Cemetery at Millennium Memorial Park Temporarily Closed for Repairs

The following joint statement is issued by the District of Sooke and the Sooke Region Historical Society regarding the temporary closure of the cemetery area at Millennium Memorial Park while repairs are undertaken following recent vandalism. 

The cemetery area at Millennium Memorial Park is temporarily closed while repairs are undertaken following recent vandalism. 

The closure is expected to remain in effect through the summer while assessment and repair work are completed. The remainder of Millennium Memorial Park remains open to the public. 

The cemetery, historically known as Muirside Cemetery, is a place where we connect to Sooke’s past through the early settlers who are buried here. Thoughtless acts of vandalism, such as this, show disrespect of our shared history. 

Established on land once owned by the Muir family, it is recognized as Sooke’s first cemetery and includes graves dating back to the late 1800s. The site later fell into disrepair before being restored through the efforts of the Sooke Region Historical Society, the Sooke Lions Club, the Sooke Community Association, other service organizations, volunteers, and community fundraising. It opened as a public park in 2001. Ownership of the park was transferred from the Museum to the District of Sooke in 2014. 

The District and Sooke Region Historical Society understand that damage to gravesites and memorials is deeply upsetting for families, friends, and the broader community. These places hold the stories of people who helped shape Sooke, and they deserve to be treated with care, dignity, and respect. 

The District appreciates the community’s patience while repairs are completed. Visitors are asked to respect the temporary closure and avoid the cemetery area until it reopens. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers or report it to the Sooke RCMP non-emergency line, referencing police file 2026-800015.