The District of Sooke is preparing an Agricultural Plan. A draft of the background research is available for review. To complete the plan, the district is looking for input from the public through a survey, an open house and a facilitated workshop.
“Sooke is fortunate to be a community with an active interest in agriculture.” said Mayor Wendal Milne. “There’s a Farmers’ Market where great locally grown food and products are available. Sooke Region Food CHI is a community-based non-profit society promoting local food awareness. Along with commercial agricultural operations, there are four community gardens and many backyard gardens.”
The objective of the Agricultural Plan is to develop policies for the district to protect agricultural lands and promote local food production. Based on the background research and public consultation, a draft of the Agricultural Plan will be presented to council by early summer.
On Wednesday, April 18, there will be an Open House at the Sooke Community Hall from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with presentations by staff at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. A survey can be completed on-line by visiting the district’s website or by picking a paper copy up from the District Office. The workshop is tentatively scheduled for May.