Over the last two years the District of Sooke and the provincial government have put millions of dollars into the beautification of the town core.
Perhaps the biggest project was construction of the Sooke Road roundabout. That, of course, came with sidewalks, new boulevards and the planting of shrubbery and flowers.
The focal point of this project has always been to draw more people to Sooke and to invoke a sense of community pride.
Mission accomplished? Not exactly.
Sooke council and municipal staff have been diligent in their efforts. Council even makes the revitalization a major platform in its strategic plan calling for “focus on making the town centre vibrant and accessible.”
Major policy decisions have been made on growth, development of a new library and new opportunities for residents to gather and connect.
These efforts have been thwarted (not on purpose, we hope) by some who have not quite caught on to the idea that it takes everyone’s effort to make our community attractive.
This is where business must take a proactive approach to doing a little revitalization.
Helping the efforts along is as simple as picking up pieces of trash found on sidewalks or businesses doing more to keep the properties clean, well maintained – and, yes, green.
Sooke still has a reputation from outside the community of a dingy little place. We all know that’s not true, but we must all do our part to improve that attitude and show our love for our community.