Sooke residents remain supportive of community gardens, but concerns about parking and traffic are delaying the establishment of pilot gardens at Woodland Creek Park and Ponds Park Corridor, according to a recent public consultation.
The consultation, which ran from June 24 to July 7, included online surveys, pop-up events, and door-to-door outreach conducted by Transition Sooke and Sooke Food CHI.
"Parking emerged as a predominant concern during the consultation process, with residents highlighting a current lack of adequate parking. A garden could exacerbate this issue and lead to further congestion and inconvenience in the neighbourhoods," said Christina Moog, the district's communications coordinator, in a report to council.
Beyond traffic and parking, residents emphasized the importance of preserving public open space. Some raised concerns about potential nuisances, such as attracting wildlife — raccoons, bears, and rodents — due to garden waste, the need for proper fencing, and the overall aesthetic impact on the parks.
While municipal staff believe some of these issues can be addressed through practical solutions such as fencing and user agreements, the parking shortage poses a significant challenge. Resolving the parking issue would require long-term investment and planning, which is not currently feasible, said Moog.
Staff suggest that parking and traffic improvements be considered during the district's annual budget process.
Despite these challenges, the consultation confirmed strong community support for the gardens. Over 90 per cent of participants at pop-up events expressed their approval, and previous public input on local plans and bylaws has consistently shown a desire for community gardens and local food production.
For several years, Transition Sooke and Sooke Food CHI have advocated for more public community gardens in Sooke, and council has shown a willingness to collaborate with community organizations and residents to find appropriate areas and create sustainable models for long-term viability.
"Although we were sad to see the mixed results from the public engagement process regarding the two pilot locations, we support staff's recommendation," said community garden advocate Levi Megenbir.
Municipal staff have connected Transition Sooke and Sooke Food CHI volunteers with another agency that may be able to accommodate 15 garden plots. Additionally, workshops are being planned to help residents with small-scale food production, including container gardening and fall vegetable gardening.
Sooke has hosted community workshops this year in partnership with the Compost Education Centre and the Vancouver Island Public Library, which drew more than 60 attendees. Future sessions are expected to further support local food resiliency, Moog said.
