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Record turnout as Sooke residents help shape 2025 budget

Residents express satisfaction with core services such as fire rescue, parks, communications, and policing
sooke-july2024
The District of Sooke administrative offices at 2205 Otter Point Rd. (Sooke News Mirror file photo)

The District of Sooke is celebrating a record level of public participation in the development of its 2025 budget.

Through a mix of surveys and pop-up events, Sooke officials engaged with nearly 900 residents, gathering feedback and insights on local priorities, a corporate report states.

The budget engagement process, held from June through August, collected 329 survey responses — a 64.5 per cent increase over the previous year. Responses came from both online and print surveys, with 281 submitted online and 48 received by mail.

According to the report, Sooke residents expressed satisfaction with core services such as fire rescue, parks, communications, and policing. However, concerns were raised over local streets and roadways, community planning, and business development.

Improving transportation infrastructure emerged as a top priority, with residents calling for a new route to alleviate traffic congestion and enhancements to local roads.

According to the report, public opinion is shifting towards a willingness to accept modest tax increases if it means maintaining and enhancing essential services.

Residents strongly supported projects like the Throup Road Connector and Phillips Road Corridor, viewing them as critical to managing future growth. Many advocated for Sooke to move beyond its “bedroom community” image by investing in local businesses and job creation.

Environmental responsibility also took centre stage, with residents pushing for green infrastructure and sustainable development. The demand for parks and climate-resilient infrastructure aligns with Sooke’s objectives to expand pedestrian and cycling options.

Council is expected to table a preliminary budget by the end of the year.

Sooke has the third lowest residential tax rate on Vancouver Island. In 2024, council approved a 10.6 per cent budget increase, made possible by drawing from the district’s reserve funds.



Kevin Laird

About the Author: Kevin Laird

It's my passion to contribute to the well-being of the community by connecting people through the power of reliable news and storytelling.
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