Sooke public meetings in 2023
79 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Council
The Special Council meeting for the District of Sooke is scheduled for December 11, 2023. The agenda consists only of procedural items and a motion to close the meeting to the public.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public regarding personal information and labour or employee relations
Special Council (Committee of the Whole)
The Committee of the Whole will review a presentation by Urban Systems regarding the Development Procedures Bylaw. The discussion focuses on streamlining development approvals and aligning bylaws with recent changes to the Local Government Act.
- Review of Development Procedures Bylaw revisions
- Discussion on delegation of authority, notice of application, and public hearings
- Presentation by consultant Urban Systems regarding the DAPR project
Regular Council
Council will hold a public hearing regarding a zoning amendment to allow a 'Private Club' use at 2197 Otter Point Road. The meeting also includes discussions on the District's Asset Management Plan and a residential strata conversion application for 2342 Kamaureen Place.
- Public hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 893 to permit a private club at 2197 Otter Point Road
- Endorsement of the District's Asset Management Plan and Policy
- Approval in principle for strata title conversion at 2342 Kamaureen Place
- First, second, and third reading of Bylaw No. 896 regarding Fees and Charges
- Discussion of potential 2% or 3% annual tax increases for the General Fund Asset Management Financial Strategy
Special Council
The Special Council meeting scheduled for November 27, 2023, consists of procedural items and a motion to close the meeting to the public. The agenda does not include any items for public discussion or decision.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public regarding personal information, labour relations, and land negotiations
Regular Council
The council will confirm and fund two shovel-ready active transportation projects totaling $4.869 million. The meeting also includes approving minutes and discussing the 2024 regular council schedule.
- Confirm and fund Little River Multi-Use Trail project at a total cost of $2,869,000
- Confirm and fund Charters Corridor South Active Transportation Project at a total cost of $2,000,000
Special Council (Committee of the Whole)
The Committee of the Whole will consider information related to the District of Sooke 2024 Budget. This includes receiving the 'Budget 2024 What We Heard Report' which summarizes resident feedback from a summer engagement period.
- Review of Budget 2024 'What We Heard' Report
- PacifiCan Overview presentation by Lori Henderson
- Discussion of community priorities including walking/biking, traffic, and emergency services
Special Council
The District of Sooke Special Council meeting scheduled for November 14, 2023, is primarily procedural. The agenda includes a motion to close the meeting to the public to discuss personal information, labour relations, and legal advice.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public under section 90(1) of the Community Charter
- Release of closed meeting resolutions
Regular Council
Council will consider first and second readings of Bylaw No. 893 to allow a 'Private Club' use at 2197 Otter Point Road. The meeting also includes a sponsorship request from the Sooke Shelter Society and reviews of quarterly financial and corporate reports.
- Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 893 (600-98) for 2197 Otter Point Road
- Sooke Shelter Society sponsorship request for Coldest Night of the Year event
- 2023 Third Quarter Financial Operating Report
- Engagement of Waterhouse Executive Search for CAO recruitment services
Special Council
This special meeting of the Sooke Council is primarily procedural. The agenda includes a motion to close the meeting to the public regarding personal information, labour relations, and legal advice.
- Motion to close meeting to the public under section 90(1) of the Community Charter
- Release of closed meeting resolutions
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The District of Sooke Council is considering the adoption of Bylaw No. 888. This bylaw would change the zoning for 2072, 2076, and 2080 Camden Place from Medium Lot Residential (R2) to Medium Density Multi Family Residential 2 (RM2).
- Adoption of Bylaw No. 888 (600-97), Zoning Amendment Bylaw, 2023
- Rezoning of 2072, 2076, and 2080 Camden Place from R2 to RM2
Special Council
The District of Sooke scheduled a special council meeting for October 30, 2023. The agenda includes a motion to close the meeting to the public to discuss matters related to labour or other employee relations.
- Motion to close meeting to the public under section 90(1)(c) of the Community Charter
Regular Council
The District of Sooke Council will meet to adopt two bylaws regarding tax exemptions and fees, and review a subdivision application for 3031 Phillips Road. The meeting also includes discussions on community health care, homelessness initiatives, and the Zero Carbon Step Code.
- Subdivision application for 3031 Phillips Road within the ALR
- Adoption of Bylaw No. 894 (792-03) Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw, 2023
- Adoption of Bylaw No. 891 (752-08) Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw, 2023
- RCMP Quarterly Report presentation by Staff Sergeant Greg Willcocks
- Sponsorship request presentation from Amber Academy
Special Council
This special meeting is scheduled to discuss matters related to labour or employee relations. The agenda includes a motion to close the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(c) of the Community Charter.
- Motion to close meeting regarding labour or employee relations
Special Council (Committee of the Whole)
The District of Sooke will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting to review several community updates. The agenda includes presentations regarding regional mental health, substance use, and an update from the Sooke Food Bank.
- Sooke Food Bank update presented by Kim Kaldal Metzger and Roy Anderson
- Sooke Region Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use report presentation
- Financial Services 2023 Second and Third Quarter Report for information
New Business/Supplemental Agenda (2)
The District of Sooke is reviewing a zoning amendment for Camden Place and a development variance permit for 2302 Phillips Road. The meeting includes consideration of public correspondence regarding building setbacks and view obstructions.
- Zoning Amendment Bylaw No.888 (600-97), 2023 for 2072, 2076, 2080 Camden Place
- Development Variance Permit PLN01731 for 2302 Phillips Road
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
Council is considering an amendment to Bylaw No. 892 to correct ownership errors in the tax exemption schedule. The proposal involves rescinding the third reading of the previous version, replacing Schedule A with updated property information, and then providing a new third reading.
- Amendment of Bylaw No. 892 (792-03) to replace Schedule A
- Removal of 6038 Sooke Road from the tax exemption bylaw
- Update of property ownership records for two properties in Schedule A
Regular Council
Council will decide whether to grant a development variance permit for 2109 Mowich Drive to waive required road improvements. The proposal seeks relief from paving, sidewalk, and curb requirements as part of a property subdivision.
- Development Variance Permit PLN017CR: request to waive road improvements at 2109 Mowich Drive
- Bylaw No. 891 (752-08): Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw, 2023
- Request for Sooke to be added to CRD Bylaw 3479 regarding septic system maintenance
- Presentation on CRD Board Engagement on Transportation Governance
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Special Council
The council will decide whether to close the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(e) of the Community Charter, which pertains to land.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(e) of the Community Charter
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
Council is reviewing Bylaw No. 892 to amend permissive tax exemptions, specifically regarding a 75-unit affordable housing project at 2170 Charters Road. The meeting also addresses the removal of a childcare center from the exemption list due to a change in ownership.
- Proposed tax exemption for M'akola Housing Society's 75 units at 2170 Charters Road
- Removal of Steps to the Future Childcare Society (6038 Sooke Road) from tax exemptions
- Estimated $58,547 in municipal property taxes impacted by the M'akola application
- Estimated $3,549 in municipal property taxes gained from the childcare center removal
- Update on Church/Throup Roundabout construction and Charters Road works
Regular Council
Sooke Council will decide whether to issue a Development Variance Permit allowing a proposed townhouse multi-unit development on 6519 Throup Road, which requires reducing the building site setback from a steep slope.
- Development Variance Permit PLN01802 for 6519 Throup Road
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment - Camden Place (2072, 2076 and 2080)
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment - Croydon Place (5529)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Special Council
This special meeting of the Sooke Council includes a motion to close the session to the public. The closure is proposed under section 90(1)(c) of the Community Charter regarding labour or employee relations.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public for labour and employee relations
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The District of Sooke is reviewing a Development Variance Permit application to allow six townhouse blocks to be set back closer than 15 meters from a slope with a gradient of 30% or larger. The broader project proposal includes 71 townhouse units and a three-storey mixed-use commercial residential building. Council will also receive an update regarding Accessible BC Act municipal requirements.
- Development Variance Permit PLN01802 for 6519 Throup Road
- Proposed construction of 71 townhouse units and a 3-storey mixed-use building
- Variance request to reduce building setback from slopes with 30% or larger gradients
- Update on Accessible BC Act - Municipal Requirements
Special Council
The meeting will discuss a sponsorship request from the Sooke Community Association for their upcoming family picnic event, seeking $2000 to cover salmon BBQ expenses.
- Sponsorship Request - All Sooke Day Family Picnic: District of Sooke is asked to provide $2000 for Salmon BBQ at Fred Milne Park
Special Council
The council will decide whether to close the meeting to discuss personal information about individuals and legal issues affecting the municipality.
- Motion to close the meeting under section 90(1)(a) and (g) of the Community Charter
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The District of Sooke Council will review correspondence regarding a development variance permit for 5627 Woodlands Road. The meeting also includes a quarterly report from the RCMP and a funding request for the Sooke Volunteer Recruitment Tour.
- Development Variance Permit PLN01696 (5627 Woodlands Road) regarding requests to waive road paving, sidewalks, drainage, and lighting
- RCMP Quarterly Report covering January to March 2023 crime statistics
- Funding Request: Sooke Volunteer Recruitment Tour scheduled for September 23, 2023
- Delegation Request from Koshin - Sifu Moonfist
Regular Council
The District of Sooke Council is deciding on two major construction contracts and a development variance for a residential subdivision. The meeting also includes reports from the RCMP and discussions on a new draft Code of Conduct.
- Award of Charters Road Corridor project to Hazelwood Construction Services Inc. for $6,287,977.14
- Award of Church Road Roundabout project to Hazelwood Construction Services Inc. for $3,797,631.38
- Development Variance Permit PLN01696 for 5627 Woodlands Road regarding a second driveway and road improvements
- Proposed emergency gate and traffic control devices on Manzer Road at Highway 14
- Funding application for $199,019.67 for CRIP 2023 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports
Special Council
The meeting will discuss possible revisions to zoning and building codes to address housing affordability, safety, and climate change. Other items include a memorial project and ride-hailing services overview.
- Revisions to Sooke Zoning Bylaw #600 and Building Code Bylaw #780
- A.C.E. Memorial Project: Council waives policies for artwork donation
- Overview of Transportation Network Services (Ride-Hailing)
Special Council
This special meeting is scheduled to address personal information concerning an individual being considered for a municipal position. The meeting includes a motion to close the session to the public under section 90(1)(a) of the Community Charter.
- Motion to close meeting to the public regarding personnel matters
Regular Council
Council will hold public hearings for zoning amendments at 2027 Maple Avenue South and 2104 Charters Road. The agenda also includes a development permit for a mixed-use building at 6671 Wadams Way and discussions regarding secondary suite size restrictions.
- Public hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 887 (2027 Maple Avenue South)
- Public hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 885 (2104 Charters Road)
- Development Permit PLN01692 for mixed-use multi-family and commercial building at 6671 Wadams Way
- Motion to report on removing minimum size restrictions for secondary suites
- Sponsorship of $100 each for Sooke Rotary Club hockey and golf tournaments
Special Council
The Special Council meeting for the District of Sooke involves a motion to close the meeting to the public. The closure is requested under section 90(1)(i) of the Community Charter regarding solicitor-client privilege.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public regarding solicitor-client privilege
Special Council
The council will decide whether to close the meeting under privacy laws to discuss personal information about potential employees.
- Motion to close meeting to public for discussing personal employee information
Special Council
The Special Council meeting is scheduled to transition from an open portion to a closed session. The purpose of the closed session is to consider confidential information regarding negotiations between the municipality and provincial or federal governments, or between those governments and a third party.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public under section 90(2)(b) of the Community Charter
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The District of Sooke is reviewing a supplemental agenda item regarding a zoning amendment for 2104 Charters Road. The application requests to change the property from R1 to RM2 to allow for the construction of 28 townhouse units.
- Rezoning application for 2104 Charters Road from R1 to RM2 zone
- Proposed development of 28 townhouse units
- Removal of existing home and garage on the property
Regular Council
Council will review two zoning amendments to change properties from residential to medium-density zones. The meeting also includes the receipt of the 2022 Annual Report and a motion to study potential bylaw revisions regarding secondary suites and carbon standards.
- Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 885: Rezoning 2104 Charron Road from R1 to RM2
- Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 887: Rezoning 2027 Maple Avenue South from R1 to RM2
- Approval of the 2022 Statement of Financial Information Report
- Notice of Motion regarding secondary suite size restrictions and Zero Carbon Step Code
- Receipt of the 2022 Annual Report
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Special Council
The District of Sooke scheduled a special council meeting for June 26, 2023. The agenda includes a motion to close the meeting to the public to discuss legal advice protected by solicitor-client privilege.
- Motion to close meeting to the public regarding legal advice
Special Council (Committee of the Whole)
Council met in Committee of the Whole to hear delegations and review public input regarding the draft Official Community Plan. Staff will review all feedback received during this session and report back on potential amendments at the July 10, 2023, meeting.
- Public input session regarding the draft Official Community Plan (OCP)
- Delegation from Chris Moss on behalf of the 606 Water Group
- Delegation from William Wallace
- Review of 68 pieces of correspondence and staff reports related to OCP consultation
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The District of Sooke is receiving input on the Official Community Plan (OCP). Multiple residents have submitted correspondence objecting to proposed guidelines for the DPA 3 Foreshore Area, specifically citing concerns over property rights and a proposed 15-metre setback requirement.
- Draft Bylaw OCP No. 800 regarding DPA 3 - Foreshore Area
- Proposed 15-metre setback requirement for foreshore areas
Regular Council
The District of Sooke is considering a contract with Urban Systems Ltd. to manage the Development Approvals Program using UBCM grant funding. The agenda also includes discussions on boat launch parking and climate change accountability.
- Contract authorization for Urban Systems Ltd. in the amount of $219,570
- Direction to staff to proceed with Option 2 for Boat Launch Parking
- Presentation regarding Fair Share of Accountability and Costs for Climate Change
- Discussion on Zero Carbon Step Code in Sooke Building Bylaw
Special Council
The Special Council meeting for the District of Sooke involves a motion to move into a closed session. The closure is requested regarding litigation or potential litigation and legal advice subject to solicitor-privilege.
- Motion to close meeting under section 90(1)(g) and (i) of the Community Charter
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
Council is reviewing a recommendation to award a contract to Urban Systems Ltd. to manage the Development Approvals Program using UBCM grant funding. The meeting also includes a quarterly report from the Operations Department regarding subdivision applications and engineering projects.
- Contract award recommendation for Urban Systems Ltd. in the amount of $219,570
- UBCM Grant funding totaling $494,270 available for the Development Approvals Program
- Quarterly report noting 31 subdivision lots and 8 issued PLA extensions
- Completion of Manzer Rd paving and Grant Rd bus shelter
- Tendering of Charters Rd and Church Rd improvement projects
Special Council
The Special Council meeting scheduled for June 5, 2023, includes a motion to close the session to the public. The closure is proposed under section 90(1)(a) of the Community Charter regarding personal information of an individual being considered for a municipal position.
- Motion to close meeting to the public regarding personnel information
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The District of Sooke Council is reviewing a development permit with variance for 6569 Sooke Road. The meeting also includes the acceptance of the Planning and Development Quarterly Report for January through March 2023.
- Development Permit with Variance - 6569 Sooke Road
- Planning and Development Quarterly Report: January - March 2023
Regular Council
Council is reviewing a development permit for three buildings at 6569 Sooke Road, which would include 98 multi-family residential units and 1,508 m2 of commercial space. The proposal includes requested variances regarding landscaping, amenity area size, and sidewalk widths. Additionally, Council may authorize a $219,570 contract with Urban Systems Ltd for a development approvals program.
- Development Permit with Variances for 6569 Sooke Road
- $219,570 contract with Urban Systems Ltd for Development Approvals Program
- Initiation of the Community Climate Action Seed (CCAS) Grant Stream Pilot Project
- Variance to reduce sidewalk width from 4.0 m to 2.0 m at 6569 Sooke Road
Special Council
The Special Council meeting for the District of Sooke consists of procedural items and a motion to move into a closed session. The closed session is proposed under specific sections of the Community Charter regarding property security, land transactions, and legal advice.
- Motion to close meeting to the public under section 90(1) of the Community Charter
Special Council (Committee of the Whole)
The Committee of the Whole will hear reports regarding Capital Regional District services and partnerships. The meeting also includes discussions on proposed updates to development cost charge credit, front-ender, and latecomer policies.
- Delegation from Fireweed Education Collective regarding a Climate Action Advisory Group
- Overview of Capital Regional District (CRD) services and partnerships
- Proposed Development Cost Charge Credit Policy
- Proposed Development Cost Charge Frontender Policy
- Amended Latecomer Policy
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The District of Sooke is reviewing a proposal from the Fireweed Foundation to establish a Climate Action Advisory Group. The request seeks $10,000 to fund Phase One, which includes a community needs assessment and the development of a prototype workshop.
- $10,000 request to Fireweed Foundation for Phase One climate education plan
Special Council
The Special Council meeting scheduled for May 8, 2023, includes a motion to close the session to the public. The closure is proposed under specific sections of the Community Charter regarding property security, litigation, and land acquisition.
- Motion to close meeting to the public under section 90(1) of the Community Charter
Regular Council
The District of Sooke Council will meet to adopt Bylaw No. 883 regarding property tax rates and Bylaw No. 882 for building amendments. The agenda also includes approving a contract for the Little River Pedestrian Crossing and reviewing 2022 audited financial statements.
- Award of Engineering Services and Project Management for Little River Pedestrian Crossing to ISL Engineering Ltd. for $212,680 (excluding GST)
- Adoption of Building Amendment Bylaw No. 882
- Adoption of Property Tax Rate Bylaw No. 883
- Acceptance of the District of Sooke Audited 2022 Financial Statements
- Delegation from Indigenous Prosperity Centre regarding economic development
Special Council
The Special Council meeting scheduled for May 2, 2023, consists of procedural items and a motion to close the meeting to the public. The closure is requested under section 90(1)(c) of the Community Charter regarding labour relations.
- Motion to close the meeting to the public for labour relations discussions
Regular Council
Council will review the 2023-2027 Five Year Financial Plan and consider three readings for a new Property Tax Rate Bylaw. The agenda also includes a request for a development variance permit at 2174 Church Road and direction on community grant applications.
- Development Variance Permit for 2174 Church Road to reduce building setback from 2.0 m to 1.30 m
- Adoption of Bylaw No. 881 (2023-2027 Five Year Financial Plan)
- Three readings for Bylaw No. 883 (Property Tax Rate)
- Three readings for Bylaw No. 882 (Building Bylaw Amendments)
- Direction on 2023 Community Grant applications
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Special Council
The Special Council meeting for the District of Sooke includes a motion to move into a closed session. The session pertains to labour or employee relations and matters regarding land acquisition, disposition, or expropriation.
- Motion to close meeting under section 90(1)(c) and (e) of the Community Charter
Special Council (Community Grants)
Council will provide staff with direction regarding the approval of 2023 Community Grant applications. The total requested amount exceeds the annual $65,000 budget by $81,049.
- Review of 30 community grant applications
- Discussion of $65,000 available community grant budget
- Potential use of Council Contingency or COVID Safe Restart Reserve for over-budget requests
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The District of Sooke Special Council meeting includes the review of supplemental information for two 2023 Community Grant Applications. The items consist of presentations and financial statements submitted by applicant organizations.
- South Island Performing Arts Society: 2023 Community Grant Application presentation and documentation
- Amber Academy: 2023 Community Grant Application financial statement
Regular Council
The District of Sooke Council is considering the 2023-2027 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw. The agenda also includes discussions on a road closure and sale near Sooke Road, as well as updates on the Official Community Plan.
- First, second, and third readings of 2023-2027 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 881
- Proposed road closure and sale of Goodmere Road right of way adjacent to 6569 Sooke Road
- Adoption of Bylaw 875: Subdivision and Development Standards Amendment
- Adoption of Bylaw 880: Growing Communities Reserve Fund
- Presentation on economic development by South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP)
Special Council
The Special Council meeting scheduled for April 11, 2023, consists of procedural items and a motion to close the meeting to the public. The closed session covers topics including labour relations, land acquisition or expropriation, and solicitor-client privilege.
- Motion to close meeting under section 90(1)(c), (e), and (i) of the Community Charter
Regular Council
The District of Sooke Council will review multiple bylaws regarding subdivision standards and various reserve funds. The meeting also includes a delegation presentation concerning the Building Bylaw and a discussion on emergency communications.
- Bylaw 875 (404-03) Subdivision and Development Standards Amendment Bylaw, 2023
- Future Policing Costs Reserve Bylaw No. 878 (653-01), 2023
- Future Fire Services Reserve Bylaw No. 879, 2023
- Growing Communities Reserve Fund Bylaw No. 880
- Building Bylaw presentation by Herb Haldane
Special Council
This special council meeting is scheduled for March 27, 2023. The agenda consists of procedural motions to call the meeting to order and close it to the public.
- Motion to close meeting under section 90(1)(c), (i), and (k) of the Community Charter
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
Council is receiving a report regarding revisions to the 2023 and 2024 Capital Plan. These changes follow new information on the Growing Communities Fund and notification that the District was unsuccessful in obtaining the Charters Active Transportation Corridor Grant.
- Revision of 2023 and 2024 Capital Plan for roads and parks projects
- Notification of unsuccessful application for the Charters Active Transportation Corridor Grant
- Prioritization of Charters Corridor and Church Roundabout projects before the Throup Connector project
Special Council Meeting - Budget Deliberations
The District is reviewing the 2023 Department Service Level Review to address cost pressures from inflation. The proposed budget includes $936K in additional funding requirements, which staff suggest could result in a 9.34% property tax increase.
- Proposed 9.34% property tax increase ($936K total)
- $1.4M Five Year Road Program via Growing BC Fund
- $2.4M Church Roundabout project cost increase
- $970K Sport Box improvements
- New Wastewater Engineering Tech and Emergency Program Assistant positions
New Business/Supplemental Agenda (3)
The District of Sooke is reviewing proposed service agreements for four community organizations. Council is evaluating whether to fund these through taxation or the COVID Restart Reserve.
- Sooke Fine Arts: $20,000 requested via taxation
- Sooke Region Community Health Initiative: $25,000 requested via COVID Restart funding
- Sooke Arts Council: $8,500 requested via taxation
- Sooke Shelter Society: $30,000 to $150,000 requested (TBD)
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The District of Sooke is reviewing budget details following a previous meeting on March 17. The report outlines proposed property tax increases, revenue adjustments for utilities and permits, and funding options for new staff positions.
- $100K in new funding representing approximately a 1% property tax increase
- Proposed $31K increase to the 1% Utility Tax
- Proposed $175K increase to Licenses & Permits budget to $800K
- Proposed $181K increase to Investment Income
- Staffing proposals for two firefighters ($155K), Wastewater Engineering Tech ($52K), and Emergency Program Specialist ($30K)
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
The District is presenting a budget overview and process timeline for the 2023 fiscal year. The document outlines how operating and capital budgets are funded through property taxes, user fees, and grants.
- 2023 Budget Process timeline including an April Open House
- 2022 revenue distribution: Property Taxes ($10,027,291) and Grants, Borrowing & Other ($10,352,707)
- 2022 service area spending: Fire & Emergency Program (22.3%) and Policing (20%)
- Funding sources for capital projects include development cost charges and debt financing
Special Council (Committee of the Whole)
Council will meet in a Committee of the Whole to consider several municipal items. Discussions include participation in a regional accessibility committee, a potential new Code of Conduct, and the Official Community Plan review process.
- Proposed $10,000 contribution for an accessibility plan consultant
- Participation in the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Review of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 800, 2022
- Development of a Council Code of Conduct
- Royal Roads CityStudio Program membership
Special Council Meeting - Budget Deliberations
The District of Sooke is reviewing the 2023 Budget Overview, which notes a potential 9.34% property tax increase to cover $936K in additional expenses. Council is also discussing implementation of the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan and updates to community service agreements.
- 2023 Budget Overview report detailing a potential 9.34% property tax increase
- Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan: 2023 Implementation project list
- Amendment to the Community Grant and Sponsorship Policy (CO-003) to remove three-year funding maximum
- $175K increase in forecasted building permit revenue
- $181K increase in forecasted investment income
Regular Council
Council will consider adopting a revenue anticipation borrowing bylaw and give readings to bylaws creating reserve funds for future policing and fire services costs. A report on RCMP consultation and an agreement with the Sooke Horseshoe Pitching Association are also on the agenda.
- Adoption of Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 877, 2023
- First, second, and third reading of Future Policing Costs Reserve Bylaw No. 878
- First, second, and third reading of Future Fire Services Reserve Bylaw No. 879
- Sooke RCMP consultation report for information
- Proposed property disposition and agreement with Sooke Horseshoe Pitching Association
Special Council
The Sooke Special Council meeting is called to order, then immediately moves to close the meeting to the public under the Community Charter. The closed session will discuss personal information, labour relations, and land acquisition or disposition. No public decisions or discussions are scheduled.
- Motion to close meeting under section 90(1)(a), (c), and (e) of the Community Charter
Special Council
The Sooke Special Council meeting on March 6, 2023, consists of a single substantive item: a motion to close the meeting to the public. The closed session is authorized under section 90(2)(b) of the Community Charter to discuss confidential information related to negotiations between the municipality and the provincial government. The meeting will then adjourn.
- Motion to close meeting to the public for negotiations with provincial government
Regular Council
Council will vote on recommendations from the Committee of the Whole, including adding two new police officers in 2024, two in 2025, and one in 2026, and endorsing a four-year firefighter staffing strategy. Council will also consider adopting three bylaws: Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 842, Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 874, and Traffic and Highways Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 876. A building permit process review report will be received for information.
- Adding 5 new police officers (2 in 2024, 2 in 2025, 1 in 2026) to the 2023-2027 Five Year Financial Plan
- Approving $27,000 to leverage $135,000 in provincial funding for a Climate Action Coordinator
- Adopting Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 842, 2022
- Adopting Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 874, 2023
- Receiving Building Permit Process Review report by LMH Consulting
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
Council will decide whether to award the Sooke Potholes Parking Lot Upgrades project to Global Pro Systems Inc. for up to $335,376, and allocate $50,000 from the Canada Community Building Fund to cover budget shortfall. The project includes concrete staircases, drainage improvements, and resurfacing, funded partly by a $353,449 CERIP grant.
- Award contract to Global Pro Systems Inc. for $335,376 (excl. GST)
- Allocate $50,000 from Canada Community Building Fund for 2023 budget
- Project includes two concrete staircases, drainage, and parking lot resurfacing
- Three tenders received; lowest bid was $335,376, highest $599,904
- Grant of $353,449 from CERIP to revitalize Sooke Potholes Lot 1
Special Council
This special council meeting consists solely of a motion to close the meeting to the public, citing multiple sections of the Community Charter regarding personal information, employee relations, land transactions, legal privilege, and negotiations. No public business or decisions are scheduled.
- Motion to close meeting under sections 90(1)(a), (c), (e), (i), (j), and (I) and 90(2)(b) of the Community Charter
Special Council
Council is deciding on a staffing request to add five RCMP officers between 2024-2026 to address population growth and high workload. They are also considering firefighter staffing recommendations from the Fire Master Plan and next steps for the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan. A bylaw amendment would require traffic fine revenue to be deposited into the police costs reserve with no expiry date.
- Add 2 RCMP officers in 2024, 2 in 2025, and 1 in 2026 in the 2023-2027 Five Year Financial Plan
- Amend Future Police Costs Reserve Bylaw No. 653 to deposit traffic fine revenue with no expiry date
- Endorse four-year firefighter staffing strategy from Fire Master Plan
- Proceed with implementation of Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan
Regular Council
The District of Sooke Council is reviewing a request for a new fire apparatus purchase and a zoning inquiry for Sunriver Estates. The meeting also includes discussions on various municipal bylaws and a notice of motion regarding event attendance.
- Purchase of Initial Attack Fire Apparatus from Rosenbauer America, Rocky Mountain Phoenix Emergency Vehicles for $777,046.00 + taxes
- Rezoning inquiry for 2700 Sunriver Way requiring a revised application for emergency access
- Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 874 (836-01), 2023
- Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 877, 2023
- Traffic and Highways Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 876 (67-06), 2023
New Business/Supplemental Agenda
Council will discuss a rezoning inquiry for 2700 Sunriver Way that could add over 100 new homes, and consider a motion to send Mayor Maja Tait to the UBCM Province-Wide Housing Summit in April 2023. A resident letter raises concerns about traffic congestion and lack of alternate routes in the Sunriver Estates area.
- Zoning inquiry for 2700 Sunriver Way — potential for more than 100 new homes
- Notice of motion to waive notice and approve Mayor Tait's attendance at UBCM housing summit (April 4-5, 2023)
- Resident correspondence opposing rezoning without a vehicle connector from Sunriver Way to Sooke street system
- Council contingency fund to cover summit expenses
Special Council
The District of Sooke Council is holding a special meeting that will be closed to the public. The sole agenda item is a motion to close the meeting under the Community Charter to discuss personal information about an identifiable individual and labour or employee relations.
- Meeting is closed to the public under section 90(1)(a) and (c) of the Community Charter
- Agenda includes discussion of personal information about an identifiable individual
- Agenda includes discussion of labour relations or other employee relations
Special Council
The District of Sooke is holding a special council meeting on January 30, 2023. The agenda includes a motion to close the meeting to the public under section 90(1)(c) of the Community Charter for matters pertaining to labour or employee relations.
- Motion to close meeting to the public regarding labour or employee relations
Regular Council
Council will vote on two bylaws: an Official Community Plan amendment for 6588 Throup Road and a Traffic and Highways Regulation amendment. Delegations will discuss pedestrian safety in winter and support for a moorage request. The meeting also includes adoption of past minutes and correspondence.
- Adoption of Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 782 (400-16), 2022 for 6588 Throup Road
- Adoption of Traffic and Highways Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 872 (67-05), 2022
- Delegation on pedestrian safety during winter weather events by Nick Dickinson-Wilde
- Delegation on support for moorage request by Philip Ney of Horizons Unbound Rehabilitation & Training Society
- Correspondence from Agricultural Land Commission requested for discussion by Councillor Bateman
Special Council
This special council meeting will hear two delegations: the Sooke Homelessness Coalition presenting a three-year strategic plan to address homelessness, and the Sooke Region Tourism Association/Royal Roads University. Council will then consider any recommendations from the Committee of the Whole.
- Sooke Homelessness Coalition delegation presenting a three-year strategic plan (2022-2025) to address homelessness in the Sooke region
- Sooke Region Tourism Association/Royal Roads University delegation on tourism
- Council to resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear authorized delegations
CANCELLED-Regular Council
This regular council meeting scheduled for January 9, 2023, has been cancelled. All business has been postponed to the January 23, 2023, regular council meeting under the District's procedure bylaw.
- Meeting cancelled; business postponed to January 23, 2023
Special Council
Council is meeting to consider closing the meeting to the public under the Community Charter for matters related to labour or employee relations. The agenda contains only procedural items: call to order, approval of the agenda, a motion to close the meeting, and adjournment.
- Motion to close meeting to the public under section 90(1)(c) of the Community Charter for labour/employee relations