Road Maintenance

• Maintained by Victoria Contracting (Ansan Group)
• Includes most neighbourhood streets and municipal roadways
• To report an issue:
  • Submit an online service request, through our 24/7 reporting tool: sooke.ca/request
  • Call the District at 250-642-1634, Mon-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm excluding statutory holidays

Certain roads in Sooke are maintained by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT).
These include:

• Highway 14
• The Edward Milne Community School frontage road
• Portions of Idlemore Road

Maintenance contractor: Emcon Services

• To report an issue: 1-866-353-3136

Some roads within Sooke - typically those inside townhouse complexes, bare-land stratas, gated communities, or private developments - are privately owned and maintained by a strata corporation or property owner.

• These roads are not maintained by the District.
• For concerns or maintenance requests, please contact your strata council or property management company.

Potholes are repaired year-round as part of the District’s road maintenance program. Crews prioritize repairs based on safety, severity, and road use.

The District relies on residents to report potholes and other road concerns. This helps us respond more quickly by focusing resources on repairs rather than identifying issues.

Potholes that pose a higher safety risk—such as those on busier roads or affecting travel lanes—are addressed first. During periods of heavy rainfall or freeze-thaw cycles, potholes may form more quickly and response times may be longer due to increased demand.

Temporary repairs may be completed to address immediate safety concerns, with permanent repairs scheduled when conditions allow.

Every May/June, the District coordinates our annual street sweeping program.

Street sweeping:

• Removes debris, sand, and other materials that can create hazards for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
• Keeps neighbourhoods cleaner and improves the appearance of our streets.
• Helps extend the life of pavement by reducing wear from abrasive materials, which can lower long-term repair costs.

This proactive maintenance helps keep roads safer and supports a cleaner, more attractive community.

Each summer, the District coordinates an annual brush cutting program along municipal roads.

Brush cutting includes mowing, chopping, and chipping vegetation to:

• Maintain sightlines for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians
• Keep road shoulders and ditches clear
• Reduce fire risk in some areas

Work is completed over a four-week period, and drivers may experience minor delays. Your patience while this important safety work is completed is appreciated.

The annual line painting program refreshes road markings on District roads each year, usually in the late summer.

Key points:

• Work is typically completed over several days.
• Contractors often work during the evening and early morning to reduce traffic impacts, with some daytime work where needed.
• Road markings in Sooke follow the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit Manual of Standard Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings.

Each year, work is organized into two main tasks:

• Curbs and symbols – crosswalks, stop bars, arrows, and other symbols.
• Long lines – centerlines and edge (fog) lines.

Streetlights help keep our roads, intersections, and neighbourhoods safe. The District maintains streetlights along municipal roads, ensuring they remain in good working condition through routine inspections and repairs.

The District is responsible for streetlights located along municipal streets. Maintenance activities include:

• Replacing burnt-out bulbs
• Repairing damaged fixtures
• Addressing wiring or power issues
• Responding to lights that flicker, stay on during the day, or cycle on and off

As with other maintenance activities, working with residents to identify issues ensures District resources are directed where they make the biggest difference.

If you notice a streetlight that is burnt out, flickering, damaged, or staying on during daylight hours, the best way to let us know is by submitting a Service Request. Including details such as the closest address or intersection and a photo helps crews assess and respond more efficiently.

To make the best use of resources, the District often groups non-urgent streetlight repairs so they can be completed efficiently as part of scheduled work. This approach allows crews to address multiple issues at once and reduces travel time between sites.

Culverts are structures that allow water to flow beneath roads, driveways, and pathways. They are an important part of the road network and help prevent water from pooling on the road surface. 

Culverts:

• Carry rainwater, ditch flow, and small streams under roads
• Help protect roads from erosion and washouts
• Reduce the risk of localized flooding

The District inspects and maintains culverts as part of its road maintenance program. Culverts are inspected on a regular cycle (typically annually) to assess condition and identify maintenance or replacement needs over time.

Inspections may include:

• Checking inlets and outlets for blockages or debris
• Assessing the condition of the pipe or structure
• Observing water flow and drainage performance
• Identifying erosion, sediment buildup, or surrounding damage

Culvert and drainage work is prioritized based on:

• Risk to public safety and property
• Potential for flooding or road damage
• Observed condition and performance over time
• Weather events and seasonal impacts
• Coordination with other road or infrastructure work

While culverts are monitored regularly, not all locations require immediate repair or replacement. Work is scheduled based on priority, available funding, and overall network needs.

Blocked or damaged culverts can lead to drainage issues and road damage. Residents are encouraged to report concerns such as:

• Standing water near roads
• Blocked ditches or culvert openings
• Signs of erosion or washouts

Reported concerns are reviewed alongside inspection results to help determine response and timing of work.

When cold weather or snow is expected:

• Crews work around the clock, as needed, to pre-treat roads with anti-icing brine.
• Brine helps reduce the bond between snow/ice and the pavement, making it easier to plow and improving traction.
• Brine can remain effective on the road for several days, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Even with brine and plowing, roads may still be slippery. Please drive with caution and adjust to conditions.

When significant snowfall is expected or occurring, albeit not common in Sooke, snow and ice control is prioritized to keep the road network functioning for the greatest number of people.

Victoria Contracting focuses first on:

• Bus routes
• School zones
• Critical intersections and main collector roads

Key points:

• The goal is to ensure priority routes are safe and passable.
• Local (residential) roads may not be cleared right away.
• During the first pass, some local roads may be plowed to accommodate single-lane traffic only. These roads may be revisited for further clearing once priority routes are reasonably maintained.
• Staffing levels, equipment availability, and the severity and duration of a storm can affect how quickly all roads are serviced.

If you have a specific safety concern (for example, black ice on a steep hill or sharp curve), please contact the District of Sooke at 250-642-1634.

Brine and other treatments are used to improve traction and support plowing:

• Brine (anti-icing solution) is applied before and during forecasted weather events to minimize slippery conditions and help with snow and ice removal.
• Roads may also be treated with sand or other abrasives in targeted locations such as hills, curves, and intersections.

Even with these treatments, winter roads will not be bare and dry. Drivers should:

• Slow down
• Increase following distance
• Use winter tires
• Avoid sudden braking or lane changes

Residents can play an important role in keeping the community safe during winter weather:

• Only drive if your vehicle is winter-ready
  • Equip your vehicle with good winter tires.
  • Allow extra time and space on the road.
• Help plow crews by managing driveway snow
  • When shovelling, avoid pushing snow back onto the roadway.
  • Plow operators constantly adjust blades to reduce snow in driveways and minimize salt on vehicles, but some windrow (ridge of snow) is unavoidable.
• Clear catch basins
  • As snow begins to melt, keep nearby catch basins clear of snow and debris to help prevent localized flooding.
• Check on your neighbours
  • In extreme weather, a quick check-in can make a big difference, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, or those who may have difficulty getting out.

Residents and business owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks that border their property.

Please:

• Clear snow and apply sand or ice melt as needed.
• Create a safe path wide enough for people using mobility aids, strollers, or walking side-by-side.

Being a good neighbour by keeping sidewalks clear helps everyone move safely around the community.

Snow clearing levels are directly connected to the resources (budget, staff, and equipment) available.

If increasing snow removal services is a priority for you:

• Share your feedback through the Annual Budget Survey, typically open mid-June to mid-August each year.
• Participate in budget engagement opportunities and information stations.

To date, feedback from participants has generally indicated that limited resources may be better allocated to other priorities, but budget decisions are revisited annually based on community input and Council direction.

Most neighbourhood streets and local municipal roads are maintained by the District of Sooke, while Highway 14, portions of Idlemore Road, and the Edward Milne frontage road are maintained by the Province through Emcon Services. Some roads within townhouse complexes or private developments may also be maintained by a strata corporation.  If uncertain, refer to our Infrastructure Map which identifies the street network by owner.

Knowing who maintains the road helps ensure your request goes directly to the right agency. This means faster results for you and helps the District use its resources efficiently by focusing on the roads we are responsible for. If you’re unsure, you’re always welcome to contact us - we’ll help point you in the right direction.

The District can only maintain and repair roads that fall under our jurisdiction. Provincial roads, like Highway 14, portions of Idlemore Road, and the Edward Milne frontage road, are owned and managed by the Province. Similarly, roads within strata or private developments are the responsibility of the property owner or strata corporation.

While we can’t complete work on roads we don’t manage, we’re always happy to help clarify who you should contact. Directing your request to the right agency ensures it’s handled promptly and helps all organizations use their resources where they’re most effective - ultimately resulting in faster service and better outcomes for residents.

You can report concerns such as potholes, damaged or missing signs, unsafe shoulders, blocked drainage courses, roadway debris (sand, litter, or spills), overgrown vegetation that affects sightlines, and graffiti on public infrastructure.

While preventative maintenance is ideal, it’s not always realistic for a community of our size with limited resources. By working with residents to identify concerns early, we can direct maintenance efforts where they will make the biggest impact. Reporting issues, especially with a photo, helps us respond more quickly, prioritize effectively, and ensure District resources are used where they’re needed most.

Once you submit a request, you will receive an acknowledgement. Staff review the information provided, including any photos, and assign it to the appropriate contractor or maintenance team.

Not all issues can be addressed immediately. Requests are prioritized based on safety, severity, and road use, and response times vary depending on the issue, weather, and seasonal demand.

Work may be scheduled and coordinated with other requests to use resources efficiently. Every request is reviewed and helps inform how maintenance is prioritized across the community.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining culverts under their driveways.

Culverts allow water to flow through roadside ditches and prevent flooding or drainage issues. Keeping them clear of debris and in good condition helps protect both your property and the road.

If a culvert becomes blocked or damaged, it can affect drainage and may lead to water pooling or road damage. Property owners are responsible for clearing and maintaining these culverts.

For more information about ditch and drainage responsibilities, visit the Stormwater page.

Residents play an important role in keeping our transportation network safe and functioning well throughout the year. You can help by:

• Keeping sidewalks bordering your property clear and accessible, whether that means removing snow and ice in winter or trimming vegetation that encroaches onto walkways. Note: removal of snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks is required under District of Sooke bylaws.
• Avoiding actions that create hazards, such as pushing driveway snow back onto the roadway or leaving yard waste, rocks, or soil near the road edge.
• Clearing nearby catch basins to help prevent flooding during heavy rain or as snow melts.
• Driving according to conditions—slowing down in wet weather, using winter tires in colder months, and giving crews space to work.
• Reporting road or sidewalk hazards through a Service Request — including a photo helps our team assess and respond more efficiently.

Together, these small actions help improve safety, protect infrastructure, and make the best use of community resources.

During snow or ice events, crews focus first on keeping bus routes, school zones, and major collector roads safe and passable. Local residential streets may receive only an initial single-lane pass and are revisited once priority routes are under control. Equipment availability, staffing levels, and ongoing weather conditions all affect how quickly crews can reach every road.

The good news is that Sooke’s mild coastal climate means snow usually doesn’t stick around as long as it does in many other parts of Canada. Because winter storms here tend to be short-lived, it’s also not uncommon for the community (and the region) to slow down, stay home when possible, and give crews and first responders room to work during significant snow events.

Yes - service levels are shaped by annual budgets and community input. If you’d like to see more frequent sweeping, brushing, or other enhancements, please share your priorities through the annual budget survey (mid-June to mid-August) and at budget engagement opportunities.

While we may not be able to increase service levels right away, your feedback helps us understand community priorities and ensures these needs are considered during budget discussions. This is when the District can most effectively plan for and address changes to service levels, ensuring resources are used responsibly and where they will have the greatest impact.

Potholes are most commonly caused by environmental conditions, particularly the freeze-thaw cycle. Water plays a key role. When rainwater enters small cracks in the road surface, it can freeze and expand, then thaw and contract. Over time, this repeated process weakens the asphalt, causing the pavement to break apart and form potholes.

Traffic contributes to wear and tear - especially from heavier vehicles - but environmental factors are generally the primary cause. Traffic tends to accelerate damage that has already begun rather than being the original cause.

During colder months, roads experience more freeze-thaw cycles. At the same time, colder and wetter conditions make it more difficult to complete longer-lasting repairs. As a result, potholes may form more quickly and temporary repairs may be used until conditions allow for a more permanent fix.

The Districtworks with a contracted road maintenance provider to respond to potholes and other road concerns. Given the size of the road network and limited personnel, crews are not able to continuously monitor every road. This is why service requests from residents play an essential role.

When residents report potholes, it allows District staff and contractors to focus resources directly on fixing the problem rather than spending time and money identifying issues. The more resources that must be used to locate concerns, the fewer are available to address them. By working collaboratively with the community, the District can respond more efficiently and maximize the return on tax dollars.

Pothole repairs are prioritized based on safety, location, and severity to ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

Not all road issues can be repaired immediately. While smaller issues like potholes can often be addressed quickly, more complex problems—such as sinkholes, drainage failures, or sloughing—require additional assessment, planning, and coordination.

Repairs may involve underground infrastructure, specialized equipment, or engineering review. Work may also be scheduled to coordinate with other projects or to ensure the most effective use of resources.

A sinkhole is a hole or dip in the road caused by problems below the surface, often related to water or underground pipes.

Fixing a sinkhole is more involved than repairing a typical pothole. Crews need to understand what caused the issue, which may include inspecting drainage systems or underground infrastructure. Repairs can involve removing damaged material, stabilizing the base, and rebuilding the road surface.

In some cases, the road may need to be temporarily closed to keep people safe—especially if the ground underneath is unstable or repairs require deeper excavation. These closures allow crews to fully assess the damage and complete the work safely.

Because of the underlying issues, sinkhole repairs can take longer and may require additional coordination and resources.

The District is working to address these challenges through long-term planning. In 2024, a new asset management program was introduced to help identify infrastructure needs, plan repairs, and support ongoing investment in roads and drainage systems. This program helps reduce the risk of issues like sinkholes over time, but repairs will still be needed as infrastructure ages.

Road sloughing occurs when the edge of a road begins to erode or fall away, often due to water, steep slopes, or unstable soil conditions.

Repairing sloughing typically involves more than surface work. Crews must evaluate the stability of the slope and surrounding area before repairs begin. Work may include rebuilding the road edge, improving drainage, and reinforcing the ground to prevent further erosion.

For safety reasons, partial or full road closures are sometimes required—particularly where the road edge is unstable or heavy equipment is needed. These measures help ensure the repair can be completed safely and effectively.

These types of repairs can take longer to complete, especially in areas with ongoing drainage challenges or difficult terrain. They often require careful planning, specialized work, and coordination.

To better manage these issues over time, the District introduced an asset management program in 2024. This program helps identify infrastructure priorities, guide investment decisions, and support long-term improvements to roads and drainage systems.

Pull-outs and areas around community mailboxes are typically maintained by Canada Post, not the District.

If you notice an issue such as damage, snow clearing concerns, or access problems, please report it directly to Canada Post.

Report a community mailbox issue to Canada Post

Road maintenance is funded through the District’s annual budget. Like any organization or household, the District must work within a fixed budget and make careful decisions about priorities.

Community input plays an important role in shaping these decisions.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the District’s annual budget engagement process, which takes place from id-June to mid-August each year. Feedback helps Council understand community priorities and informs funding decisions.

More information about the budget process is shared annually on the District website and through the District's public engagement platform at letstalk.sooke.ca/budget.