District invites residents to help shape Budget 2027

The District of Sooke is inviting residents to help shape the community’s financial priorities as public engagement begins for Budget 2027 and updates to the Five-Year Financial Plan. 

Starting today, community members can share their feedback through an online survey at letstalk.sooke.ca/budget. The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and will remain open until August 31, 2026. To participate, residents will need to create an account on the Let’s Talk Sooke platform. 

“Your voice helps lay the foundation for Budget 2027 and updates to the District’s Five-Year Financial Plan,” said Mayor Maja Tait. “Sooke is growing, and this engagement will help ensure our financial strategies reflect both the immediate needs and long-term aspirations of residents. I encourage everyone to participate, whether online or by connecting with us at local parks and markets this summer.”  

In addition to the online survey, the District is launching a summer outreach program. Residents can speak with District representatives at local markets and parks throughout the summer. The full schedule of in-person events is available on the engagement page. 

To support statistically valid feedback, 500 randomly selected households will also receive a paper survey by mail. The District asks selected participants to complete and return the mail-out survey to Municipal Hall by August 31, 2026. 

“Public input is key to organizational planning and fiscal responsibility,” said Chief Administrative Officer Raechel Gray. “The data gathered through this process gives staff clear direction as recommendations are brought forward to Council for decisions. It also helps align service delivery with community expectations while balancing infrastructure needs with sustainable financial management.”  

Feedback gathered through this engagement period will be compiled into a final report and presented to Council at the November 16, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting. The full report will also be made available on the engagement webpage.