News

The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is expected to fully reopen this summer following storm damage. Repairs are underway, with a confirmed reopening date to be announced by BC Parks in mid-May.

District of Sooke hosts May 2 Wildfire Preparedness Day at John Phillips Memorial Park, in collaboration with Friends of Sooke Parks Society and Emergency Support Services. The event combines invasive plant removal with free May yard waste disposal, promoting action, safety, and FireSmart awareness.

Sooke launches free May yard waste disposal days to reduce wildfire risk, alongside Community Wildfire Resilience Day, encouraging residents to remove debris, manage invasive species, and adopt FireSmart practices.

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.

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.

The District of Sooke has appointed Jeff Miller as Director of Operations. With over 30 years’ experience in engineering and municipal operations, he brings strong leadership and infrastructure expertise from roles across Alberta and Vancouver Island. Jeff will begin with the District on March 30, 2026.

The District of Sooke has received the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association, recognizing excellence, transparency, and a strong commitment to full disclosure in its annual financial reporting.

Applications for Sooke’s 2026 Community Grant Program are open March 1 to April 8. Eligible non-profits can apply for up to $5,000 in seed funding for new initiatives benefiting Sooke residents. Apply online at sooke.ca/community-grant-program.