Staff monitor and review grant opportunities throughout the year, focusing on programs that align with Sooke’s master plans, Council direction, and available matching funds. Priority is given to projects that deliver measurable community benefits and support long-term goals such as active transportation, emergency preparedness and climate resilience, and public safety.
District Grant Applications
The District of Sooke actively pursues grant opportunities to help deliver projects identified in our master plans and annual budget, both developed with significant public input. This approach maximizes the value of every tax dollar by leveraging external funding to complete priority projects at a lower direct cost to residents.
For example, the Little River Crossing project is primarily funded through federal and provincial Active Transportation grants, greatly reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers.
To see how current and past funding applications are progressing, view the District Grant Application Status Summary.
The Benefits and Challenges of Grant Funding
The key benefit of grants is that they allow us to fund projects in a way that reduces the direct financial impact on taxpayers. However, there are also challenges:
- Time Delays: There is often a waiting period to hear back on grant applications, which can delay project timelines.
- Uncertainty: Grant funding is not guaranteed, so it cannot always be relied upon as a consistent source of funding.
Funding Projects Through a Balanced Approach
To maintain financial sustainability, the District uses a variety of funding sources, as reflected in our Five-Year Financial Plan:
- Essential Services: Core services like public safety (fire, policing) and road maintenance are funded through taxes to ensure these services remain consistent and reliable.
- Specialized Services: Some services operate on a cost-recovery basis, meaning that only those who directly benefit from the service pay for it (e.g., sewer utilities, recreational programs).
- Reserve Funds: These are essentially “savings accounts” where taxes have been set aside for future needs or unexpected expenses, helping the District remain prepared.
- Grants: These are pursued to fund projects that align with community priorities and external funding criteria.
Aligning Grants With Community Priorities
The District understands the community’s keen interest in projects like the Throup Connector and expanded sidewalk networks. Staff actively review newly announced grant streams to determine which opportunities are best suited for these initiatives. When applying for grants, we prioritize projects that align with both community needs and funding criteria, ensuring the greatest chance of success and a strong return on the efforts invested in the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grant funding plays an important role in helping the District deliver community projects and manage local costs—but not everything can or should be grant-funded.
Most grants are competitive, time-limited, and targeted toward specific project types such as infrastructure or climate initiatives. That means essential day-to-day services like road maintenance, fire protection, and park upkeep must still be funded locally through property taxes and user fees.
These FAQs explain how grants fit into the District’s broader financial approach, why some projects depend on external funding while others do not, and how Sooke balances opportunity with long-term financial sustainability.
How does the District decide which grants to apply for?
Why can’t everything be funded by grants or third parties?
Grant programs are competitive and often limited to certain project types. They usually require matching funds and don’t cover ongoing operations or maintenance. Sustainable local funding ensures the District can deliver core services every day, regardless of external funding availability.
Why doesn’t the District apply for every available grant?
Not all programs are a good fit. Some require commitments beyond available staff or financial capacity, while others may not align with Sooke’s priorities. Applying strategically ensures the District focuses efforts where the chance of success—and community benefit—is highest.
Why do grant-funded projects take longer to start?
Each grant program has its own timelines for application review, approval, and compliance checks. Even after a grant is approved, additional steps—such as design work, procurement, or environmental permitting—are often required before construction can begin.
When the District’s financial plan identifies a grant as the intended funding source, the project can only move forward once a successful application is confirmed. This ensures responsible financial management and prevents starting work without secured funding.
What role does staff play in administering a grant?
Staff manage the full lifecycle—from preparing applications to coordinating implementation, tracking costs, and completing reporting requirements. Effective administration ensures accountability and helps maintain eligibility for future funding opportunities.
What role does staff play in administering a grant, and why is it important?
Grant funding can require significant work behind the scenes. District staff manage the grant lifecycle—from researching and preparing applications, to coordinating implementation, tracking costs, and submitting detailed reports to funding agencies.
Even when a grant offers up to 100% of project costs, securing and managing it takes time and care. Each program has strict conditions, deadlines, and reporting standards that must be met to remain in good standing and maintain eligibility for future opportunities.
Effective grant administration ensures accountability, transparency, and financial integrity—protecting both local and external investments while demonstrating that Sooke is a trusted and responsible funding partner.
What happens if a grant application is unsuccessful?
If funding isn’t approved, the project may be deferred, redesigned, or considered for future budget cycles or alternative grants. The District tracks and re-evaluates priorities annually through the Five-Year Financial Plan.
Contact Us
District of Sooke
2205 Otter Point Road
Sooke, BC V9Z 1J2
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
Phone: 250-642-1634
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