Sooke, BC

Inaugural Council Meeting

The Council will conduct formal swearing-in ceremonies and administrative appointments. The meeting includes the administration of the Oath of Office and the appointment of a Deputy Mayor for November and December 2026.

• Administration of the Oath of Office by the Honorable Tamara Hodge
• Appointment of a Deputy Mayor for November and December 2026
• Mayor's inaugural address
• Letter from Mayor Yamata of Natori, Japan

Regular Council

Committee of the Whole

Regular Council

Regular Council

Committee of the Whole

Regular Council

The District of Sooke Council meets Monday, October 5, 2026 at 6 PM in Council Chambers at 2225 Otter Point Road. The main decisions are adopting Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 935 (600-115), 2026 for 7350 West Coast Road (Erinan Estates), and authorizing Development Variance Permit PLN02584 for the same property to waive frontage improvement requirements. Council will also consider adopting the Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw No. 953 (930-1), 2026 and the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 951 (752-12), 2026. A Sooke Fall Fair item requested for discussion by Mayor Tait is also on the agenda.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 935 (600-115), 2026 for 7350 West Coast Road (Erinan Estates) - PLN01660, for adoption
• Development Variance Permit PLN02584 for 7350 West Coast Road to vary section 3.2 of Subdivision and Development Standards Bylaw No. 925, 2025, waiving frontage improvement requirements, subject to adoption of Bylaw No. 935
• Permissive Tax Exemption Amendment Bylaw No. 953 (930-1), 2026, for adoption
• Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 951 (752-12), 2026, for adoption
• Sooke Fall Fair (Lisa Nilsson) correspondence requiring action, requested for discussion by Mayor Tait

Regular Council

The District of Sooke Council meets September 28, 2026 to adopt prior meeting minutes, receive correspondence and the CAO report, and decide two development variance permits. One would allow parts of Birdsong Lane and Silver Spray Drive to be built to modified road standards; the other would deny a driveway-grade variance at 7059 Maple Park Terrace. Council will also consider a demolition permit for 6763 Winona Close.

• Development Variance Permit PLN02555, 1245 Silver Spray Drive: vary sec. 3.2 of Subdivision and Development Standards Bylaw No. 925, 2025 to allow about 160 m of Birdsong Lane frontage as Nature Trail Standard with parking for five vehicles, an accessible stall, a bench, and ocean-access stairs
• Same permit would allow about 105 m of Birdsong Lane using a modified Local Suburban cross-section (reduced lane widths, non-mountable curb and gutter, no boulevard separation)
• Same permit would allow about 275 m of Silver Spray Drive using a modified Local Suburban cross-section with reduced travel lane width and modified boulevard where constrained by topography
• Development Variance Permit PLN02582, 7059 Maple Park Terrace: staff recommend Council deny a variance to Schedule 2, section 6.14.4 of Bylaw No. 925, 2025 that would raise the maximum driveway grade from 15% to 20% for proposed Lot B access
• 6763 Winona Close (PID: 012-189-715): Council to consider instructing staff to issue a demolition permit, subject to conditions other than section 7(b) of the District's Building Bylaw

Municipal Regional Destination Tax Tourism Advisory Committee

The Municipal Regional Destination Tax Tourism Advisory Committee will elect a Chair and Vice-Chair. The meeting will also include reports on the 2026 One-Year MRDT Tactical Plan and the 2026 Five-Year Strategic MRDT Business Plan.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Review of 2026 One-Year MRDT Tactical Plan
• Review of 2026 Five-Year Strategic MRDT Business Plan
• Review of Terms of Reference

Committee of the Whole

Special Council

Council will decide whether to award the Brule Drive Culvert Replacement project to Lubec Construction Ltd. for $105,621.58 (excluding GST), the lowest of seven compliant bids. The project replaces aging culverts at 2405 and 2420 Brule Drive to reduce flooding. Council will also receive an information report on a permissive tax exemption application from WorkLink.

• Award contract to Lubec Construction Ltd. for $105,621.58 (excluding GST) for Brule Drive culvert replacement
• Project budget: $118,000; recommended tender is below budget
• Nine tenders received; two disqualified for non-compliance
• Permissive Tax Exemption Application from WorkLink (received for information)
• Bylaw 953 amendment to Bylaw 930 referenced

Regular Council

The District of Sooke Council is meeting to hold a public hearing on a zoning amendment for agri-tourism uses, and to consider several bylaws and reports. Key items include adopting a new wastewater charge model, modernizing short-term rental regulations, and hearing delegations on Orange Shirt Day support and oil pipeline risks.

• Public hearing on Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 946 (600-119) to allow agri-tourism, agri-tourism accommodation, and alcohol production on agricultural parcels
• First, second, and third readings of Community Sewer System Charge Bylaw No. 952, 2026, implementing a 67% fixed / 33% usage wastewater rate model
• Adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 947 (600-120) to modernize short-term rental accommodation regulations
• Adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 950 (600-121)
• Delegation from Katherine Strongwind on Orange Shirt Day support and from Brian McHattie on opposing oil tanker traffic increases

Land Use and Development Committee

The Land Use and Development Committee will review a development variance permit for 1245 Silver Spray Drive, which proposes modified road cross-sections for Birdsong Lane and Silver Spray Drive. The committee will also consider a development permit for an addition to the Otter Point Veterinary Hospital at 6830 West Coast Road. Additionally, the agenda includes a variance request for lot access at 7059 Maple Park Terrace and a general status update on current planning files.

• Development Variance Permit PLN02555 for 1245 Silver Spray Drive: proposes Nature Trail standard for 160 m of Birdsong Lane with 5 parking stalls and ocean access stairs.
• Development Variance Permit PLN02555: proposes modified Local Suburban cross-sections for 105 m of Birdsong Lane and 275 m of Silver Spray Drive.
• Development Permit PLN02569 for 6830 West Coast Road: addition to the Otter Point Veterinary Hospital.
• Development Variance Permit PLN02582 for 7059 Maple Park Terrace: proposed Lot B access.
• Current Planning Files Summary and Status Update for September 2026.

Regular Council

The District of Sooke Council is holding a public hearing and considering a third reading of a bylaw to modernize short-term rental regulations. The meeting also includes decisions on municipal infrastructure contracts and specific development permits.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 947 to modernize short-term rental accommodation regulations
• Contract award to Regal Roofing Ltd. for $234,754 for Sooke Municipal Hall roof replacement
• Development Permit PLN01930 for a duplex and deck at 6507 Water Street
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 950 to clarify RU2 zone residential density and accessory suites
• Sponsorship request of $1,000 for the Sooke Music and Arts Festival 2026

Special Council

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a report on E-Comm 911's new financial model, which may significantly increase costs for the District. The meeting also includes a quarterly RCMP report on local crime trends and the introduction of a new Community Youth Liaison Officer.

• E-Comm 911 costs forecasted to rise from $456,955 in 2029 to $1.1 million
• RCMP report: 1,902 calls for service between April 1 and June 30, 2026
• RCMP report: Property crime increased 14% and assaults rose 23% year-over-year
• Appointment of Cst. Robert Quarshie as Community Youth Liaison Officer starting September
• Discussion of alternative 911 delivery models, such as a Regional District Consortium

Regular Council

Council will discuss a non-binding opinion question regarding borrowing up to $5 million for the Sooke Gathering Place intergenerational centre. Other items include land use applications, zoning amendments, and a highway maintenance contract extension.

• Non-binding plebiscite on borrowing up to $5 million for Sooke Gathering Place
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 946 regarding Agri-Tourism and Alcohol Production
• Development Permit PLN01930 for a duplex at 6507 Water Street
• ALC Non-Farm Use Application for 7296 Francis Road
• Extension of Highway Maintenance contract with Victoria Contracting & Municipal Maintenance Corporation

Land Use and Development Committee

The Land Use and Development Committee will consider recommending that Council give first and second reading to a zoning bylaw allowing agri-tourism, agri-tourism accommodation, and alcohol production as accessory uses on eligible agricultural parcels. The committee will also vote on a development permit and floodplain exemption for a duplex at 6507 Water Street, including a setback variance from 15m to 3.09m, and a housekeeping amendment to the RU2 zone. An application for non-farm use at 7295 Francis Road is recommended for refusal.

• Zoning amendment Bylaw 946 to add agri-tourism, agri-tourism accommodation, and alcohol production as accessory uses on agricultural parcels
• Development permit PLN01930 for a duplex at 6507 Water Street with variance reducing the sea setback to 3.09m and floodplain exemption
• Recommendation to refuse ALC non-farm use application for 7295 Francis Road
• Zoning amendment Bylaw 950 to clarify residential density and accessory suite regulations in the RU2 zone

Regular Council

Council will consider first and second reading of a zoning bylaw to modernize short-term rental accommodations and schedule a public hearing. It will also discuss a proposed wastewater utility bylaw and give direction on the Throup Road/Phillips Road connection project. Delegations include the Sooke Soccer Club on field rentals and a resident on property taxes.

• Short-Term Rental Accommodation Modernization: Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 947 (first and second reading, public hearing)
• Wastewater Bylaw – Council to instruct staff to bring forward proposed utility bylaw
• Throup Road/Philips Road Connection Project – continue design work
• Adoption of three bylaws: Repeal of Density Bonus (Bylaw 944), Zoning Amendment (Bylaw 939), Signs Amendment (Bylaw 948)
• Delegations: Sooke Soccer Club field rentals and property taxes unfair

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a transition from a parcel tax model to a blended funding structure for wastewater. The proposed model includes a parcel tax for capital expenses and a new user-pay utility bill based on potable water consumption for operations and maintenance.

• Proposed transition to a blended wastewater funding model
• Current 2026 parcel tax rate of $653 per Dwelling Unit Equivalent
• Target 2027 wastewater utility budget of approximately $3.5 million
• Proposal to use debt payment portions of the parcel tax for asset management
• Discussion of a minimum sewer user fee similar to Colwood's $425 rate

Land Use and Development Committee

The committee will consider recommending that Council give first and second reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 947, which would modernize Sooke's regulations for short-term rental accommodations, and schedule a public hearing. It will also receive an informational update on current planning applications and long-range planning projects.

• Short-Term Rental Accommodation Modernization Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 947 (600-120), 2026 – committee to recommend first and second reading and public hearing
• Current Planning Files Summary and Status Update (June 2026) – informational report on active rezoning, development permit, and variance applications

Regular Council

Council will vote on adopting a new Housing Amenity Contribution Policy, adopt Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 942 and Sewer Use Amendment Bylaw No. 945, and give three readings to Signs Amendment Bylaw No. 948. A motion to improve the audio-visual experience of council meetings will also be discussed. Several items of correspondence requiring action are on the agenda, including a provincial response to UBCM resolutions and a request from the Sooke Community Association for the All Sooke Day Family Picnic.

• Adoption of Housing Amenity Contribution Policy
• Adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 942 (600-117), 2026
• Adoption of Sewer Use Amendment Bylaw No. 945, 2026
• Three readings of Signs Amendment Bylaw No. 948, 2026
• Motion to provide report on improving audio-visual experience of council meetings

Regular Council

Council will consider two design options for the Throup/Phillips Road connection project and direct staff to report on public engagement and referendum options. Other decisions include giving three readings to sewer use and zoning amendment bylaws, exempting overnight Highway 14 construction noise, and debating a motion to cancel the $5M Sooke Gathering Place plebiscite.

• Throup/Phillips Road connection project: Council chooses between arterial (20m) or arterial (25m) cross sections for CP4-6, with staff to report on referendum/assent options for borrowing.
• Motion to cancel $5M plebiscite for Sooke Gathering Place and negotiate inclusion into Lot A development at 6651 Wadams Way.
• Noise Control Bylaw exemption for overnight Highway 14 civil works at 6569 Sooke Road, June 29 to August 29, Monday–Friday 7pm–6am.
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 944 to repeal Section 3.7 Density Bonus Provisions from the Sooke Zoning Bylaw.
• Sewer Use Amendment Bylaw No. 945 given three readings.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will receive a presentation on the Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazard Risk Assessment (CANHRA), a $150,000 provincially funded study examining how climate change, infrastructure, and social conditions affect community risk. The presentation identifies key hazards such as wildfire, earthquake, and sea level rise, and highlights Sooke's reliance on Highway 14 as a single transportation corridor. No decisions are being made; the report is for information only.

• Presentation of the Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazard Risk Assessment (CANHRA) funded by a $150,000 UBCM grant, with $120,000 awarded to Logic League Consulting
• Key hazards identified: extra-tropical storms, wildfire, earthquake, tsunami, drought, sea level rise, and changes in ocean chemistry
• Risk concentration areas: transportation (Highway 14), health, social vulnerability, and economic systems
• Strategic directions: reduce inequalities, build system redundancies, foster social connections, and align development with future disaster scenarios
• Next steps: knowledge translation and development of a Disaster Risk Reduction Plan under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act

Regular Council

The District of Sooke Council will discuss zoning amendments for agricultural land and steep slope setbacks. The body is also deciding on commercial park permits and community grant allocations.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 942(600-117) regarding Agricultural Land Reserve residences and steep slope setbacks
• Commercial Park Use Permit for SEAPARC yoga classes in Ed MacGregor Park
• Commercial Park Use Permit for Western Education Adventures at Sunriver Nature Trail Park, Sooke Potholes Gateway, and Broomhill Park
• Sponsorship request of $1,000 for Sooke Do Good Collective Pride events
• Establishment of a Tourism Advisory Committee through 2027

Land Use and Development Committee

The Land Use and Development Committee will receive reports on 3D technology for planning, home-based business regulations, a resolution to strengthen protections for manufactured homeowners facing redevelopment, and a status update on planning files. The committee may recommend directing staff to implement ArcGIS Urban and to maintain current home-based business rules.

• Report on 3D modeling (ArcGIS Urban) and potential recommendation to begin implementation
• Staff recommendation to maintain existing home-based business regulatory framework
• Proposed UBCM resolution requesting provincial review of protections for manufactured homeowners affected by redevelopment
• Current planning files summary and status update

Special Council (Committee of the Whole)

The District of Sooke Council will select an option for allocating the 2026 Community Grant Program's $65,000 budget, as funding requests exceed available funds. Three options are presented: fund by evaluation results (Option 1, requiring contingency funds), reduce allocations by ~11% (Option 2), or adjust individual grants (Option 3). Council will also decide separately on applications with declared conflicts of interest, including Choral Evolution and Sooke Region Communities Health Network.

• 2026 Community Grant Program budget is $65,000; total requests exceed that amount
• Option 1 would allocate $67,050 to non-conflicted applications, requiring $2,050 from Council Contingency
• Option 2 applies an 11% reduction to stay within $65,000, leaving remaining capacity for conflicted applications
• Separate decisions required for Choral Evolution and Sooke Region Communities Health Network due to conflicts of interest
• In-kind contributions (permit fee waivers, staff support) valued at up to $15,000 recommended to support approved projects

Regular Council

The District of Sooke Council will vote on a motion asking voters whether the district should borrow up to $5 million to build and operate the Sooke Gathering Place intergenerational centre on Lot A. The council will also give first, second, and third readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 939 (600‑116) for small‑scale multi‑unit housing, adopt Property Tax Rate Bylaw No. 941, and authorize a Development Variance Permit for the McDonald’s drive‑through signs at 108‑6661 Sooke Road. A proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month will be adopted as well.

• Development Variance Permit for 108‑6661 Sooke Road to allow two menu‑board signs up to 2.08 m for McDonald’s
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 939 (600‑116) to enable small‑scale multi‑unit housing under Bill 25
• Adoption of Property Tax Rate Bylaw No. 941, 2026
• Motion to ask voters on borrowing up to $5 million for the Sooke Gathering Place centre
• Proclamation of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month for May 2026

Special Council

This special council meeting is entirely procedural, consisting of calling the meeting to order, recognition, and agenda approval. The sole substantive action is adjourning to a closed meeting under section 90(1)(l) of the Community Charter to discuss municipal objectives, measures, and progress reports for the annual municipal report.

• Adjourn to closed meeting under Community Charter s. 90(1)(l) for annual report preparations

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing 2026 Community Grant applications, with 33 organizations requesting over $140,000 for 34 projects against a $65,000 budget. Staff recommend that Council award funding based on evaluation scores, not to exceed the approved budget. The committee will hear presentations from applicants and forward a funding recommendation to the April 27 Council meeting.

• 34 project requests from 33 organizations total more than $140,000, oversubscribing the $65,000 budget
• Maximum grant per organization is $5,000; each request is for a new, project-based initiative
• Presentations grouped by theme: Arts/Culture/Events, Health/Wellness, Youth/Sport, Environment, Community Services, Emergency Preparedness, and Community Events
• 2025 Council approved 26 grants totaling $106,650; 2024 approved 28 grants totaling $100,810
• Next step: staff will prepare a funding recommendation report for Council on April 27, 2026

Regular Council

The council will give first, second, and third readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 935, changing the parcel at 7350 West Coast Road from Rural Residential (RU2) to the Erinan Estates Comprehensive Development Zone (CD16). The amendment requires a Section 219 covenant to secure phased parkland, Highway 14 frontage improvements, and affordable‑housing contributions. Council will also adopt the 2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 940 and consider the Property Tax Rate Bylaw No. 941. A $750 sponsorship request from the Sooke Bike Club for its May 3 Enduro Race will be reviewed.

• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 935 (7350 West Coast Road) – rezoning to CD16 zone
• Zoning Bylaw Housekeeping Amendments – add residence allowance in Agricultural Land Reserve and remove steep‑slope setbacks
• Repeal of Density Bonus Provisions – removal of Section 3.7 from Zoning Bylaw
• Adoption of Five‑Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 940 (2026‑2030)
• Sooke Bike Club Enduro Race sponsorship request – $750

Land Use and Development Committee

The Land Use and Development Committee will recommend that Council direct staff to prepare zoning bylaw amendments to reinstate additional residence provisions in the Agricultural Land Reserve and to remove the steep‑slope setback section. It will also recommend repealing the density‑bonus provisions in Section 3.7 of the zoning bylaw. The committee will seek Council’s approval for a development variance permit allowing a second menu‑board sign up to 2.08 m high for the McDonald’s at 108‑6661 Sooke Road. Additionally, it will recommend first, second and third readings of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 939 to implement Bill 25 small‑scale multi‑unit housing changes and a rezoning of part of 7350 West Coast Road from Rural Residential to the Erinan Estates Comprehensive Development Zone.

• Reinstate additional residence provisions in ALR zones RU1 and RU3 and remove Section 3.24 (Steep Slope Setbacks) from Zoning Bylaw No. 600
• Repeal Section 3.7 (Density Bonus Provisions) from the Zoning Bylaw
• Issue Development Variance Permit PLN02552 to allow a second menu‑board sign up to 2.08 m high for the McDonald’s at 108‑6661 Sooke Road
• Advance Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 939 (600‑116) to address Bill 25 small‑scale multi‑unit housing, subject to Ministry of Transportation and Transit approval
• Rezoning Lot 2, Section 18 & 19 at 7350 West Coast Road from Rural Residential (RU2) to the Erinan Estates Comprehensive Development Zone (CD16) under Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 935

Special Council (Budget Revisions)

The council will consider three taxation scenarios—8%, 10% and 12%—and their service and investment impacts. It will give first, second and third reading to the 2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 940, as amended. The council will also direct staff to schedule a Budget Open House on April 8, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

• First, second and third reading of the 2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 940
• Review of 8%, 10% and 12% taxation scenarios and associated service impacts
• Decision on the preferred taxation scenario for the district
• Direction to schedule a Budget Open House on April 8, 2026, 2:30‑7:30 p.m.

Special Council

The Special Council meeting on April 1, 2026 will open with a call to order and a First Nation recognition. The agenda will be approved as presented. The council will then adjourn to a closed session authorized under Community Charter section 90(1)(c) for labour or employee relations matters.

• First Nation recognition
• Approval of the agenda as presented
• Adjournment to a closed meeting under Community Charter 90(1)(c) for labour relations

Regular Council

The council will adopt minutes from recent meetings and approve items on the consent agenda, including a development permit with variances for 6651 Wadams Way and a zoning amendment that rezones 5653 Sooke Road from Rural Residential to Neighbourhood Rural Residential. It will also receive a report on the 2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan, which proposes a 12% tax increase and funds a $14,400 annual staff position. Additional items include a $1,000 sponsorship request for a summer camp and authorizing a $430,540 extension of the E‑Comm 911 services agreement.

• Development Permit for form and character at 6651 Wadams Way with multiple zoning variances
• Zoning Amendment Bylaw No.934 rezoning 5653 Sooke Road from RU4 to RU5
• 2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan Bylaw No.938 proposing a 12% tax increase and $14,400 staff position
• Sponsorship request of $1,000 to EMCS Society for Play & Learn Summer Camp 2026
• Authorization of $430,540 extension of E‑Comm 911 services agreement for 2026

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will recommend that Council receive the 2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan report and direct staff to present the related bylaw at the next regular Council meeting. It will also receive a report on the 2026 Sewer Budget and Five‑Year Capital Plan. A public delegation will request completion of Goodmere Road from Lincroft Road to 6609 Goodmere Road, including a second asphalt layer and drainage repairs.

• Delegation request to finish Goodmere Road (Lincroft Rd to 6609 Goodmere Rd) with second asphalt and drainage repair
• 2026‑2030 Five‑Year Financial Plan Budget Update recommending a 12% tax‑increase cap, $1,733,898 total increase after $338,102 offsets
• RCMP budget adjustments generating $329,856 tax savings and setting 2026 RCMP cost at $583,951
• Report on 2026 Sewer Operating Budget and 2026‑2030 Sewer Capital Plan
• Recommendation that Council direct staff to present the Financial Plan Bylaw at the next Council meeting