News

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.

For 18 years, volunteers have removed invasive Scotch broom from Whiffin Spit each spring. Led by local stewardship groups, work parties from March 1 to April 15 help restore native plants and protect one of Sooke’s cherished natural spaces.

Notice of a Special Council Meeting on February 23, 2026, at 4 p.m. The meeting will be closed under Community Charter s.90(1)(e) regarding land acquisition or disposition.

The District of Sooke has launched an online Development Permit Area (DPA) Viewer to support Official Community Plan (OCP) implementation. The tool helps applicants screen properties for applicable DPAs, understand permit requirements, and access guidance before advancing project design and applications.

Sooke Region Food CHI has named The Greener Side Farm and farmer Lo Shrum as the second 2025 Farmer Bursary recipient, supporting local food production, sustainable agriculture, and farm infrastructure that strengthens the food system.

Mayor Maja Tait proclaims February 16–22, 2026 as Heritage Week, celebrating Sooke’s people, places, and stories, and encouraging residents to explore local history and community activities through the Sooke Region Museum and Visitor Information Centre.

The District of Sooke celebrates SQTO, a new public artwork by Shelley Davies at Ravens Ridge Park, honouring raven symbolism, local landscape, Indigenous connections, and community gathering through collaborative public art and shared cultural spaces.

Sooke Food CHI awarded Brass Bell Farm the 2025 Farmer Bursary, supporting its expansion into sheep dairy, sustainable practices, and local cheese production, strengthening regional food security and the Sooke area’s resilient local food system.

Join Zero Waste Sooke on Sunday, January 18, 10a–2p for a Repair Café at the Sooke Community Hall. Bring repairable household items for free, volunteer-led fixes and help keep usable goods out of the landfill.at Sooke Community Hall. Bring repairable household items for free, volunteer-led fixes and help keep usable goods out of the landfill.