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Community Economic Development Committee

The Community Economic Development Committee (CEDC) is a standing committee of Council that provides recommendations on how Sooke can foster a resilient, diverse, and thriving local economy. The committee focuses on health care, town centre revitalization, tourism, and attracting and retaining a broad mix of businesses to support economic growth.

As an advisory body, the committee reviews staff reports, proposals, and submissions, and makes recommendations for Council’s consideration. Council approval is required for any recommendations, including those involving financial or resource commitments.

Learn more about the committee’s work:

The committee’s mandate includes considering and providing recommendations related to:

  • Strategic economic development initiatives aligned with the Official Community Plan (OCP) and related policies
  • Business retention initiatives
  • Collaboration with the Sooke Region Business Cooperative to support partnerships and growth
  • Engagement with service organizations such as the Sooke Chamber of Commerce, WorkLink BC, and other local groups to support business development through workshops, networking, and programming
  • Resources and grants for organizations delivering workforce training, business services, volunteer programs, and community events that strengthen the local economy
  • Implementation of the Municipal & Regional District Tax Program (MRDT)
  • Long-term, regenerative, community-led destination tourism planning
  • Support for small businesses and startups
  • Advocacy for inclusion in the Island Coastal Economic Trust Area (ICETA) to access grant opportunities
  • Enhancing community appeal through improved aesthetics and functionality
  • Developing an Employment Lands Strategy
  • Establishing a Municipal Development Corporation
  • Public engagement approaches that strengthen relationships with business owners, stakeholders, and residents
  • Items related to the Community Economic Development Strategy
  • Items related to the Low Carbon Resilience Model
  • Any matters referred by Council or the staff liaison

The committee meets regularly throughout the year, typically on the first Monday of each month at 1:00 p.m.

Please refer to the District’s Meeting Management Portal to view agendas and minutes, and to subscribe for meeting notifications.

Council Representatives (appointed by the Mayor):

  • Councillor Jeff Bateman, Chair
  • Councillor Tony St-Pierre, Chair
  • Councillor Al Beddows
  • Councillor Kevin Pearson

Note: The Mayor serves as ex officio member; except when a quorum is not reached for a Committee meeting, then the Mayor is a temporary voting member for that meeting only.

Community Members (appointed by Council):

  • Gwen Fisher
  • Katherine Strongwind
  • Scot Taylor

Staff Liaisons:

  • Chris Marshall, Director of Planning and Development
  • Gail Scott, Community Economic Development Officer

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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