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Sooke needs 4,700 new homes by 2044: report

Updated housing needs report highlights demand for affordable units, transit-connected neighbourhoods, and diverse options
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The new Indigenous affordable housing project, with 170 below-market rental housing units in two buildings operated by the M’akola Housing Society, on Drennan Street in Sooke. Sooke will need more than 4,700 new homes by 2044 to meet projected growth and ease housing pressures, according to a recent district report. (Sooke News Mirror file photo)

A recent report reveals Sooke will require more than 4,700 new homes within the next two decades to support projected population growth and address pressing housing needs.

According to the district’s interim housing needs report, Sooke will need 4,737 homes by 2044 — a significant jump from the 2019 report, which anticipated 1,356 new units by 2031.

The updated report, which is included as an appendix to the original 2019 study, delves into six critical housing areas. It identifies the need for affordable homes for those facing extreme cost burdens — households spending over half their income on housing — as well as units to tackle homelessness.

The report also highlights the housing demand needed to keep pace with population growth, achieve a stable three per cent vacancy rate, and meet the community’s general demand for diverse housing options.

The new report was required to comply with provincial legislation.

The report underscores the importance of placing new housing near essential transportation networks — like public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways — to reduce reliance on cars, enhance public health, and reduce infrastructure costs. Future land use decisions will emphasize connectivity to strengthen Sooke’s community fabric.

Since 2019, Sooke has taken proactive steps to reduce housing strain, including developing Lot A at 6671 Wadams Way, expanding allowances for dwelling units, and updating zoning bylaws to favour multi-family developments.

“These initiatives aim to address immediate housing shortages while accommodating the area’s projected growth,” stated a corporate report to council.

Provincial regulations require Sooke to align its zoning bylaw and official community plan with the 20-year housing projections by Dec. 31, 2025. A comprehensive housing needs assessment will follow in 2028, using data from the 2026 census for a more in-depth understanding of the district’s evolving housing landscape.

Meanwhile, council will review zoning bylaw updates at its Nov. 25 meeting. By year-end, Sooke is also expected to adopt a zoning amendment mandated by the province to introduce new rules for small-scale multi-unit housing. This change aims to expand Sooke’s capacity to offer various affordable housing options for a growing community.

“It’s not about us (the district) building housing,” said Coun. Tony St-Pierre. “It’s about zoning, and I think we almost already have that done.”



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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