaster Preparedness (Aug. 22, 2023)
​* Council's Last Call This Summer (July 24, 2023)
​* Patience and Process: Back to the OCP (June 18, 2023)
​* Building/Developing Sooke (May 30, 2023)
* Capital Regional District Overview 2023 (May 12, 2023)
​* Housing 101: Preparing for the UBCM Housing Summit (March 31, 2023)
* Budget 2023 Starter: Police, Fire, Climate Action (March 15, 2023)
* Sooke Policing Overview (Jan. 12, 2023) 

* Sooke Selfie: Census 2021 Snapshot (Dec. 21, 2022) 
* Service Agreements: Supporting Sooke Community Organizations (Dec. 12, 2022) 
* #Sooke Gathering Places & Spaces (Dec. 2, 2022) 
* R/x for Sooke Health Care (Nov. 28, 2022) 
* Sooke Lions Centre: Paws & Reflect (Nov. 26, 2022) 
* Years In Review: 2018-22 (Oct. 13, 2022)
* All Candidates Meeting Speaking Notes (Oct. 12, 2022)
* Bathroom Reading: Sooke Sewers (updated: Oct. 8, 2022 & March 29, 2023) 
* Campaign 2022 Q&A Responses (Oct. 5, 2022) 
* OCP Public Hearing Preview (Sept. 27, 2022) 
* Next Step for the Official Community Plan (Sept. 7, 2022) 
* Sparking #Sooke Community Development (Aug. 31, 2022)
* Our Up-Sooke-Sized Building Boom (Aug. 26, 2022)
* Highway 14 Revisited: Summer 2022 Edition (Jul. 22, 2022) 
* BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) Sooke (May 12, 2022)
* Opening Day + Saga of the Sooke Library (Feb. 25, 2022)

* District 101: Facts & Figures from the Citizen Budget Survey (Nov. 30, 2021)
* Budget 2022 (Nov. 25, 2021)
* Draft OCP: My Appreciative Inquiry (Oct. 20, 2021)
* Addressing Homelessness (Visible, Invisible, Pending) in the Sooke Region (Oct. 15, 2021)
* Help Wanted: Interim Climate Action Coordinator (Oct. 12, 2021)
* OCP Update - Fall 2021 (Sept. 4, 2021)
* Paws In Ponds Corridor (July 26, 2021)
* Proposal: Sooke Lions Community Centre in the Park (July 9, 2021)
* Sooke Elder's Complex (aka Gathering Place) Update (June 21, 2021)
* Back to Basics: Food & Shelter Essentials (June 15, 2021)
* State of Sooke's Youth Nation (March 15, 2021) 
* Climate Action: Link Frenzy! - Sooke, Regional, Provincial, National, Global (Feb. 24, 2021)
* Context for Sooke Climate Action (Feb. 19, 2021)
* Help Wanted: Sooke Committees Update (Jan. 24, 2021) 
* What's Next for Sooke's Evolving Road, Sidewalk and Roundabout Network (Jan. 20, 2021)

* Sooke Fiscal 2021 and the BC Restart Fund (Nov. 22, 2020)
* Team OCP: Introducing the Advisory Committee (Aug. 8, 2020) 
* Parks & Transportation Masterplans (July 13, 2020) 
* Burning Issue: Fire Protection Services Bylaw (May 19, 2020)

* Masterplanning Sooke's Smart Growth: OCP Preview (Dec. 20, 2019) 
* The CRD Share of Your #Sooke Tax Bill (Nov. 13, 2019)
* $$$ (Start of a New Five-Year Financial Plan Cycle) (July 29, 2019)
* Climate Cha-Changes (May 17, 2019)
* Notes from Local Government Leadership Academy Seminars (April 10, 2019)
* Climate Change, Pot Shops and Four Lanes (April 7, 2019)
* Highway 14 Revisited: Spring 2019 Edition (March 29, 2019)
* Timbites Sooke (March 26, 2019) 
* Calling All Monopines: Cell Phone Towers (Jan. 27, 2019)
* Seeking Solutions in Saseenos: Lewers/Driver 2 (Jan. 16, 2019)

* X homes + Y people + Z cars = ? (Dec. 18, 2018)
* Council Report: 5 Hours, 47 Minutes Later (Dec. 6, 2018)
* Fresh Paint, Familiar Refrain for Sooke Road (Nov. 17, 2018)
* Learning Curve: Council Dynamics & Respectful Workplaces: Orientation Session (Nov. 6, 2018)
* Proposal: A Forest and the Trees Bylaw (Oct. 16, 2018)
* Verbateman Answers to the Voice News (Oct. 15, 2018)
* Fire Department Overview (Oct. 15, 2018)
* Me & Ms. Reay (Oct. 14, 2018)
* Quoting Myself: All Candidates Debate (Oct. 12, 2018)
* Lemons = Non-Conforming Lemonade: Lewers/Driver 1 (Oct. 11, 2018)
* Thoughts on the Arts (Oct. 10, 2018)
* Zero Waste Version of My 2018 Brochure (Oct. 8, 2018)
* Campaign 2018: Back to the Blog (Oct. 8, 2018)
* No More Tankers: A National Energy Board Submission (Oct. 4, 2018)

* Tonight @ Council (April 13, 2015)
* My CGI Dreams for Sooke (April 13, 2015)
* It Takes A Community (Nov. 11, 2014)
* Looking Glass: Sooke News Mirror Q&A (Nov. 6, 2014)
* Cycling Forward (Nov. 3, 2014)
* Sooke Voice News Questionnaire (Oct. 29, 2014)
* CFAX Candidates Survey: My Responses (Oct. 20, 2014)
* More on the Subjective Sooke News (Oct. 13, 2014)
* The Good (Oct. 9, 2014)
​* First Thoughts (Oct. 6, 2014) 
​