Parks & Trails Master Plan: Implementation

March 31, 2021 - The District of Sooke is receiving $3,680 from the BC Hydro Tree Canada Community ReGreening Program. The funds will be used to plant native trees (Garry Oak, Arbutus and Pine) in several parks throughout the community.

BC Hydro’s Community Regreening Program works in partnership with Tree Canada paying for seedlings, medium and large trees in cities and towns across B.C. and First Nations communities. Parks and Environmental Services Coordinator Jessica Boquist shares, “this enhances the Parks Department’s ability to plant an additional twenty-nine trees in our community, beautifying our parks and outdoor spaces, and diversifying our urban forest.”

The trees will be planted in the fall at Pond’s Corridor, the future site of a community fenced dog park; Winfield Park, home to an ecologically sensitive wetland and; DeMamiel Creek Park, a current green space located at 2410 Sunriver Way.

March 8, 2021 - At the Regular Council Meeting, CAO Report included unfortunate news that the District’s funding applications for the Sooke Bluff’s and Sooke Potholes projects were not successful. Staff are reviewing alternative options to fund these items; continued patience from the public as we determine the best options to move these projects forward is appreciated.

February 2, 2021 - Community engagement on John Phillips Memorial Park launched through The Sooke Spotlight, the District of Sooke’s quarterly print newsletter. This phase of engagement is looking to check-in with the community after robust consultation took place in 2006. It is anticipated that this planning will be operationalized in 2022-2027 five-year financial plan.

December 7, 2020 - A new 275-metre trail connection from Willowpark Way to the Sunriver Nature Trail is the next step in the District of Sooke enhancing the walkability of the community.

The Sun Run Trail will ultimately connect Sunriver to the town core providing residents with the opportunity to use active transportation such as cycling or walking to safely navigate within the community. “This is a significant project and while final completion is still some time away, it is important to recognize this milestone,” shares Mayor Maja Tait. The District is waiting for news on a recent grant application that would aid in facilitating a critical juncture of the connection, Little River Crossing at DeMamiel Creek.

Project lead, District of Sooke’s Manager of Parks and Environmental Services Laura Hooper spoke about the project timeline earlier this year, “Leveraging available funding opportunities means we should hear back next summer (2021). Careful planning of the environmental considerations have us looking towards a spring 2022 construction start and spring 2023 opening.” In the meantime, those who frequent the Sunriver Nature Trail can enjoy this addition.

This is the second major milestone for the Sun Run Trail this year. In July, a Pedestrian Crossing by Journey Middle School was added. “Increased trail infrastructure benefits our residents and the environment, especially as we plan for the long-term growth of our community,” shares Tait.

October 15, 2020 - The community came together today to celebrate the opening of the Stickleback Urban Trail (view map). A string quartet from Sooke Harmony Project greeted visitors with remarks shared by Mayor Maja Tait and Sid Jorna, President of the Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society. The official opening was celebrated with a waving of the scissors, as a drumline from Sooke Harmony Project led the way along the gravel path to a wayfinding post along the trail.

October 13, 2020 - Council approved the Parks & Trails Master Plan.