Year End Mayoral Message: Reflecting on a Year of Community Progress in Sooke

"As we reflect on 2025, I am proud of the progress our community has made together. Guided by the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, Council and staff worked alongside residents, partners, and local organizations to strengthen the services, spaces, and connections that make Sooke such a special place to call home. 

"Throughout the year, we advanced key community improvements supporting mobility, neighbourhood vibrancy, and the enhancement of community assets. One significant milestone was Little River Crossing nearing substantial completion, marking important progress in improving connectivity for residents and helping reduce vehicle traffic on Highway 14. At Ravens Ridge Park, the addition of a multi-use sports box has already become a welcome gathering space that fosters community connection and supports active living. 

"We also saw the meaningful evolution of the Official Community Plan - a process that began nearly a decade ago, experienced periods of pause and restarts, and this year was finally brought to completion through a renewed, collaborative effort. We extend sincere thanks to the many residents, businesses, community groups, and members of the building and development community, all of whom stayed engaged throughout this iterative process. Your insights, expertise, and commitment helped shape a modern document that brings clarity through updated Development Permit Areas and reflects who we are: a small town with a big heart, cradled in the stunning beauty and vitality of the ocean and forest. As key stakeholders, the building and development community plays an essential role in realizing this vision on the ground, and we appreciate your partnership in helping bring the plan to life. 

"Sooke is growing, and the OCP helps us hone in on how we grow - ensuring we preserve our natural environment, strengthen our local economy, and reduce the travel burdens placed on Highway 14. It centres our work on what is within our purview and provides a clear roadmap for making a vision on paper a reality in practice. This plan is a testament to what can be achieved when a community actively participates in shaping its future. 

"These advancements were complemented by ongoing efforts to support practical, long-term improvements in how our community moves and grows. This included the electrification of the municipal fleet within its natural vehicle replacement cycle, continued expansion of public EV charging, and strong uptake of the Bike Rack for Business Program, which is helping local shops support safer and more convenient active transportation options. 

"Our community’s spirit shone through in the achievements of local residents. We were delighted to see Kōshin Moonfist awarded the 2025 Medal of Good Citizenship, recognizing his long-standing dedication to beautifying Sooke, mentoring youth, leading community cleanups, and contributing to initiatives that strengthen community well-being. His humility and generosity reflect the best of who we are. 

"We also extend heartfelt congratulations to Sage Easton-Levy, a recent recipient of the University of Victoria’s Student Community Impact Award, recognizing her leadership and creativity within the Sooke Youth Theatre Company. Her work, and the talent she fosters among local youth, highlight the vitality of Sooke’s artistic community. 

"This year, we proudly celebrated the collective achievements of our arts organizations, including the Sooke Fine Arts Show Society, Sooke Harbour Players, the Amber Academy Fine Arts Society, Sooke Arts Council, and many others whose contributions enrich our cultural landscape and bring people together through creativity. 

"Another meaningful highlight was joining our friends at the T’Sou-ke Nation to celebrate the opening of the T’Sou-ke Community Complex and Health Centre - a remarkable achievement built on vision, leadership, and community strength. 

"Strong advocacy and intergovernmental cooperation remained central to Council’s work. We continued to advocate for fair and sustainable funding for 911 and E-Comm, underscoring the inequitable and disproportionate financial burden being placed on select local governments across Southern Vancouver Island. Communities like Sooke - and several of our neighbouring municipalities - are being asked to absorb significant cost increases at a time when many residents are already navigating challenging economic conditions. Our message has been clear: province-wide emergency communication services must not be funded on the backs of a small group of local governments or their taxpayers. Sustainable, equitable provincial funding is essential. 

"We also advanced discussions with the Ministry of Health on the Sooke Health Centre initiative; collaborated with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit and BC Transit on Highway 14 improvements and expanded transit service; and continued joint advocacy with School District 62 on timely investments in local school capacity. At AVICC and UBCM, we achieved meaningful progress toward modernizing municipal funding models, including work on updated utility revenue-sharing approaches that reflect today’s telecommunications environment. 

"All of this work has been strengthened by ongoing community engagement. Whether through surveys, workshops, open houses, or one-on-one conversations, your participation has ensured that local decisions remain grounded in community values and everyday experience. 

"As we move into the year ahead, I am optimistic about the path before us. The accomplishments of 2025 reflect the dedication, creativity, and resilience of the people of Sooke. On behalf of Council, thank you to every resident, volunteer, community partner, and staff member who contributes to our collective success. 

"Together, we will continue building a vibrant, connected, and welcoming Sooke - one that honours our shared values and turns our community vision into tangible results."

Sincerely,
Mayor Maja Tait