Community Economic Development Strategy

The District of Sooke is pleased to announce the official launch of the Community Economic Development Committee, a Council committee formed to provide recommendations and support on initiatives that build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable local economy.

The Committee first met on Monday, March 31, 2025, and will convene every two months throughout the year. The next meeting will take place on Monday, June 2 at 1:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Residents are encouraged to attend and follow along as the Committee’s work progresses.

About the Committee

Established through Council-adopted Terms of Reference on December 9, 2024, the Committee’s mandate is to:

“Provide recommendations and support to Council on matters that prioritize a resilient economy focused on health care, town centre revitalization and tourism, and the attraction and retention of diverse businesses to stimulate economic diversity and growth.”

Mandate Highlights

The Committee’s focus areas reflect Sooke’s strategic objectives and include:

• Supporting strategic economic development aligned with the Official Community Plan

• Advancing business retention and attraction

• Collaborating with the Sooke Region Business Cooperative and other service organizations

• Supporting community events and workforce development

• Implementing the Municipal & Regional District Tax Program (MRDT)

• Developing regenerative tourism and local economic infrastructure

• Advocating for inclusion in the Island Coastal Economic Trust Area

• Enhancing aesthetics and functionality to support economic growth

• Exploring the creation of a Municipal Development Corporation

Committee Membership

In accordance with the Community Charter, Mayor Tait has appointed the following members:

Council Representatives

• Cllr. Jeff Bateman (Chair)

• Cllr. Tony St-Pierre (Vice-Chair)

• Cllr. Al Beddows

• Cllr. Dana Pearson

Community Representatives

• Gwen Fisher, The Artisans Garden

• Katherine Strongwind, Strongwind Solutions & Sooke Chamber of Commerce Board Member

• Scot Taylor, Westcoast Adventure College & Stickleback Oceanfront Alehouse

Non-Voting Advisory Participants

• William (Gord) Wallace, Sooke Arts Council

• Marleen Kiral, Vice President, Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce

• TBD, Sooke Region Tourism Association

• TBD, WorkLink Westshore Employment Society

The Committee is supported by Director of Planning and Development Chris Marshall and Community Economic Development Officer Gail Scott, who serve as staff liaisons.

Measuring Progress

Key performance indicators guiding the District’s community economic development efforts include:

• A 5% annual increase in business licenses issued (2024: 1,023; +6.9%)

• Participation in approximately 50 inter-agency meetings annually by the CED Officer

• Attraction of over $475,000 in new funding in 2023–2024 for tourism development and cooperative initiatives

• Potential for $350,000 in new annual revenues through MRDT if approved in 2025

Strategic Alignment

The Committee plays a direct role in advancing the goals of the 2024–2027 Council Strategic Plan, which identifies Community Economic Development as one of five strategic focus areas.

“We provide essential local services and prioritize a resilient economy focused on health care, town centre revitalization and tourism. We attract diverse businesses to stimulate economic diversity and growth.”

For more information about the Community Economic Development Committee, including upcoming meeting dates and ways to get involved, please visit sooke.ca/meetings.

The District of Sooke is moving forward with its application to the Province of British Columbia for the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) program. With Council’s endorsement at the April 7, 2025 Regular Council meeting, staff have been directed to submit the completed application package to the Province this week.

If approved, the MRDT could generate an estimated $450,000 annually to support strategic investments in our local economy. Funds collected through the MRDT can be directed to tourism marketing, destination development, visitor services, and community initiatives such as affordable housing. This reliable, performance-based funding supports both immediate and long-term goals for the community.

“Tourism is a pillar of British Columbia’s economy and a strategic investment portfolio for communities,” said Gail Scott, Community Economic Development Officer. “With the MRDT, Sooke will have the resources to strengthen its tourism sector and reinvest in initiatives that benefit both residents and visitors. The application reflects months of engagement with local stakeholders and alignment with provincial criteria.”

Tourism is one of British Columbia’s most dynamic industries, supporting employment across the province and contributing significantly to local business vitality. In Sooke, tourism helps fuel local shops and services, create year-round employment opportunities, and attract new investment. With MRDT funding, the District will be better positioned to enhance tourism offerings, manage infrastructure demands from visitation, and support projects that benefit the broader community.

“Our goal is to create a more self-sufficient, resilient economy,” said Deputy Mayor Jeff Bateman. “Sooke has long been considered a bedroom community, but we’re taking meaningful steps to change that. By leveraging tourism as a key driver, we’re working to deliver social, environmental, and economic co-benefits that enhance the quality of life for residents today—and for future generations.”

Chief Administrative Officer Raechel Gray added, “The MRDT application is a milestone in our commitment to community economic development. It supports a more sustainable financial model by introducing a new, dedicated revenue stream that doesn’t rely on property taxes. This allows us to proactively invest in community priorities, advance Council’s strategic goals, and foster a thriving, inclusive community for all who live and visit here.”

To learn more about the MRDT, how funds can be used, and to view Sooke’s Tactical Plan, please see the associated staff report.

Related resource:

• Municipal and Regional Destination Tax Program (MRDT) – Destination British Columbia

Quick facts (source: Destination BC):

• The tourism industry in BC generated $22.1 billion in annual revenue in 2023
• This includes $5.2 billion in export revenue and $16.3 billion in restaurant receipts.
• Tourism contributed $9.7 billion to BC’s GDP in 2023, higher than any other primary industry.
• BC Hotels estimates that $4.3 billion in room revenues was generated in BC hotels in 2023

This initiative aligns with Action 1.2 of the CED Strategy, which focuses on developing and implementing a tourism strategy to attract visitors and support local businesses. By advancing the application for the Municipal & Regional District Tax (MRDT) program, the District aims to secure additional funding for tourism marketing and development, thereby enhancing Sooke's appeal as a tourist destination.

The Sooke Lions Club, in partnership with the District of Sooke, invites residents to connect with neighbours, discover local talent, and support small businesses at Sookarama 2025, taking place Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at SEAPARC Arena (2169 Phillips Road). Admission is free.

Sookarama offers a vibrant, family-friendly setting for community groups, makers, and entrepreneurs to share their goods, services, and stories. With 90 exhibitors confirmed, attendees can expect a wide variety of vendor booths, local food options, and opportunities to learn more about what’s happening in the region — all under one roof.

The Sooke Rotary Club Auction will be running alongside Sookarama, adding another exciting way for attendees to support the community and local causes.

“This is a quintessentially Sooke event — grassroots, volunteer-driven and deeply local,” says Deputy Mayor Jeff Bateman. “Sookarama provides a window into the people and enterprises that make our community tick. Whether you’re discovering a new local business or chatting with a non-profit about their work, it’s a rewarding and very Sooke way to spend a Saturday.”

The event is coordinated by the Sooke Lions Club with support from the District of Sooke.

“Sookarama supports our goals of fostering a resilient, diverse local economy,” says Gail Scott, Community Economic Development Officer with the District of Sooke. “It’s an accessible, low-barrier opportunity for small business operators, home based businesses, and industry associations to get in front of the community, test new ideas, share information and build their customer base. And for attendees, it’s a fun way to explore the creativity and resourcefulness of our local entrepreneurial business hub.”

For the Sooke Lions, the event is a continuation of their long-standing commitment to local service. “Our club has always been about supporting the community in practical, hands-on ways,” says Danny Willis, President of the Sooke Lions Club. “Sookarama is one of those opportunities to bring people together, support local business, and celebrate what makes Sooke such a special place to live.”

For more information, visit sookelions.com/sookarama.

Also happening in Sooke on April 26:

Celebrate sustainability and community at the Sooke Earth Day Celebration, taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beside Fire Station One on Otter Point Road alongside the Opening Day of the Sooke Country Market. Parking for the Earth Day Celebration and Sooke Country Market is available at Sooke Municipal Hall and John Phillips Memorial Park. Alternative modes of transportation always encouraged.

This initiative aligns with Action 2.1 of the Community Economic Development (CED) Strategy, which focuses on supporting existing businesses and organizations to grow, thrive, and create jobs in Sooke. By providing a platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services, Sookarama fosters business growth and community engagement.

The District of Sooke, in collaboration with Friends of Sooke Parks Society, is excited to host an Earth Day Community Stewardship Event at Woodland Creek Park on Friday, April 25, 2025. This inaugural event, funded jointly through the Local Government Climate Action Program and a UBCM FireSmart program grant, will bring together students, community members, and local organizations to support environmental restoration and wildfire prevention efforts.

The morning portion of the event (9:45 AM – 11:30 AM) will be predominantly reserved for local schools, engaging students in a combination of park stewardship activities and an educational FireSmart station, culminating in a unique opportunity to feed invasive species to goats. The event will include:

• Small tree planting to restore native habitat
• Invasive species removal, addressing plants that threaten local ecosystems
• FireSmart education, helping students understand wildfire prevention
• Litter pick-up along community routes to keep Sooke clean
• Goat grazing, a sustainable method of invasive species control

Following the school-based activities, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, we are pleased to welcome homeschool families and members of the public to join in the stewardship efforts and meet the goats.

To ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all participants, we kindly request that dogs remain on-leash while the goats are in the park.

Goats as an Invasive Species Solution

One of the highlights of this event is the use of goat grazing for invasive plant removal. Goats provide an effective and eco-friendly alternative to mechanical or chemical methods by naturally grazing on invasive plants such as Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry. This approach not only helps restore native ecosystems but also provides an engaging learning opportunity for participants of all ages.

A Pilot Project for Future Stewardship Initiatives

As an inaugural event, this Earth Day initiative is being treated as a pilot project, with the hope of hosting similar stewardship events in other areas of the community. By engaging schools, families, and the broader public, the District of Sooke aims to foster long-term environmental stewardship and strengthen wildfire resiliency.

“Caring for the environment and coming together as a community is in our nature,” says Christina Moog, Manager of Communications and Community Relations. “This event is a fun, hands-on way to celebrate Earth Day while connecting neighbours to one another and to the land we share.”

A Full Weekend of Community Engagement

The celebration of Earth Day continues Saturday, April 26, alongside the opening day of the Sooke Country Market, where attendees can visit a variety of interactive information stations highlighting environmental initiatives and sustainability practices alongside the Market.

Following this, on Sunday, April 27, the FireSmart Plant Program will officially launch at The Artisan Garden, providing homeowners with resources and guidance on selecting fire-resistant plants to enhance community wildfire resilience.

Additionally, community members are encouraged to support local businesses at Sookarama, which takes place on Saturday, April 26, from 10 AM to 3 PM at SEAPARC. This annual business showcase highlights the many services and products available within Sooke, making it a great way to connect with local entrepreneurs.

While not required, signing up is encouraged. Anyone wishing to volunteer for the event may sign up here:

>>> Volunteer Sign Up

This initiative aligns with Action 3.2, which focuses on promoting environmental sustainability initiatives that contribute to economic resilience. By inviting community participation in such stewardship events, the District fosters environmental awareness and community engagement.

The District of Sooke is proud to support the launch of Sooke.Live, Sooke’s new community radio station – powered by volunteers and supported with a $5,000 District of Sooke community grant. Their mission to amplify local voices and stories, Sooke.Live is inviting the community to come together for a Live Launch Party on Sunday, April 13 from 1–4 p.m. at Café VOSINO

The team behind Sooke.Live has been working to build a unique platform where residents can connect, express themselves, and stay informed through community-led programming.

“The District’s Community Grant Program is all about planting seeds—supporting homegrown ideas that bring people together and reflect the heart of Sooke,” said Deputy Mayor Jeff Bateman. “Sooke.Live is a fantastic example of this spirit in action: a locally-led, volunteer-powered initiative that gives our residents a new way to connect, express themselves, and celebrate our community. I hope folks will stop by the launch, see what it’s all about, and maybe even find their own place behind the mic.”

The Live Launch Party promises an afternoon of fun, creativity, and connection. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Meet the station team and local broadcasters
• Record their own station ID
• Audition to be a weather or traffic reporter
• Pitch a show idea
• Win Sooke.Live swag
• Become a member or volunteer

The station will also be broadcasting live on location from Café VOSINO throughout the event.

“Whether you want to be behind the mic, help behind the scenes, or just tune in and enjoy local stories, this station is here for you,” says the Sooke.Live team. “We provide all the training and equipment—no experience necessary!”

The community is invited to get involved by visiting sooke.live or joining the station’s Discord to connect directly with the team.

Help spread the word and be part of this exciting new chapter in Sooke’s story.

Join Sooke.Live online and in person on April 13 at Café Vosino for the official launch of Sooke.Live Community Radio!

The launch of Sooke.Live corresponds with Action 2.3, which aims to support the development of local business networks and collaboration.

Residents of Sooke and surrounding areas are invited to mark their calendars for Sookearama, a vibrant local business showcase event happening on Saturday, April 20, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the SEAPARC Recreation Centre, in the arena, located at 2169 Phillips Road.

Sookearama promises to be a day filled with excitement, discovery, and community spirit. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of local businesses, from artisans and craftsmen to service providers and entrepreneurs. This event is not only a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses but also to discover the diverse range of products and services available right here in our own community.

We encourage you to visit the District’s booth and connect with Gail Scott, the Community Economic Development Officer, and local elected officials. This is a casual opportunity to connect with local government representatives, share ideas, and learn more about the initiatives driving economic development in our community.

In addition to exploring local businesses and networking opportunities, attendees can enter to win fabulous prizes, reconnect with old friends, and make new acquaintances. Sookearama promises to be an event filled with fun, laughter, and memorable experiences for all ages.

Save the date and join us at Sookearama on April 20^th!

Learn more:

• Sookarama Details | Sooke Lions Club

The Sooke Lions Club, in collaboration with the District of Sooke, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of Sookearama, the premier business trade fair of the Sooke region. Designed to showcase the vibrant array of businesses in our community, Sookearama invites both newcomers and long-time residents to discover the wealth of goods and services available locally.

Scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Sookearama will take place at the esteemed SEAPARC Arena, located at 2169 Phillips Road.

With booth spaces measuring approximately 10 feet x 10 feet of bare space, vendors are encouraged to unleash their creativity in designing attractive displays to engage customers!

Early registration is incentivized with a reduced entry cost of $95.00 if paid before February 28, 2024, while regular booth registration is priced at $120.00. Payments can be made conveniently via cheque payable to the Sooke Lions, e-transfer to sookelionsmd19@gmail.com (with the answer to the security question being “burgundy”), or by credit card by contacting us at 778-535-2326.

Limited booths will have access to power, and attendees can anticipate a day filled with music, entertainment, and activities suitable for the whole family. This presents an ideal opportunity for businesses to engage directly with the public, utilizing various promotional materials such as posters, photos, videos, and interactive demonstrations.

To secure a booth, interested vendors can download the editable application form from the Sooke Lions website at https://sookelions.com/or request one directly from their members. Applications should be submitted promptly to ensure consideration, as space is limited.

In addition to showcasing their offerings, vendors are encouraged to host free draws at their booths to attract visitors and expand awareness of their business.

Sookearama 2024 promises to be a dynamic platform for businesses to connect with the local community, promote their products and services, and support the initiatives of the Sooke Lions Club in fostering community engagement and development.

Learn more:

• Sookarama Details | Sooke Lions Club
• Sookarama 2024 Vendor Application | Sooke Lions Club

Today, the community came together in celebration of a new WorkBC Centre at 2096 Church Road. The event recognized the opening of the state-of-the-art facility and the people who continue to do so much in serving residents and businesses in Sooke!

The Centre and Work BC Team provides a variety of services including skills assessments and workshops, job search training, and one-on-one job search and resume assistance. Additionally, the facility offers meeting spaces for community groups, local wayfinding services, and so much more.

The new WorkBC Centre is a welcome addition to Sooke and will offer much-needed assistance to those looking for employment, employers and the community as a whole.

Among the speakers at today’s event included Deputy Mayor Al Beddows. “I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the opening of this new WorkBC facility on the traditional territory of the T’Sou-ke Nation. This opening marks an important milestone for our community and the efforts of WorkBC to ensure that everyone has access to the skills, training and job opportunities they need to succeed,” Beddows shared.

“While being equipped with technology and a caring team, the space is designed to be a source of support, connection and collaboration for our community. The much-needed bookable meeting spaces and open workstations offer critical tools to support our community as we grow. I extend my appreciation, on behalf of Council and the community, to WorkBC for their efforts not only in celebrating the opening of this facility but for the many decades supporting Sooke.”

The WorkBC Centre is now open and ready to serve the community. For more information, please visit www.workbc.ca or call 250-642-3685.

The BC Bird Trail invites you to soar into fall with the launch of bird watching experiences across BC, including Sooke!

Grab your binoculars and get ready to experience the beauty of BC’s birding migration this fall! Sooke is joining several birdwatching communities on its vast list of self-guided experiences found on bcbirdtrail.ca, a platform designed to inspire people of all ages and levels to explore and enjoy the best birdwatching BC has to offer.

In partnership with Destination BC, birdwatching trails launching this season, in addition to Sooke, include the Vancouver Island North Trail encompassing Port McNeill, Port Hardy, Port Alice, Sointula and Alert Bay along with individual outposts in Prince George, Nelson & Kootenay Lake, Vancouver’s North Shore, Vernon, Shuswap, Vancouver, Southern Gulf Islands, Kelowna, Sooke, and Tofino.

“As we launch the 4th year of this campaign, it’s so rewarding to see our biggest year of growth ever! With so many new communities getting on board, we’ll be able to introduce the practice of birding to even more people across the province,” says Ceri Chong, Director, Destination and Industry Development at Tourism Richmond.

“We are so thrilled to launch the Shuswap Outpost! The Salmon Arm Economic Development Society MRDT Program collaborated on the BC Bird Trail outpost with our partners from Shuswap Tourism and the District of Sicamous Development Corp because this is the best opportunity to showcase the unique birding experiences in our communities,” says Caitlin Thompson, Project Coordinator with the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society. “Birding is a fast-growing tourism experience in BC, and we have some of the best locations, trail systems, and rare bird species to offer.”

What you can expect on a self-guided birdwatching tour:

In collaboration with tourism and conservation partners throughout the province, The BC Bird Trail develops free self-guided travel itineraries for visitors and locals of all ages to explore some of the most renowned birding areas in the country. Each destination on bcbirdtrail.ca includes key birding-related information like a list of birds you might currently spot in the area, along with birding hotspots (e.g. parks, wildlife centres, and estuaries) to visit.

To help visitors and locals make the most of their birdwatching experience in the communities they visit, each Trail and Outpost also includes key transportation information, bookable outdoors experiences in the community, like golf courses, bike rentals, and wildlife tours, and top picks for shopping, dining, and accommodations.

As a bonus: The BC Bird Trail also has a free mobile app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to help birdwatchers track their birding progress, check in at birding hotspots, and earn rewards along the way.

Why fall is a key time for birdwatching

The expansion of The BC Bird Trail is timely because the fall season is when large numbers of bird migrations take place. During this peak migration season, birding is quite exciting, and local birding spots can change overnight, so every outing can potentially offer new surprises for birdwatchers.

What types of birds can you expect to see this fall in BC?

Turkey vultures, trumpeter swans, harlequin ducks, red-breasted mergansers, northern pintails, and warblers are just a few of the spectacular birds that make the list. Nature enthusiasts of all levels can visit bcbirdtrail.ca for an up-to-date list of birds you can expect to spot along each Trail and Outpost.

Birding is trending + it’s good for our mental health

Birdwatching first soared to popularity in 2020 when it quickly became a popular pandemic hobby, with birdwatchers setting a world record for the highest number of bird observations reported in one single day (May 9, 2020) as reported by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Since the pandemic, birdwatching has continued to grow in popularity and today people of all ages are interested in the avian world – to enjoy nature, learn about wildlife, and reap the mental health benefits. Birdwatching has even been recognized as a practice of mindfulness with bird sounds and sights helping to alleviate anxiety. One study has found that locations with higher bird diversity are seeing lower mental health admissions.

To learn more about The BC Bird Trail, and to plan your very own birding experience, visit

www.BCBirdTrail.ca and the Sooke Community Outpost.

Take off with The BC Bird Trail on social media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcbirdtrail
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcbirdtrail
• #BCBirdTrail #LookUpStayGrounded

About The BC Bird Trail

Launched in September 2020, The BC Bird Trail is the leading source of information on attractions, activities, and accommodations related to birdwatching in the province for novice birders, seasoned veterans and more while promoting personal responsibility, sustainability, and mindfulness. Funding for this program is provided by Destination BC, with support from Birds Canada, Indigenous Tourism BC, Tourism Richmond, and more than a dozen additional tourism partners throughout the province.

The Sooke Lions Club hosts the 2023 Sookarama Business & Trade Show, proudly presented with support from the District of Sooke!

The event is set for Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Seaparc Arena from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission for the public is free!

Why attend:

• 100+ booths of Sooke area businesses & services on display including product sales!
• Food Concession outside!
• Live entertainment from local groups!

Additional parking is available at the Sooke River Campground - walk from the campground or take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service.

Become a vendor!

Booths are approximately 10 ft x 10 ft bare space. Vendors are responsible for the construction and decorating of their own booths. Backs can’t exceed 6 ft, sides can’t exceed 3 ft. Although vendors may request a specific location, the placement of booths will be to enhance the overall show. Tables/chairs not provided.

Cost – $100 per booth or $85 if paid before Jan 31, 2023

Payment – Cheque made out to Sooke Lions, Box 248 Sooke BC V9Z 0S9, or by E-Transfer to sookelionsmd19@gmail.com or Visa or Mastercard Credit Cards for which we will call you to complete the transaction.

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION FORM >>