Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan: Implementation

The District of Sooke is pleased to announce that Council has directed staff to proceed with the awarding of the tender for the Little River Pedestrian Crossing Project to Regehr Contracting Ltd. after a competitive bidding process. This project will enhance pedestrian connectivity and safety, serving as an important link in our community’s transportation network, and is being funded outside District of Sooke tax dollars, led by $1.3 million in funding from the Federal Government through an Active Transportation Grant.

The Little River Crossing and Multi-Use Trail Project is a pedestrian crossing over DeMamiel Creek, referred to as “Little River” by T’Sou-ke Nation, also includes a supporting trail system to increase connectivity between the Sunriver Neighbourhood and nearby schools, as well as Sooke’s town core. It will form a critical connection for the Sunrun Trail, as identified in the District’s Parks and Trails Master Plan, and provide an alternative transportation option to help alleviate vehicle travel on Highway 14. The project will also incorporate interpretive signage to educate users on the cultural and natural history of the area.

Key Project Details:

• Contractor: Regehr Contracting Ltd
• Construction Budget: $2 million
• Funding Breakdown:
  • $1.3 million – Federal Active Transportation Funds
  • $500,000 – Provincial Active Transportation Funds
  • Remaining portion – Parks Development Cost Charges (Developer contributions), Growing B.C. Fund, Casino Reserves Fund
• Project Timeline:
  • January to February 2025: Site preparation (in advance of bird nesting season March to June).
  • Spring 2025: Trail and boardwalk construction begins.
  • August 1 to September 15, 2025: Bridge and instream works conducted around the fisheries window.
  • Fall 2025: Substantial completion.

“This milestone marks an exciting step forward in the development of Sooke’s trail systems,” said Mayor Maja Tait. “It reflects our commitment to creating a walkable, connected community while protecting and enhancing our natural environment, and providing alternative means to get around Sooke to lessen reliance on Highway 14.”

The new trail and bridge will connect the east and west portions of the community by Poirier Elementary and Journal Middle Schools, facilitating pedestrian travel between Sooke’s Town Core and the Sunriver Neighbourhood including the expanding recreation site at Ravens Ridge Park. The Little River Crossing will not only provide a safe and scenic route for pedestrian travel but also encourage outdoor activity and ease transportation challenges by offering a sustainable, active transportation option.

Related resources:

• District Grant Application Information page

More About Little River Crossing and Multi-Use Trail Project:

• Little River Multi-Use Trail Project Information Page
• November 5, 2024: Project Update: Little River Pedestrian Crossing – Now Accepting Tenders
• September 27, 2024: District of Sooke Moves Forward with Little River Multi-Use Trail Project
• April 19, 2024: Project Update: Little River Crossing and Multi-Use Trail
• March 25, 2024: Province Announces $1 Million Investment in Active Transportation for Sooke
• December 6, 2023: Federal government supports active transportation infrastructure upgrades in Sooke
• December 7, 2020: Project update: Progress being made on Sun Run Trail, which aims to connect Sunriver to town core
• July 27, 2020: News Release: Phase 1 of Demamiel Creek Pedestrian Crossing now open

The District of Sooke is proud to support the Baby & Toddler Supplies Swap, hosted by Zero Waste Sooke (part of Transition Sooke) at the Sooke Library. This community-driven event promotes sustainability, affordability, and connection by providing families with gently used baby and toddler supplies.

Event Details:

• Donation Drop-off: January 19–25, 2025
  Donations of gently used baby and toddler supplies (clothing, toys, books, etc.) can be dropped off at the Sooke Library during this period.
• Supplies Swap: Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Families are invited to visit the Sooke Library Multipurpose Room to browse and take what they need from the collected donations

The event is open to all and aims to foster a sense of community while supporting sustainable practices. By reusing and sharing, participants can reduce waste, save money, and help others in the process.

“The District of Sooke is proud to support this initiative,” says Mayor Maja Tait. “Events like this strengthen our community, promote sustainability, and provide tangible support to families.”

Location:
Sooke Library, 6671 Wadams Way - Multipurpose Room

We look forward to seeing you there!

The District of Sooke is pleased to share that Zero Waste Sooke, part of Transition Sooke, will be hosting their popular Repair Café on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the downstairs dining hall of the

Sooke Community Hall.

This free, community-driven event invites residents to bring in items that need repair instead of discarding them, helping to reduce waste while fostering practical skills. From small household appliances to clothing and other items, skilled volunteers will be on hand to guide participants through the repair process, promoting learning and sustainability.

What to bring:

• Lamps or small electronics that no longer work
• Clothing with tears or missing buttons
• Tools or equipment in need of maintenance
• Other household items that might otherwise end up in the landfill
  

“Repair Cafés are a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, share knowledge, and keep useful items out of the landfill,” said Christina Moog, Manager of Communications and Community Relations with the District of Sooke. “Events like this reflect Sooke’s commitment to sustainability and consideration for a zero-waste future.”

Participants are encouraged to bring their items early, as repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you’re handy with a sewing needle, intrigued by how small appliances work, or simply want to reduce your waste, the Repair Café is an inclusive event for everyone.

For more information about the event, please visit the Transition Sooke website.

Together, we can repair, reuse, and reduce waste!

Monday, December 9, 2024 - Climate Action To-Go Kits contain tools and activities to help you take action on climate change at home. Kits have been recently updated to include NEW Thermal Imaging Cameras!

Each kit contains resources and activities for you to:

• Measure household appliance electricity use with a Kill-A-Watt meter
• Discover air leaks in walls and around windows using a thermal leak detector
• Measure your home’s optimal lighting using a digital illuminance light meter
• Tune up a bike or track steps while learning about local active transportation routes
• Test showerhead water efficiency
• Identify native species of plants and animals in the region
• Audit your household's waste habits
• Measure the moisture, pH and sunlight conditions of your outdoor space
• Learn about expected climate changes while preparing for both adaptation and emergencies
• And more!

Find the digital copy of the activity guide here (PDF)

The NEW Thermal Imaging Camera Kits can help you identify hot and cold spots in your home, indicating where air leaks are occurring.
Use this kit to expose heat loss, improve energy efficiency, and save money!

Find the digital copy of the thermal imaging guidebook here (PDF)

This program is made possible through a collaborative partnership with the Capital Regional District and the Vancouver Island Regional Library. To learn more and explore additional resources, visit:

• Climate Action To-Go Kits | CRD

Sign out a kit today the Sooke Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, located at 6671 Wadams Way.

Friday, October 18, 2024 - The District of Sooke, in partnership with the Fireweed Learning Commons, is excited to announce the release of the first edition of the Climate Field Guide for Residents of the Sooke Region. This practical, one-stop resource is now available digitally, offering residents tools and guidance on how to take impactful local action to address climate change.

The Climate Field Guide builds upon the concerns of residents and supports Sooke’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. It reflects the District's vision in the Sooke2030 Cli

mate Action Plan of rethinking how we relate to others and our environment, inviting residents to work together. Through education and community collaborations we can work toward a better future.

Written by citizens for citizens, the guide empowers residents to contribute to local climate goals by addressing key areas like carbon footprint reduction, emergency preparedness for climate events, and personal wellbeing in a time of climate uncertainty. The Liveable Futures Workshop Series hosted by the Fireweed Learning Commons is using this guide to engage residents in interactive climate planning for households as well as learning about the global energy transition, climate misinformation, and how to talk about climate across diverse perspectives.

Mayor Maja Tait expressed appreciation for the guide, stating:
"Our community is committed to creating a sustainable future, and this Climate Field Guide is a valuable resource to help residents make informed choices. The actions we take today will have a lasting impact on future generations.

Dr. Elizabeth Lange, PhD, Co-Chair of the Fireweed Learning Commons, added:
"The path to a liveable future requires each of us to not only think differently but to act differently. This guide and our workshops are more than just a how-to resource—they are an invitation for residents to reconnect with the Earth to understand what is going on around us, to our community and hope in its collective future, and to the concrete actions required of us in an already changing climate. I have deep gratitude for the T’Sou-ke Coast Salish and their territory where we live, and for the wisdom of these lands and waters which teach us how to shape a sustainable and just future, now and for future generations."

Key features of the Climate Field Guide include:

• Emergency Preparedness: Practical steps to protect your household against the growing threat of extreme weather events, such as wildfires, floods, and heatwaves.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Detailed information on energy-saving and cost-saving options like heat pumps, low carbon transportation, reducing household waste, and grants/rebates.
• Wellbeing: Tips on improving personal and community resilience through local food and water security, less stress, and more emotional wellness and hope in anxious times.

The Climate Field Guide reflects Sooke’s broader climate action vision of working together to create an even better community.

Access the digital copy of the Climate Field Guide, by clicking the cover image or visiting fireweedlearningcommons.ca. Hard copies will be available through the Liveable Futures Workshop Series hosted by the Fireweed Learning Commons, offered again in Spring 2025.

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Acknowledgments

Compilation Team
Fireweed Learning Commons
Catherine Albertson, Primary Researcher
Dr. Elizabeth Lange
Dr. Shandell Houlden
Lily Mah-Sen
Liz Bueckert

Graphic Design
Matt Hornsby
Production Graphics
www.matthornsby.ca

Printing
Sooke Fax and Copy Centre
www.sookecopycentre.com

Content reviewers:
Christina Moog, Communications, District of Sooke
Maia Schnorr Von Carolsfeld, CRD, E-Mobility Coordinator
Steve Unger, Shift Solar
Helen Ritts, Sooke Emergency Support Services, Volunteer
Ian Waugh, former manager, Interpretive and Environmental Education Services, Alberta Parks

The District of Sooke is excited to announce an upcoming workshop designed to empower residents with the knowledge and skills to grow vegetables year-round. Titled "Planning Your Year-Round Veggie Garden," this workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The session will provide practical insights into how to sow, transition crops, care for soil, and protect crops during the winter months—helping gardeners enjoy fresh produce throughout the year.

This workshop aligns with the District's Climate Action Plan by promoting sustainable, local food production and supporting resilient food systems. Local food production reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with food transportation, contributing to the community's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. By learning how to extend the growing season, participants can reduce dependency on external food sources and embrace climate-resilient gardening practices.

“As we adapt to the impacts of climate change, growing food locally and sustainably becomes more important than ever. The knowledge gained from this workshop will help residents strengthen their connection to the land and play a part in mitigating climate impacts,” says Christina Moog, District of Sooke Communications and Community Relations Manager.

Workshop attendees will also learn about soil health, a key focus of sustainable farming practices that can improve crop yields while maintaining ecological balance. Special attention will be given to protecting crops from winter weather extremes, another critical component of year-round gardening.

This initiative is part of the District's broader commitment to addressing climate change, outlined in the Sooke Climate Action Plan, which encourages residents to engage in environmentally-friendly practices and build a more self-reliant, sustainable future for the community.

For more information and to register for the workshop:

• Planning Your Year-Round Veggie Garden - Vancouver Island Regional Library (virl.bc.ca)

Thursday, October 17, 2024 - The District of Sooke is proud to recognize the tremendous efforts of community volunteers from the Friends of Sooke Parks Society, who joined forces with Parks and Environmental Services

Coordinator, Jessica Boquist, to tackle invasive species in Pineridge Park on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Armed with gloves, tools, and a deep commitment to preserving Sooke’s natural environment, volunteers spent the afternoon removing harmful species such as English Ivy and Himalayan blackberry, which threaten native plants and disrupt the local ecosystem.

Boquist expressed her gratitude, “The dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers are what makes our parks and natural spaces thrive. This community effort not only helps protect biodiversity but also strengthens the connection between residents and their natural surroundings.”

The group made great strides in controlling the spread of invasive plants, pulling out roots and removing substantial amounts of holly and blackberry from the park. The volunteers’ teamwork and determination were evident as they worked together in the autumn drizzle to clear the area for native species to flourish.

These types of volunteer-led initiatives are key to Sooke’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and park stewardship. The District looks forward to future collaborations with Friends of Sooke Parks Society and other local organizations in continuing this important work.

Upcoming Event: Spooky Pumpkin Walk at Pineridge Park

As part of an ongoing effort to engage the community and celebrate our natural spaces, residents are invited to participate in the Spooky Pumpkin Walk, hosted by Friends of Sooke Parks Society, at Pineridge Park on Wednesday, November 1, 2024. Bring your carved pumpkins and let them shine one last time! This family-friendly event will feature a lit-up pumpkin trail through the park, perfect for a fun, spooky evening for all ages. Pumpkins will be composted after the event.

Join us in celebrating community spirit, environmental sustainability, and the beauty of Pineridge Park—whether through volunteer efforts like invasive species removal or festive events like the Spooky Pumpkin Walk!

Pineridge Park is accessed from the main entrance at the 6600 block of Rhodonite Drive or from the path off Pineridge Place.

To discover more parks in Sooke, use the Sooke Parks Finder Map.

The District of Sooke is excited to announce an upcoming series of free workshops hosted by the Sooke Region Food CHI Society, with support from the Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN) and the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL). The workshop series, titled “Growing and Harvesting Food & Seeds”, aligns with the goals of the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan, helping residents build resilience through sustainable food production practices.

Starting October 20, 2024, this hands-on series will empower community members to contribute to local food security, reduce carbon footprints, and support sustainable agriculture—all key elements of the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan. The plan emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts by encouraging local, sustainable solutions like community gardening and seed saving. These workshops will provide participants with practical tools to grow their own food, reduce waste, and promote environmental stewardship.

Workshop Schedule:

• Oct. 20 (11am-2pm): Planting Garlic – Facilitator: Adam Noseworthy
• Oct. 27 (11am-2pm): Seaweed: Food and Medicine – Facilitator: Amanda Swinimer
• Nov. 3 (11am-2pm): Vegetable Seed Saving Basics – Facilitator: Jessica Prieto
• Nov. 7 (6pm-8pm): Composting Basics – Facilitator: Haya Aldoori
• Nov. 17 (11am-2pm): Fruit Tree Pruning Basics – Facilitator: Jeremy Newell
• Nov. 24 (11am-2pm): Maximizing Garden Yields: Succession Planting – Facilitator: Lo Shrum

This series directly supports the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan’s, which includes a focus on building community resilience through food security and promoting sustainable land use practices. By learning how to grow their own food, compost organic waste, and save seeds, residents can reduce their reliance on industrial food systems that contribute to global emissions, while also creating a more self-sufficient, climate-resilient community.

Workshops are free to attend, but space is limited, and participants are encouraged to register early. Visit virl.bc.ca/tag/grow for more information and to sign up.

By supporting local food production and fostering sustainable living practices, the Sooke Region Food CHI Society, in partnership with SRCHN and VIRL, is contributing to the District’s long-term goals for climate action and environmental sustainability. Join us in taking practical steps toward a greener future and a more climate-resilient Sooke!

The Friends of Sooke Parks Society, with support from the District of Sooke, is inviting the community to a special evening of autumn fun at the annual Spooky Pumpkin Walk at Pineridge Park! Mark your calendars for Friday, November 1st, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and bring your carved pumpkins to light up the trails for one final spooky celebration.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, November 1st, 2024
• Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Pineridge Park, entrance via the 6600 block of Rhodonite Drive or the path off Pineridge Place.
• Activities: Drop off your pre-carved pumpkins anytime after 1:00 p.m. on November 1st, and LED lights will be provided to illuminate them for the evening. Walk the festively lit trails after 5:00 p.m. and enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate.
• Post-event: All pumpkins will be composted after the event to ensure environmentally friendly disposal.

This event is not only a chance to enjoy family-friendly fun, but it also supports Sooke’s broader sustainability goals. By composting the pumpkins, we’re ensuring that organic waste is managed responsibly, aligning with the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan, which emphasizes reducing emissions and minimizing waste. As the District works towards the vision of a cleaner, greener future, small community actions like these play a crucial role in promoting climate readiness and environmental stewardship.

The Spooky Pumpkin Walk is a fantastic opportunity to connect with neighbours and enjoy the autumn season while contributing to the District’s commitment to climate action. Together, we can celebrate the festive spirit while helping to reduce our carbon footprint and support sustainable waste management practices.