Recognition and Adornment

A proclamation is an official statement issued by the Mayor to recognize a specific day, week, or month of significance.

Proclamations are typically used to:

• Raise awareness of community issues or causes
• Celebrate cultural, social, or charitable initiatives
• Recognize contributions of organizations or groups

Approved proclamations may be shared publicly, including on the District website or at a Council meeting.

The District may support community awareness through:

• Lighting or decorating municipal buildings or landmarks
• Temporary displays or visual recognition of causes

These activities are reviewed and approved annually through the District’s budget process and included in an approved schedule.

Requests should demonstrate a clear connection to the Sooke community or provide a broad public benefit.

Requests must:

• Promote awareness, inclusion, or community well-being
• Align with the District’s values
• Be non-political, non-commercial, and non-religious in nature

The District reserves the right to decline requests that do not meet these criteria or where resources are limited.

To request a proclamation:

• Submit your request in writing to Corporate Services by emailing corp@sooke.ca
• Ensure your request is received at least 14 days in advance of the proposed date
• Include details about the event or cause and its relevance to the community

Each request is reviewed for completeness and alignment with the policy before being considered by the Mayor.

• Proclamations are ceremonial and do not constitute financial or organizational support
• Recurring requests must be submitted annually
• Recognition activities must not interfere with municipal operations or public safety
• Approval is subject to available resources and Council direction

Recognizes and celebrates the contributions, history, and achievements of Black communities in Canada. Banners along Highway 14 raise awareness and honour Black culture and heritage.

• February 1 (+ 7 days)

Honours the legacy of Louis Riel and the Métis people in shaping Canada’s history and identity. A flag display at Ed Macgregor Park marks this important day of recognition.

• February 16 (+/- 7 days)

Raises awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. Blue lighting at Municipal Hall shows solidarity and remembrance.

• February 22 (+/- 7 days)

Promotes understanding of epilepsy and supports those affected by the condition. Municipal Hall is lit purple to increase awareness and reduce stigma.

• March 26 (+/- 7 days)

Highlights the role of local government and encourages community engagement in civic processes. The Sooke flag is raised at Ed Macgregor Park to celebrate local governance.

• Third Week of May

Honours missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. A permanent art installation serves as a visual reminder and place of reflection.

• May 5

Celebrates 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and promotes inclusion, diversity, and respect. Decorations in the Town Centre create a visible and welcoming environment for all.

• June 1 (+/- 14 days)

Recognizes and celebrates the cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Banners in the Town Centre mark this day of cultural significance.

• June 21 (+/- 7 days)

Celebrates Canada’s history, diversity, and shared values. Town Centre decorations and a public event bring the community together in celebration.

• July 1 (+/- 7 days)

Raises awareness about the impacts of overdose and honours those lost. Purple lighting at the Evergreen kiosk reflects remembrance and support for affected individuals and families.

• August 31 (+/- 7 days)

Honours Survivors of residential schools and remembers those who did not return home. Orange flags and a public event in the Town Centre support reflection, learning, and reconciliation.

• September 30 (+/- 1 day, as requested by T'Sou-ke Nation)

Raises awareness and calls for action on violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. A permanent art installation reinforces ongoing recognition and advocacy.

• October 4 

Celebrates the fall season with family-friendly activities and community spirit. Decorations in the Town Centre help create a festive atmosphere.

• October 31 (+/- 14 days)

Honours those who served and sacrificed in military conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Recognition activities, care of the Cenotaph, and a public event support community remembrance.

• November 11 (+/- 7 days)

Celebrates the holiday season and fosters community connection. Town Centre decorations and a public event create a festive and welcoming environment.

• December 25 (+/- 30 days)