Community Economic Development Strategy

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.

Between now and October 18, 2021, you are invited to leave comments in the Guest Book about the DRAFT Community Economic Development (CED) Strategy.

As you review, consider:

• Which proposed actions do you feel are a high priority?
• Is there anything missing that you think should be included?
• Do you feel the proposed actions are achievable?

Thank you again for your participation, and for your commitment and excitement about the future of our community!

The District invites public participation as it develops a Community Economic Development strategy.

“Community Economic Development is about working together as a community towards a diverse local economy that helps all of Sooke thrive!” shares Sue Welke, District of Sooke Community Economic Development Officer. “Council’s commitment to take action on climate change will drive community economic development in Sooke. We are striving for Low Carbon Resilience, and the achievement of social, economic and environmental co-benefits for all Sooke citizens,” Welke adds.

Through letstalk.sooke.ca/ced citizens can complete a five-minute survey to let us know about their local spending habits, and share what would make it easier to spend more money locally and what types of businesses/services are missing in Sooke. Public input will help inform how we grow a strong and vibrant local economy. There is a survey available for not-for-profit organizations as well.

On Thursday, July 22, the District’s Community Economic Development Committee will drop by businesses and offices in Sooke for a short discussion about opportunities and challenges.

Home-based businesses and businesses that do not operate a storefront, or have an office, interested in participating in a short telephone interview about business opportunities and challenges are invited to email Sue Welke swelke@sooke.ca.

For those without computer access, print surveys are available at the Sooke Municipal Hall (2205 Otter Point Road) or the survey can be completed over the phone by calling 250.642.1634.

This phase of consultation will run until August 20, 2021. A draft Strategy will be shared with the public this fall, before being presented to Council later in the year.

Learn more and participate:

• Let’s Talk: Building a Community Economic Development Strategy