Twelve years ago when I moved to Sooke I struggled to find a sense of community. As the years went by, I got to know more people through local events, frequenting local cafes/ restaurants, trying to buy from local shops and using local services.
As residents of our community, I feel it’s our responsibility to try and support these people who are trying to make a living, raise a family and pay a mortgage just like you and I.
As we have seen in what happened in Japan and New Zealand, we depend on each other through the good and the bad times.
My point being is that you have to get out there and look around at what’s out there. Park the car and walk around town.
There are beautiful gifts, flowers, yoga lessons, garden centres, printing services, clothing shops, art, thrift stores, book stores, antiques, jewellery, a pet store, wine/ beer making, great eateries, locally-roasted coffee, yummy bakeries, physiotherepists, eyewear and a host of other services.
The same goes for the town planners. Sooke is a pedestrian challenged village that needs help. Perhaps a painted, yellow footprint path with a map to accompany it would help people get out and explore what’s out there. Encourage out-of- towners to see what we have to offer. Instead of paying for the gas to go to Colwood, Langford or Victoria, you could keep the money in our community to help it grow.
I’ve met and gained some fine friends through my efforts to belong to this community and I encourage you all to do the same. It’s great to go out and about and see friendly, familiar faces. Isn’t that what small town living is all about?
Kerry O’Gorman
Sooke