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 >>

The District's Community Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan (CED Strategy) is oriented toward promoting environmental health as well as human well-being and safety in a climate-changing world. As captured in the CED Strategy, "it is clear from community feedback that a focus should be on supporting locally-owned businesses in Sooke, reducing economic leakage, and creating jobs in Sooke." Given the alignment, in doing so, the District is sharing this announcement from the Province of British Columbia.

New integrated health-care centre coming to Sooke

People living in Sooke and the surrounding area will benefit from a new integrated health-care centre offering team-based services in the heart of Sooke village.

The new centre is the latest in a series of investments over the past six years to build capacity and improve health-care services for residents in Sooke.

“Improving access to health-care services for people in B.C. is a key priority for our government,” said John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “This centre will be critical to meeting the health-care needs of people living in Sooke and surrounding areas, now and in the future, and I am proud that people in the region will soon benefit from being able to access the care they need, close to home.”

The new facility will combine the community health centre (CHC) and urgent- and primary-care centre (UPCC) at a future development planned for 6671 Wadams Way.

Once open, the CHC/UPCC centre will consolidate local primary-care services from West Coast Family Medical Clinic and other local community services into a single location, making it easier for people to access the health services they need. This will be done by better connecting more people to integrated health-care services in the community, such as primary care, culturally safe supports and mental-health and substance-use services.

“This new integrated health-care facility will connect people in the community to a range of health-care services, including primary care, urgent care and community health services all under one roof,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Integrating physicians into a community based primary-care model means more time for patients, more patients accessing health-care services and less administrative burden for practitioners. This is part of our continuing work to build increased and improved access to primary health care for people in Sooke.”

The team of clinical providers is expected to include family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, mental-health and substance-use workers and other allied health providers. The new staff will supplement the existing staff working at West Coast Family Medical Clinic.

The ministry is also providing funding to hire an Indigenous cultural safety liaison to support the project while planning is underway.

Over the past six years, government has made significant investments in building health-care service capacity to support growing demand and the high-use rate of health services in the Sooke region. Investments include increased mental-health counselling and home support services, $1 million in funding to further support team-based care and $600,000 in funding to expand and improve the West Coast Family Medicine Clinic, and $10.5 million to establish the Western Communities Primary Care Network. These investments were made based on
significant local engagement.

The new facility will be community-governed and operated by the Sooke Region Communities Health Network and is expected to join the provincial rostering system to ensure patient care continuity and attachment initiative announced in 2022 as part of the new payment model for family physicians.

Quick Facts:

• The new centre will be part of the Western Communities Primary Care Network and provide extended hours for urgent and non-emergency health care and better same-day access to primary care to help meet community demand.
• The team of clinical providers is expected to include family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, mental-health and substance-use workers and other allied health providers.

Learn More:

• To learn more about the Province’s primary health-care strategy, visit:https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PREM0034-001010
• To learn more about the Province’s health human resource strategy, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022HLTH0059-001464

What people are saying about the Sooke Region CHC/UPCC

Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions –

“People need access to high-quality mental health and addiction care close to home. With the opening of the new blended community health centre, and urgent and primary care centre, more people in Sooke and the surrounding area will now be able to connect to the local mental-health-and-addiction supports they need and deserve.”

Leah Hollins, board chair, Island Health –

“We are delighted that the first-ever community health centre/urgent- and primary-care centre in the Island Health region will be owned and operated by the Sooke Region Communities Health Network. The Sooke CHC/UPCC will increase access to same-day, team-based primary care to residents of the Sooke region.”

Mary Dunn, president, Sooke Region Communities Health Network –

“For many years, we have been collaborating with the District of Sooke, the South Island Division of Family Practice, the West Coast Family Medical Clinic and other local organizations to establish a community health centre in Sooke. We are excited to have the opportunity to expand community health services for everyone in the Sooke region.”

Dr. Anton Rabien, West Coast Family Medical Clinic –

“Approval of the proposed community health centre/urgent primary care centre is fantastic news for Sooke! The proposed health centre will undoubtedly increase access to primary-care services for people living in Sooke and the surrounding communities. A big thanks to Mayor Maja Tait for initiating discussions between the District of Sooke, Island Health, the Sooke Region Communities Health Network, and the Sooke family physicians that ultimately led to the development of this proposal; to the volunteers of the Sooke Region Communities Health Network who did all the hard work in drafting the proposal; and to the Honourable John Horgan, who was willing to listen to our concerns and advocate on our behalf for improving the delivery of primary health services in Sooke.”

Dr. Randal Mason, board co-chair, South Island Division of Family Practice –

“The Sooke Region CHC/UPCC is a great example of advocacy and collaboration between government and community organizations. The unique nature of a blended CHC/UPCC will provide access to urgent medical services, while focusing on longitudinal needs of individuals and the broader community. Community governance will allow the people of Sooke to develop, deliver and adapt services that reflect the needs of the community. The Sooke region CHC/UPCC will be a much-needed resource within our broader Western Communities Primary Care Network. The South Island Division of Family Practice is grateful for the opportunity to provide support and input in planning and development of the centre.”

Maja Tait, mayor of Sooke –

“Today’s announcement is a culmination of the work of many people who remained steadfast to ensure the residents of Sooke have access to the health-care services they deserve. Thank you to all project partners, including the Province of British Columbia, Island Health, the Sooke Region Community Health Network, the Primary Health Care Service Working Group, and the doctors and care providers of the West Coast Family Medical Clinic, who, through collaboration and innovation, are working together to ensure our residents have access to medical services closer to home.”

Rose Dumont, administrative health co-ordinator, T’Sou-ke First Nation –

“Building a new health-care facility such as the Sooke CHC/UPCC is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s an opportunity to forge new relationships with us as First Nations neighbours through collaboration, mutual respect and enhanced services. By working together, we all can create a welcoming, culturally sensitive environment that promotes healing, wellness, and improved health outcomes for all members of our community.”

Alix Arndt, interim CEO, Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of B.C. –

“Nurses and nurse practitioners of B.C. are pleased to see that the knowledge, skills and expertise of the entire health-care team will be utilized to improve access to health care for all British Columbians through urgent- and primary-care clinics. We believe that this approach will be pivotal in ensuring B.C. families can access health-care services, and we are excited to see the opening of another urgent- and primary-care clinic in B.C.”

Today, the District of Sooke launched a Community Data Portal. The user-friendly data portal makes information, research and analysis more accessible to community stakeholders and businesses seeking data to make decisions about investing in Sooke.

The Data Portal can be accessed through the District of Sooke website or directly at community-profile.sooke.ca. Using the mobile-friendly tool, stakeholders can search community information while simultaneously analyzing demographic, labour force, housing information, and more. The tool also provides a visual presentation of the data with charts, graphs, and infographics. Reports can be dynamically sorted and downloaded, too.

Giving users direct access to many data points and the most accurate, up-to-date information on the District helps showcase the opportunity available and the value of investing in Sooke.

Quotes:

Mayor Maja Tait, District of Sooke –

“Through the new community profile site, information is more timely and accessible to assist residents and community stakeholders in becoming more informed about what is happening within our community in the realms of population, housing, and much more.”

Britt Santowski, Executive Director Sooke Chamber of Commerce –

“This tool lets business owners dive into a comprehensive look of all-things-Sooke. A bird’s eye view or granular detail. This is an excellent information-rich initiative that will help present and future businesses plan and expand!”

The District is sharing this information from the Sooke Chamber of Commerce:

For the second year, the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce is doing a Shopping in Sooke survey. Answer 12 short questions, and you could be entered to win $200 to help you shop in Sooke! The information gathered will be shared with local business owners and politicians, so that we can promote and grow the local economy in Sooke. Last year’s survey results are available here.

In answering the survey, you help your Chamber keep its finger on the pulse of what it is that the residents of Sooke want from our businesses. This is one of the many functions we serve in the community. Chambers of commerce and boards of trade play important roles in supporting our communities, businesses, and citizens. The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce is an integral part of the fabric of this community and we are proud of the work we do. Some of the things we do for Sooke include the following:

• We bring people together to generate solutions to the challenges we face. And we develop innovative programs and events (like the Newcomers Club) to support our community.
• Using information gathered from surveys like this one, we advocate for government policies that promote an inclusive and competitive business environment, we also discuss and advocate for social issues like housing, health care, education, mental health and addictions – these are important issues to our members and we champion solutions.
• We also play a role in organizing and participating in charitable initiatives that assist those in our communities who need a helping hand, so that we contribute to the social well-being of our community.
• As a member of the BC Chamber of Commerce, we have a connection to nearly 100 other chambers of commerce and boards of trade that make up a strong network across B.C. Together, we represent more than 36,000 businesses of every size and from every region of the province. We are proud to be part of an established and powerful voice.
• The Sooke Chamber is also a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, so we make sure Sooke interests are represented and heard everywhere.
• We live, work and play in Sooke. And as we celebrate B.C. Chamber of Commerce Week, it’s important to remember the critical role our chamber of commerce plays in our community.

Coincidently, it just so happens to be “Chamber Week,” which runs from Feb 13 – 17. Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, has released the following statement on Chamber of Commerce Week:

“British Columbia’s business owners have stood up to immense challenges over the past few years, from the impacts of the pandemic and labour shortages, to global inflation and supply-chain disruptions.

“The 125 chambers of commerce throughout B.C. are relied on more than ever as they support boards of trade alongside 36,000 businesses of every size, sector and region in our province. They are rising to the challenge to ensure strong, resilient businesses and communities.

“The pandemic has taught us we can’t afford to go it alone, and that together we can accomplish great things. As a former business owner, I fully appreciate the importance and strong support of chambers of commerce when it comes to growing a business, creating networks and creating jobs for British Columbians.

“As the new Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, I have had extremely productive conversations with chambers and business communities. I’m looking forward to connecting with even more of them very soon to continue to support the work they do as we deliver on the goals of our StrongerBC Economic Plan.

“This week, our government is proud to proclaim Chamber of Commerce Week to recognize the leadership and impact that chambers have shown by supporting businesses in communities throughout British Columbia to help us build a clean and inclusive economy.

“In the past few years, the Province has provided more than half a billion dollars in grants for tens of thousands of business owners, lowered taxes and brought in new supports that reduce costs for businesses, like allowing restaurants to purchase liquor at wholesale prices. We have also made major strides with skills training, while taking steps to help more people enter the workforce, including investing access to more affordable child care. Those are just some of the ways we are helping B.C. businesses, and we will continue be there to support them no matter what comes our way.

“This week, I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the dedication of B.C.’s chambers of commerce. The investments that chambers make in business communities stimulate our economy, contribute to vibrant communities, making British Columbia one of the best places in the country to live.”

Learn More:

• To find out more about membership with the Sooke Chamber of Commerce, click here. Sign up before March 1 and pay 2022 rates.

The District of Sooke is welcoming Gail Scott as the District’s new Community Economic Development Officer.

Gail is a seasoned Community Economic Development professional with over 25 years of experience working within the private and public sectors throughout British Columbia and Alberta. She brings a wealth of experience, touching on all aspects of sustainable community growth and development practices including Economic, Environmental, Social and Cultural, Governance, Housing, Transportation and Connectivity services.

Recently returning home to Vancouver Island after ten years, she is excited to call Sooke her forever home. Gail came out of retirement in 2020 knowing that the COVID-19 pandemic was going to significantly impact the way we do business and that change would be eminent for our communities.

“I’m thrilled to be making my home in Sooke on the traditional territory of the T’Sou-ke Nation,” says Scott. “I look forward to connecting with the community and collaborating with local businesses and developers, industry and community groups as we work together to help Sooke realized its full potential.”

“With Gail’s expertise and enthusiasm for community building and sustainable economic growth, she will help lead the implementation of the Community Economic Development Strategy,” said Mayor Maja Tait. “We are fortunate to have her joining our team with her years of experience and impressive record of successful economic development including involvement with the 2010 Winter Olympic bid among many others.”

Gail began with the District on November 15, 2022. She holds a Professional Economic Development Certificate from the University of Waterloo in collaboration with the Economic Development Association of Canada, a Community Economic Development Certificate from the University of Calgary in collaboration with Economic Development Alberta, and a Business Administration Management / Personnel Concentration Certificate from the University of Calgary.

More on Community Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan

The Community Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan provides guidance to the District of Sooke about industrial and commercial development.

Sooke’s economic development is oriented toward promoting environmental health as well as human well-being and safety in a climate-changing world.

As the plan identifies, “It is clear from community feedback that a focus should be on supporting locally-owned businesses in Sooke, reducing economic leakage, and creating jobs in Sooke.”

Learn more and follow the implementation of the Community Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan at letstalk.sooke.ca/ced.

The District's Community Economic Development Committee has developed a Community Economic Development (CED) Strategy and Action Plan (the "Strategy"), and recommends that it be adopted by Council. Citizen, business and organization engagement was carried out over the summer of 2021, and the Strategy takes into account the feedback provided during the engagement. Development of the Strategy used a Low Carbon Resilience approach to analyze potential actions. The Strategy is nested in Climate Action.

The Strategy has the following Vision and Strategic Goals:

VISION

Sooke’s community economy realizes environmental, social and economic co-benefits for all residents/citizens, is grounded in its vital partnership with the T'Sou-ke First Nation, and is Low Carbon Resilient, diversified, resilient and adaptable.

STRATEGIC GOALS

1. To attract new businesses and organizations that are Low Carbon Resilient. Definition of Low Carbon Resilient businesses are those that, to the greatest extent possible:

• contribute to a circular economy,
• protect natural resources and carbon sinks,
• provide protection from climate risks,
• lower GHG emissions,
• identify social, environmental and economic co-benefits as part of the business vision.

2. To support existing businesses and organizations to grow, thrive and create jobs in Sooke.

3. To augment opportunities for all Sooke residents to contribute to, participate in, and benefit from, a healthy community and Low Carbon Resilient economy. Specific strategies and actions with timelines are included, to provide guidance on implementation, and to ensure that implementation begins following Council adoption of the Strategy.