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 >>

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.”