Sooke Issues
Bridging Cultures, Strengthening Communities, Driving Development.
Transportation & Infrastructure: Paving the Way to a More Connected Future
- Enhancing Public Transit: Expanding and improving transit services to boost ridership, reduce traffic congestion, and ensure better access across all neighbourhoods.
- Prioritizing Road Safety: Creating more sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and traffic-calming measures to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe.
- Investing in Green Alternatives: Exploring innovative solutions such as electric ferries, monorails, and infrastructure that supports active transportation and reduces our environmental footprint.
- Championing Accessibility: Ensuring barrier-free travel by improving infrastructure for people with disabilities.
- Expanding Commercial Access: Developing infrastructure that supports commercial growth, unlocking more opportunities for business and community vibrancy.
Together, these initiatives create a more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive transportation network—designed with everyone in mind.
Community Safety: A Safe, Caring Sooke for All
- Mental Health & Addictions Response: Launch a mobile crisis unit to respond compassionately and effectively to mental health and addictions challenges—because a caring community meets people where they are.
- Safe Streets for Everyone: Improve essential infrastructure like sidewalks, lighting, and bike lanes to create safer spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users.
- Innovate for Crisis Support: Explore the development of a mobile app designed to assist individuals facing domestic violence or in need of rapid crisis response.
- Neighborhood Watch, Evolved: Establish a community safety network inspired by models like the Bear Clan Patrol—neighbors helping neighbors with a visible, supportive presence.
- Support 24/7 Policing: Continue to work with the RCMP to ensure round-the-clock coverage and response, reinforcing a secure foundation for our growing town.
Safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a promise. Together, we can build a Sooke that protects and uplifts every person who calls it home.
“As your representative, I will champion transportation, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, fighting the climate crisis, and reconciliation, ensuring that our community is heard, respected, and empowered. My commitment is clear: to stand for what’s right, push for progress, and inspire action. Together, we can build a future that reflects the strength of our shared values.”
Economic Development: Growing a Resilient, Vibrant Sooke
- Launch an Economic Development Corporation: A dedicated organization to champion business growth and attract innovative opportunities in sectors like:
- Clean energy and technology
- Tourism and eco-tourism
- Education and health services
- Invest in Local Talent and Training: Create a learning hub and satellite campus that offers job training and trades programs—empowering residents with real-world skills that fuel local success.
- Elevate Local Businesses: Promote Sooke businesses with strategic marketing efforts that boost visibility and drive community pride.
- Advance Healthcare Innovation: Support businesses that meet the evolving needs of our aging population—focusing on imaging, professional services, and health-related research.
- Support Smart Agriculture: Encourage vertical and precision farming systems to increase food security, advance sustainability, and generate meaningful employment.
- Inspire Youth & Creativity: Expand opportunities for youth entrepreneurs and artists through festivals, fairs, and creative showcases that celebrate local innovation.
Environmental Sustainability: Protecting What Makes Sooke Beautiful
- Protect Natural Waterways: Strengthen protections for watersheds, streams, and rivers—safeguarding the ecosystems that support wildlife and clean drinking water.
- Reduce Emissions: Implement an anti-idling policy and bylaw to cut unnecessary pollution and improve air quality.
- Green Transit for a Greener Future: Overhaul local transit to improve service and provide better access to parks and green spaces—making sustainable choices easier.
- Smart Growth & Green Space Protection: Encourage density that preserves parks, playgrounds, and the open spaces that bring our neighborhoods to life.
- Build a Circular Community: Enhance composting, recycling, and walkability to create a cleaner, more sustainable Sooke.
Our climate is changing—so let’s be the change that protects what we love most.
Indigenous inclusion: walking the path of truth and partnership
- Indigenous Inclusion Policy: With support from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), the DoS can develop a plan that embeds Indigenous inclusion into the core of local governance.
- Equity in Action: Improve recruitment, procurement, and cultural safety practices to reflect our commitment to reconciliation and inclusive opportunity.
- Celebrating Identity & History: Recognize and honor local Indigenous Nations through placenaming of landmarks, significant markers, and newly developed streets.
- Representation at the Table: Establish a voluntary seat on Council for the T’Sou-ke Nation—ensuring that governance reflects the voices of those who have long called this land home.
- Funding for Indigenous days of observances (NIPD, NCTR) and declare a day for local nation recognition.
This is not a checklist. It’s a living commitment to reconciliation, recognition, and meaningful partnership with the T’Sou-ke and Sc’ianew Nations.
Cultural & recreational facilities: a vibrant sooke for all
- Grow Our Green Spaces: Create more inviting parks and protected natural areas that offer residents a place to unwind and welcome visitors to the beauty of Sooke.
- Expand SEAPARC: Support the expansion of our regional rec centre to offer more indoor and outdoor programs for all ages and abilities.
- Celebrate the Oceanfront: Enhance public waterfront access and explore the creation of a floating visitor or interpretive centre at an international marina—blending recreation, learning, and tourism.
- Boost Community Culture: Work to attract a movie theatre, a convention centre, and cultural festivals that make Sooke a hub for entertainment, arts, and celebration.
From quiet trails to bustling festivals, we’re building a Sooke where everyone has a place to play, connect, and belong.