Picture Sooke: The Final Frame – Completing our Official Community Plan

The District of Sooke has completed the Public Hearing for Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 800, 2022 (November 2025) and has compiled all public input received to date. The bylaw is now before Council for consideration of Third Reading and Adoption as indicated in the related staff report.

What We Heard

Between October 22 and December 3, 2025, the District received input through written submissions and verbal comments at the Public Hearing. In total, 146 written submissions and 62 speakers participated. Feedback reflected a wide range of views, including both strong support for the updated OCP and concerns focused on environmental regulation, waterfront policies, growth, and infrastructure.

Key themes included:

Support for the OCP

Several submissions described the updated OCP as a balanced, forward-looking plan integrating housing, climate action, environmental protection, and growth management. Supporters emphasized the need to modernize the 2010 OCP and urged Council to adopt the bylaw and refine elements as needed over time.

Foreshore & Environmental Development Permit Areas (DPAs)

Concerns centred around:

• The 15-metre foreshore buffer, described by some as unclear or too restrictive.
• Potential impacts on property values, rebuild rights, and the cost of professional reports.
• Overlapping environmental DPAs and a desire for more site-specific mapping.

Others supported stronger environmental protection, with some calling for larger buffers.

Process, Notification & Engagement

Some residents, particularly waterfront owners, felt engagement and notification could have been more direct. Others noted that the OCP process has spanned multiple years with extensive opportunities for input.

Transportation, Parks & Trails Planning

Submissions sought clarification on how the OCP aligns with the Transportation Master Plan and Parks and Trails Master Plan. Several residents expressed concern about conceptual shoreline access or trail routes shown near private properties, emphasizing the need for clear communication that these are long-term concepts, not commitments.

Property Rights & Constructive Taking Concerns

A number of submissions referenced the Annapolis v. Halifax decision and questioned whether environmental DPAs could limit reasonable use of private property. Staff clarify that:

• DPAs regulate how development occurs, not whether land may be used.
• The OCP does not grant public access to private property, change zoning, or remove permitted uses.

Indigenous Acknowledgement Language

Some residents questioned references to “unceded territory,” while others supported keeping reconciliation-oriented language. Staff confirmed that acknowledgements are non-regulatory and do not affect land title or private property rights.

Growth, Housing & Infrastructure

Residents raised concerns about:

• Density and growth targets.
• Highway 14 congestion and servicing capacity.
• Potential taxation or financial implications.

Others supported the compact growth strategy and alignment with provincial housing legislation.

Staff Response

After reviewing all written and verbal input, staff advise that:

• No substantive amendments are recommended at this time - please see the staff report for fulsome responses on input and clarifying information.
• Issues raised do not require changes that would alter permitted uses, densities, or activities in a manner that would trigger a new Public Hearing under the Local Government Act.
• The OCP’s environmental, growth, and policy frameworks are consistent with best practice across B.C. and legally defensible.
• Engagement requirements have been fully met, and the Public Hearing provided a complete and transparent record for Council consideration.

Next Steps

With the Public Hearing complete, Council will consider Third Reading and potentially Adoption of OCP Bylaw No. 800, 2022 (November 2025) on Monday, December 8, 2025

If adopted:

The OCP takes effect immediately, and staff will proceed with:

• Guidance for applicants, including information on DPA triggers and exemptions.
• Public-facing materials, including FAQs and homeowner bulletins.
• Updates to application forms, checklists, and technical guidance.
• Bringing forward required amendments to the Fees and Charges Bylaw and Development Procedures Bylaw in early 2026.
• Notifying development professionals, agencies, and partner governments of the transition.

The District of Sooke will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. regarding Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 800, 2022. The hearing will take place in the Council Chambers at Sooke Municipal Hall, 2225 Otter Point Road.

The draft OCP Bylaw No. 800, 2022 outlines a long-term vision for growth, land use, housing, transportation, climate action, and community well-being in Sooke.

“We’ve been on an important journey together reviewing our Official Community Plan - listening, learning, and refining the document that will guide Sooke for years to come,” said Mayor Tait. “Reaching the Public Hearing is a key milestone, and we look forward to hearing from residents as we take this next step. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community.”

How to Participate

Members of the public may participate in the Public Hearing by:

• Attending in person at Sooke Municipal Hall;
• Speaking directly to Council during the hearing; or
• Providing written submissions in advance of the hearing.

Notes regarding Public Input:

• All persons who believe their interests in property may be affected by the proposed bylaw will be afforded an opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing on the matters contained in the proposed bylaw. Should you have any concerns or comments you wish to convey to Council, please submit in writing by email to publichearing@sooke.ca or in-person to the Corporate Officer at the District Municipal Office no later than 12:00 noon (PST) on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
• Please be advised that submissions to Council will become part of the public record and are subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). District of Sooke Council Meetings are open to the public to attend in-person. Electronic participation is not available.
• Council cannot receive further information concerning this bylaw after the Public Hearing has concluded.

At its Committee of the Whole meetings held on November 6 and November 10, 2025, the Committee continued its detailed review of the Draft Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 800, 2022. The meetings focused on refining proposed amendments and ensuring the draft reflects updated community priorities, technical feedback, and Council direction.

Committee of the Whole Recommendation to Council

Following discussion, the Committee of the Whole passed the following recommendation for Council’s consideration:

• THAT Council direct staff to incorporate the changes identified at the November 6 and November 10, 2025 Committee of the Whole meetings, as outlined in the Summary of Proposed Edits, into the Draft Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 800, 2022;

• AND THAT Council consider giving second reading to Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 800, 2022, as amended, or, alternatively, direct staff to prepare a revised clean version of the bylaw for subsequent Council consideration.

Council Decision

On the same day, Council rose and reported from the Committee of the Whole and advanced the recommendations. Council resolved:

• THAT Council give second reading to Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 800, 2022, as amended to incorporate the changes identified at the November 6 and 10, 2025 Committee of the Whole meetings, as outlined in the Summary of Proposed Edits;

• AND THAT Council direct staff to schedule a Public Hearing for Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 800, 2022, as amended.

What This Means

The OCP review process is now progressing to the statutory Public Hearing stage. This hearing will provide community members with a formal opportunity to comment on the updated draft before Council considers further readings and possible adoption.

Information regarding the Public Hearing date, time, and participation options will be shared shortly.

Update: The Special meeting is schedule for Thursday, November 6 at 1:00 p.m. View agenda at sooke.ca/meetings

Following Council direction provided on Monday, October 27, 2025, the District of Sooke is in the process of scheduling a Special Council Meeting to discuss the Official Community Plan (OCP).

This meeting will be open to the public to attend and observe, however, no public input or comments on the OCP will be received at this stage. The exact meeting date is still being finalized as Council schedules are coordinated. Once confirmed, a Notice of Special Meeting will be issued.

Following this meeting, if Council chooses to advance the amended Draft OCP Bylaw to second reading, this will initiate the Public Hearing process. Notice of the Public Hearing will be provided at least two weeks prior to the hearing date, at which time the public will have an opportunity to review the bylaw and provide input.

What will Sooke look and feel like 20 years from now? This is the question at the heart of the District’s work on an updated draft Official Community Plan (OCP) - the long-range roadmap and land use planning tool that guides how our community will grow.

Over the past few years, residents have shared their hopes, concerns, and ideas for the future. The District has released an updated draft plan that reflects this input, along with new provincial housing requirements. It’s a clearer and responds to earlier feedback, and before it’s finalized, we want to hear from you - again.

That’s why this Sunday, we’re inviting the community to gather, explore the plan together.

Before you come, take some time to look through the draft plan and learn more about the project at letstalk.sooke.ca/ocp.

Event details:

Where & When:

• Sunday, September 14, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Sooke Community Hall – Upstairs Main Hall (2037 Shields Road)

What to Expect:

• Learn how community input has shaped the draft plan
• Explore how the OCP addresses housing, parks, transportation, and more
• Share what you support and where you see room for improvement
• Connect with staff and subject matter experts
• Participate in consultation activities designed to gather your ideas

We hope to see you there!

Can't make it Sunday? Join us for the virtual open house on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - register here or complete a survey, open online until September 21, 2025, at letstalk.sooke.ca/ocp.

Join us this morning (August 6) at the Broomhill Playground Picnic Shelter from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for a Budget and Official Community Plan (OCP) pop-up event.

Come say hello to:

• Holden Blue, Senior Planner
• Ben Currie, Deputy Director of Finance
• Staff Sergeant Greg Willcocks, Sooke RCMP

Whether you’re curious about the Official Community Plan – what is it and how it works, how your tax dollars are spent, or just want to stop by for a chat, we’re happy to connect.

The rain is welcome – and so are you! It helps reduce fire hazards, and our team will be under shelter and ready to greet you.

• Location: Broomhill Playground Picnic Shelter, 2280 Pyrite Drive
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Learn more:

• letstalk.sooke.ca/budget
• letstalk.sooke.ca/ocp

The District of Sooke is pleased to announce the launch of the updated Picture Sooke: The Final Frame webpage at letstalk.sooke.ca/ocp as the community enters the next phase of engagement on the Official Community Plan (OCP).

After a pause in the project, Sooke’s OCP is resuming – building from previous work and public input gathered between 2020 and 2023. The revised draft, currently being presented in a redline version, integrates what we’ve already heard from the community and reflects updated provincial housing legislation, including new requirements under Bill 44: Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023.

Council directed staff to resume the OCP update earlier this year, and in July 2025 endorsed a community engagement plan to guide this phase. Engagement kicks off next week with pop-up events at Broomhill playground on August 6 and the Sooke Night Market on August 7, 14, and 21. These early sessions will introduce the draft OCP, and support understanding of what an OCP is and how it works. Formal consultation events will follow in September, offering residents and stakeholders the chance to provide feedback and learn how the OCP aligns with new housing legislation.

What’s new on the webpage:

• A revised draft of the OCP, showing all revisions since the pause
• Reports that include a summary of what’s changed and why
• Upcoming engagement opportunities
• Background materials to help you dive deeper
• An “Ask a Question” tool for real-time inquiries

We invite everyone to explore the site, join us at an event, and share your perspectives. The webpage will continue to be updated as the project advances, per Council direction.

Visit letstalk.sooke.ca/ocp to learn more and get involved.