Throup Road Connector and Phillips Road Corridor Project
About the Project
The District of Sooke is designing the Throup Road Connector and Phillips Road Corridor as part of the Transportation Master Plan and the long-term goal of creating a multimodal route parallel to Highway 14, ultimately extending from Phillips Road to West Coast Road.
This parallel route is intended to provide an alternative way to move through Sooke’s town core, supporting walking, rolling, and vehicle travel, while helping to relieve congestion on Highway 14.
The current focus is on the Throup Road Connector–Phillips Road Corridor portion of the project.
At the May 25, 2026 Council meeting, Council reviewed updated information about the project, including potential road-width changes, phasing options, grant funding, borrowing requirements, and opportunities for community input. No final construction or borrowing decision has been made.
The full corridor project is currently estimated to cost about $50 million. The project includes several connected sections that could be built together or in phases over time. The District continues to pursue grant funding and other funding sources to reduce the amount that may need to be borrowed.
To borrow funds for a project of this scale, the District would need elector approval. Council has indicated that, while the District can legally use an alternative approval process, its preferred approach for long-term borrowing would be a referendum so residents can decide directly.
Council also discussed the possibility of holding a non-binding community vote, called a plebiscite, to better understand public opinion before making a final decision. A plebiscite would not authorize borrowing. If long-term borrowing is needed, elector approval would still be required.
The District has not yet decided whether a borrowing referendum, non-binding plebiscite, or another form of community input will be part of the October 2026 General Local Election. Council is expected to revisit the matter after receiving more information about grant funding, project costs, and design options in a future report anticipated in June 2026.
This Let’s Talk Sooke page will serve as a central resource hub to:
- Learn about the project’s purpose and scope.
- Track the project’s progress and timeline.
- Access background documents and design updates.
- Submit your questions and see answers as they become available.
We are committed to keeping residents informed and supported ahead of the potential borrowing referendum (tentatively) planned for the 2026 Local Government General Election.
