News and Public Notices

Sooke’s Earth Day returns April 22 with goats, interactive environmental stations, and 300 students expected, showcasing community collaboration, hands-on learning, and local stewardship through volunteers, partners, and civic engagement initiatives.

Council adopted Sooke’s 2026–2030 Financial Plan, prioritizing investments in safety and infrastructure, with a $17.54 monthly residential increase (based on the average assessed property), alongside a strong focus on system efficiencies, process improvements, strategic staffing, and diversified funding to reduce reliance on property taxes.

Thank you to residents who participated in Budget 2026 through both early consultation and the April 8th Open House. The proposed plan includes a $17.54 monthly increase (approximate) for the average single-family property, adds police and fire personnel, maintains asset funding, and will be considered for adoption April 13, 2026.

The 2026 Sooke Secret Garden & Artisans Tour returns June 6–7, opening ten private gardens across Sooke and East Sooke. Visitors can enjoy beautiful landscapes, local artisans, and live music while supporting the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.

Updated: On April 5, 2026, Sooke Fire Rescue crews responded to a structure fire in the Rhodonite Drive area at approximately 5:00 a.m. Crews conducted a coordinated response to suppress and extinguish the fire. During suppression and search efforts, two occupants were located. One individual succumbed to their injuries at the scene, and another was transported to hospital. The cause remains under investigation.

The District of Sooke invites residents to a drop-in Budget Open House on April 8, 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Municipal Hall (Council Chamber) to learn about the proposed 2026 budget, service impacts, and how community feedback has helped shape priorities and financial decisions.

Planning is underway for the 2026 Sooke Music & Art Festival, and volunteers are invited to help bring the celebration to life. Join the team supporting music, art, and community while experiencing the festival from behind the scenes.

Overnight BC Hydro work on Sooke Road (Woodruff to Kangaroo) runs 7 p.m.–5 a.m. until April 24. Expect lane closures, delays, and traffic control as crews upgrade poles and power lines.

Sooke’s 2026 Community Grant Program is open until April 8. Non-profits and community groups can apply for up to $5,000 to support projects benefiting local residents. Learn more and apply: www.sooke.ca/community-grant-program.

Update: Dufour Road has reopened temporarily with plating in place. Design and permitting work continues, with further updates to be shared as repairs progress.