Budget 2022

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The District relies on property tax dollars to provide services and maintain parks and infrastructure that contribute to your quality of life. As a member of the community, it’s important that you are informed about the District of Sooke budget, and that you have an opportunity to share your input.

Engage with us

Participate in our quick poll and 3-question Early Learning Survey to start to shape the information we provide and how we engage on the budget. This will be followed by a citizen-budget survey later in the year that will seek more detailed input on the District’s budgets.

We invite you to connect with staff at community pop-ups to learn more about the District’s service areas and what projects are currently underway. Ask questions and learn about when key decisions are made and how you can be involved early. This helps to ensure optimum use of resources and your tax dollars.

A service-level review and Citizen Budget Survey will inform how we adapt the five-year financial plan and next year’s budget priorities to set the stage for detailed community budget conversations. This tool will allow you to share your ideas for how the budget might be modified and the impacts of those adjustments.

Also in the fall, the District will also host a virtual and in-person open house to provide you with an opportunity to learn more about how the District’s budgets are developed, the unique challenges encountered when developing municipal budgets, and our roadmap to an open budget process.

The District relies on property tax dollars to provide services and maintain parks and infrastructure that contribute to your quality of life. As a member of the community, it’s important that you are informed about the District of Sooke budget, and that you have an opportunity to share your input.

Engage with us

Participate in our quick poll and 3-question Early Learning Survey to start to shape the information we provide and how we engage on the budget. This will be followed by a citizen-budget survey later in the year that will seek more detailed input on the District’s budgets.

We invite you to connect with staff at community pop-ups to learn more about the District’s service areas and what projects are currently underway. Ask questions and learn about when key decisions are made and how you can be involved early. This helps to ensure optimum use of resources and your tax dollars.

A service-level review and Citizen Budget Survey will inform how we adapt the five-year financial plan and next year’s budget priorities to set the stage for detailed community budget conversations. This tool will allow you to share your ideas for how the budget might be modified and the impacts of those adjustments.

Also in the fall, the District will also host a virtual and in-person open house to provide you with an opportunity to learn more about how the District’s budgets are developed, the unique challenges encountered when developing municipal budgets, and our roadmap to an open budget process.

Ask a Question

Do you have questions for staff about the District budget and/or our budget engagement process? Please ask them here. (Staff will respond Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), excluding statutory holidays.)

You need to be signed in to add your question.

  • Share Why are you raising taxes at this very difficult time for many residents? We anticipate a large increase in the assessed value of our properties, a tax increase will add hundreds of dollars to our tax bill. We have experienced such a difficult time with pandemic and climate crises, why add to that negative experience at this time. on Facebook Share Why are you raising taxes at this very difficult time for many residents? We anticipate a large increase in the assessed value of our properties, a tax increase will add hundreds of dollars to our tax bill. We have experienced such a difficult time with pandemic and climate crises, why add to that negative experience at this time. on Twitter Share Why are you raising taxes at this very difficult time for many residents? We anticipate a large increase in the assessed value of our properties, a tax increase will add hundreds of dollars to our tax bill. We have experienced such a difficult time with pandemic and climate crises, why add to that negative experience at this time. on Linkedin Email Why are you raising taxes at this very difficult time for many residents? We anticipate a large increase in the assessed value of our properties, a tax increase will add hundreds of dollars to our tax bill. We have experienced such a difficult time with pandemic and climate crises, why add to that negative experience at this time. link

    Why are you raising taxes at this very difficult time for many residents? We anticipate a large increase in the assessed value of our properties, a tax increase will add hundreds of dollars to our tax bill. We have experienced such a difficult time with pandemic and climate crises, why add to that negative experience at this time.

    wfdemaere asked almost 3 years ago

    Raising taxes is never a decision made lightly. With the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure mobilizing in the community, we have some cost-savings opportunities that if we don't invest in now, will cost significantly more a few years later. Within our long-term financial planning, the investments being made today are to save, significantly, in the future. Our road infrastructure, in particular, needs to be addressed. If we try to apply patches, notwithstanding the cost-saving opportunities before us, it will continue to cost us more.

    Property taxes are one funding source for these projects. Please know that staff are committed to exploring all avenues of funding sources, including grants. This is why the Otter Point Road project is underway right now - we were successful with a $1.8 million grant and so, while originally identified in 2024, this is why it is taking place now. We are also in the process of updating development cost charges are continually reviewing fees and charges while also working to diversify our property tax base. You'll see an Employment Lands Strategy is also in Budget 2022. This will help us explore commercial opportunities.

    Regarding assessments, BC Assessments has put together some great resources to clarify the relationship between property assessments and property taxes. They share, "[a] common misconception is that a significant change in your assessed value will result in a proportionately significant change in your property taxes. The most important factor is not how much your assessed value has changed, but how your assessed value has changed relative to the average change for your property class in your municipality or taxing jurisdiction." For example, say:

    • Your property is currently assessed at $540,000.
    • Your previous assessed value was $450,000.
    • Therefore, your property increased 20% in value. However, the average increase for your property class was 30%.
    • Since your property increased LESS THAN the average for your property class, you will likely see a decrease in your property taxes.

    This video might also help clarify:

    We hear you and know you are being impacted. Thank you for asking this question and participating in this important conversation.

  • Share Introducing and encouraging active transportation, including walking, cycling, and transit, are the most effective ways to reduce emissions. I see a lot of talk about connections in the core district area (specifically walking and biking networks), but minimal on reducing traffic congestion where it happens, highway 14 through Sooke. I prefer to bus, but it is not currently feasible when it takes so much longer in the evenings to get home due to the congestion of vehicles on Sooke Road in the municipal boundary. Have you given thought to working with BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to better encourage transit not only in the municipality but out of it as well, and encourage other modes that are feasible for the thousands of people who commute in and out of Sooke daily? Installing some sort of bus lane or promoting carpooling would help hit climate goals. on Facebook Share Introducing and encouraging active transportation, including walking, cycling, and transit, are the most effective ways to reduce emissions. I see a lot of talk about connections in the core district area (specifically walking and biking networks), but minimal on reducing traffic congestion where it happens, highway 14 through Sooke. I prefer to bus, but it is not currently feasible when it takes so much longer in the evenings to get home due to the congestion of vehicles on Sooke Road in the municipal boundary. Have you given thought to working with BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to better encourage transit not only in the municipality but out of it as well, and encourage other modes that are feasible for the thousands of people who commute in and out of Sooke daily? Installing some sort of bus lane or promoting carpooling would help hit climate goals. on Twitter Share Introducing and encouraging active transportation, including walking, cycling, and transit, are the most effective ways to reduce emissions. I see a lot of talk about connections in the core district area (specifically walking and biking networks), but minimal on reducing traffic congestion where it happens, highway 14 through Sooke. I prefer to bus, but it is not currently feasible when it takes so much longer in the evenings to get home due to the congestion of vehicles on Sooke Road in the municipal boundary. Have you given thought to working with BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to better encourage transit not only in the municipality but out of it as well, and encourage other modes that are feasible for the thousands of people who commute in and out of Sooke daily? Installing some sort of bus lane or promoting carpooling would help hit climate goals. on Linkedin Email Introducing and encouraging active transportation, including walking, cycling, and transit, are the most effective ways to reduce emissions. I see a lot of talk about connections in the core district area (specifically walking and biking networks), but minimal on reducing traffic congestion where it happens, highway 14 through Sooke. I prefer to bus, but it is not currently feasible when it takes so much longer in the evenings to get home due to the congestion of vehicles on Sooke Road in the municipal boundary. Have you given thought to working with BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to better encourage transit not only in the municipality but out of it as well, and encourage other modes that are feasible for the thousands of people who commute in and out of Sooke daily? Installing some sort of bus lane or promoting carpooling would help hit climate goals. link

    Introducing and encouraging active transportation, including walking, cycling, and transit, are the most effective ways to reduce emissions. I see a lot of talk about connections in the core district area (specifically walking and biking networks), but minimal on reducing traffic congestion where it happens, highway 14 through Sooke. I prefer to bus, but it is not currently feasible when it takes so much longer in the evenings to get home due to the congestion of vehicles on Sooke Road in the municipal boundary. Have you given thought to working with BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to better encourage transit not only in the municipality but out of it as well, and encourage other modes that are feasible for the thousands of people who commute in and out of Sooke daily? Installing some sort of bus lane or promoting carpooling would help hit climate goals.

    MarieR asked almost 3 years ago

    Thanks for the great question! The short answer is yes - the District is working with both BC Transport and MOTI to respond to the needs of our growing community. Mayor Tait sits on the Victoria Regional Transit Commission and is a keen advocate for additional routes in Sooke that will lead to more commuters choosing transit as their mode. Some expansion is described in the Sooke Local Area Transit Plan, which was recently adopted; however, delayed with implementation due to COVID.

    Included in this budget are resources for the District to better respond to the climate emergency. Some of this work includes model shift for 250 commuters to help the District reach its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 7% a year, yielding a 50% reduction by 2030. This will take collaboration with agencies, employers and citizens - and we are excited to have the opportunity to take meaningful action in this capacity.

    Thanks for joining the Budget 2022 conversation!

  • Share I understand that the District is expecting to hear back sometime this summer on its funding application to complete the Demamiel Creek (Little River) Crossing project. Do you have any more precise indication of when you expect this? Will this be announced? on Facebook Share I understand that the District is expecting to hear back sometime this summer on its funding application to complete the Demamiel Creek (Little River) Crossing project. Do you have any more precise indication of when you expect this? Will this be announced? on Twitter Share I understand that the District is expecting to hear back sometime this summer on its funding application to complete the Demamiel Creek (Little River) Crossing project. Do you have any more precise indication of when you expect this? Will this be announced? on Linkedin Email I understand that the District is expecting to hear back sometime this summer on its funding application to complete the Demamiel Creek (Little River) Crossing project. Do you have any more precise indication of when you expect this? Will this be announced? link

    I understand that the District is expecting to hear back sometime this summer on its funding application to complete the Demamiel Creek (Little River) Crossing project. Do you have any more precise indication of when you expect this? Will this be announced?

    psookie asked over 3 years ago

    Updated, October 18, 2021: Unfortunately, the District was not successful with its funding application and is looking to have this project incorporated into 2023-2024 of the five-year financial plan. 

    Original Response: Thanks for asking about this exciting project! We currently anticipate notice during "summer 2021". While this timeline may change, as soon as we have further information, we will be sure to share it with the community. Sorry that we do not have anything more concrete available to share right now. Please stay tuned! 


  • Share Are there any plans in place to pave the shoulder (or add a bike lane) of West Coast Road further west from town? Ridding from Whiffin Spit road into town feels pretty unsafe with the traffic speeds and the soft shoulder. Also wondering if there are any discussions of building a sidewalk on Whiffin Spit Rd? I may be late to the party on this one, sorry! on Facebook Share Are there any plans in place to pave the shoulder (or add a bike lane) of West Coast Road further west from town? Ridding from Whiffin Spit road into town feels pretty unsafe with the traffic speeds and the soft shoulder. Also wondering if there are any discussions of building a sidewalk on Whiffin Spit Rd? I may be late to the party on this one, sorry! on Twitter Share Are there any plans in place to pave the shoulder (or add a bike lane) of West Coast Road further west from town? Ridding from Whiffin Spit road into town feels pretty unsafe with the traffic speeds and the soft shoulder. Also wondering if there are any discussions of building a sidewalk on Whiffin Spit Rd? I may be late to the party on this one, sorry! on Linkedin Email Are there any plans in place to pave the shoulder (or add a bike lane) of West Coast Road further west from town? Ridding from Whiffin Spit road into town feels pretty unsafe with the traffic speeds and the soft shoulder. Also wondering if there are any discussions of building a sidewalk on Whiffin Spit Rd? I may be late to the party on this one, sorry! link

    Are there any plans in place to pave the shoulder (or add a bike lane) of West Coast Road further west from town? Ridding from Whiffin Spit road into town feels pretty unsafe with the traffic speeds and the soft shoulder. Also wondering if there are any discussions of building a sidewalk on Whiffin Spit Rd? I may be late to the party on this one, sorry!

    Christinerei asked over 3 years ago

    Thanks for joining the conversation and asking a great question! The short answer is - yes, there are plans for West Coast Road within the five-year financial plan and there are possibilities with Whiffin Spit Road...

    As part of the District's Wastewater Strategy, there are detailed designs being completed in 2021 for critical utility mainlines going from Otter Point to the Wastewater Treatment plant along West Coast Road; the design will incorporate an active transportation component that will complete the sidewalk and bike lane network from the Town Centre to Whiffin Spit Road; continuing from where the new sidewalks were completed on the West Coast Road.

    Further, through 2021 and 2022, as part of the District's Wastewater Master Plan development, there will be preliminary designs and feasibility studies completed for a wastewater collection system for the Whiffin Spit Area. Through this process, design will be considered to incorporate active transportation components along Whiffin Spit Road in conjunction with the ultimate alignment for wastewater utility infrastructure. Our goal is to have designs completed over the next couple of years so that potential grant opportunities could be considered to fund these infrastructure projects accordingly.

Page last updated: 15 Jun 2022, 03:29 PM