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. As design work advances, the District is initiating conversations with some neighbouring property owners. This engagement is expected to continue through 2025, and will inform the final design.

Once the final design is complete, it will be shared with the public ahead of an anticipated referendum on project borrowing. Council has directed staff to prepare for a long-term borrowing referendum to be held alongside the 2026 general local election. The 2026 election is scheduled for October 17, 2026.

We also recognize that large infrastructure projects involve trade-offs, including financial costs and environmental impacts. Our aim is to make these considerations clear so that residents have the information they need to carefully weigh both the benefits and the challenges when making their decision and participating in the referendum.

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.

Understanding Trade Offs and Respecting Differing Opinions

Large infrastructure projects, like the Throup Road Connector and Phillips Road Corridor, bring both benefits and challenges. As we prepare for a potential 2026 borrowing referendum, residents need clear, balanced information to make an informed choice.

Key considerations:

• Financial Costs: The early project estimate is $50 million, which equates to roughly $300 per year (or $25 per month) per household, before accounting for grants or other funding sources. The District has applied for $29 million in grant funding to support the project. This estimate includes a contingency of approximately $14 million to manage potential cost variations.
• Environmental Impacts: Road construction affects land and ecosystems. The project includes mitigation such as wildlife protection, stormwater upgrades, and ecological safeguards, though some impacts are unavoidable.
• Community Benefits: Improved traffic flow, more connected walking and cycling routes, upgraded utilities, and potential parking enhancements.

Different Perspectives
Residents may weigh priorities differently—some view the project as an investment in safety and future growth, while others may be concerned about costs, construction, or environmental effects. Many see both sides.

Our Commitment
We will:

• Provide transparent, accessible information on scope, costs, and impacts.
• Listen to all viewpoints—supportive, opposed, or undecided.
• Help residents make informed decisions through open engagement.

By respecting different perspectives and discussing trade-offs honestly, we can make a choice that reflects our shared community values.