FAQs

The purpose of land zoned “Public Recreation (P1)” is to provides for public recreation use with the District of Sooke. 

Permitted uses include:

Maximum height for structures is:

1. Principal Building: 2 storeys up to 13 metres high
2. Accessory Buildings: 8 metres high

Minimum setbacks are:

Additional conditions of use:

1. Accessory dwelling units must be located above or to the rear of the principal use. [Amended by Bylaw 630 (600-22) Adopted March 21, 2016]
2. A maximum of 16 campground spaces/ha permitted. Each campground space must be a minimum of 110 m2 in size; 
3. Separation between campground spaces must be a minimum of 6 m; 
4. Separation between campground spaces and structures must be a minimum of 6 m.

Source: District of Sooke Zoning Bylaw, No. 600

Because the facility would not be operated by the District, under the Community Charter, disposal of parkland requires electoral approval. Entering a long-term lease for a portion of John Phillips Memorial Park fits into this definition. 

If the facility was operated by the District, an alternative approval process would not have been required. 

Given the history of the park and intent after multiple public consultations for JPMP to be an active park, the 2014 referendum which expressed a desire for the District to develop multi-use community centre facilities, the needs of a growing community, the fiscally responsible opportunity to deliver such a facility in partnership with a not-for-profit organization and the use aligning with existing zoning, Council followed provincial legislation and proceeded with the Alternative Approval Process.

The AAP yielded a vote relatively shy of the required 10% vote against. Council is listening to the community and understands all involved need more information before a final decision is made. 

Creating architectural renderings and finalizing details for such a project take considerable resources. The Lions were not prepared to invest these funds, should the AAP not have passed, and a community facility operated by a third party at John Phillips Memorial Park not be a possibility. 

The Sooke Lions will establish a Not-for-Profit Society for the facility construction, management and operations. This Society would be comprised of representatives from a variety of local not-for-profit groups and the community, not only members the Sooke Lions.

In B.C., not-for-profit / non-profit organizations are known as societies. Societies are independent, democratic organizations that are required to comply with the Societies Act and their own constitution and bylaws. 

Societies do not earn any profits for its members. All money is donated to the organization’s cause or goal. (Government of BC Website/Not-for-profit organizations)

Programming hasn’t been determined at this stage. The Lions are currently seeking feedback on this, so please share your ideas in the survey or directly to the Lions.

Yes! The Sooke Lions are open to receiving feedback throughout this process. In addition, the District’s Development Application Permit Process will provide opportunities for public input when the project is brought forward on Council meeting agendas.  

The Development Application Process is outlined below. This process includes careful consideration by District staff, stakeholders, and Council. Public are invited to submit written comments to corp@sooke.ca once the application appears on a Council agenda (subscribe to receive meeting notifications). Speaking to the application during a public meeting is reserved for the public input portion of that meeting. 

Note: Applicants also have opportunities to refine their proposal between review milestones. 

Process:

1. Application Received
2. Staff Review and Referral Process 
3. Referral Comments Provided to Applicant 
4. Application Revised, if necessary 
5. Staff Prepare Report to Council 
6. Public Input at Council Meeting
7. Council Decision:
   • 7a. Council may approve and have application proceed to building permitting process
   • 7b. Council may request more information and/or suggest changes. In this case, application would be revised (step 4) and the application would proceed through the process again. 

RGF Developments is building housing (77 residential rental units) and commercial space units on a one-hectare of land fronting John Phillips Memorial Park at 2197 Otter Point Road.
 

Image source: Otter Point, Sooke — RG Foster Development Inc.

Across from the park, Aragon Properties owns 2100 Otter Point Road which is currently zoned small-lot residential (R3).

The Sooke Community Hall is operated by the Sooke Community Association and features three bookable spaces. The main hall is located on the upper level can accommodate up to 500 people and includes a stage, kitchen with sink and power. Two bookable spaces are located on the lower level and can accommodate capacities between 30 and 100 persons.  This facility is not fully accessible. 

The Sooke Legion, located at 6726 Eustace Road, offers a bookable hall that can accommodate 150 people and a commercial kitchen. This facility is fully accessible.

The Sooke Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library is located at 6671 Wadams Way. The facility includes three bookable meeting rooms, accommodating capacities between 6 and 50 persons. This facility is fully accessible.

The Sooke Region Community Health Network is currently fundraising for “The Gathering Place” which will provide drop-in space for activities, crafting, dining, games and sociality. The space will also be incorporating a youth/intergenerational component and the facility will be rentable to the larger community for events. This facility will be located within the “Lot A” development on Wadams Way, beside the library. The capacity for the space is not currently known. This facility will be fully accessible.