Ready to Retrofit? Learn from the Experts at Sooke’s Retrofit Festival– June 7 at Woodside Farm

A part of the 25^th Anniversary Community Day Celebration!

Curious about heat pumps? Wondering if your home is ready for an energy retrofit? Whether you’re planning renovations or just starting to explore, the Sooke Retrofit Community Festival is your chance to connect with leading experts and get practical advice on making your home more energy efficient.

Taking place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Woodside Farm (7149 West Coast Road, Sooke), this one-day event offers expert-led panels, contractor demos, and hands-on guidance for residents interested in reducing energy bills, increasing comfort, and improving home performance.

Funded through the Local Government Climate Action Program, the Retrofit Festival is about equipping Sooke residents with the tools, support, and knowledge to take climate-wise steps at their own pace.

“The Retrofit Festival is one way we’re looking to the future—equipping our residents with the information and resources to make energy-smart choices at their own pace,” says Chris Marshall, Director of Planning and Development for the District of Sooke. “We recognize that not everyone is ready to make these investments today. But for those who are, or are just starting to explore their options, we want to ensure they feel supported, informed, and empowered to take action that benefits both their household and the environment.”

Expert Panel Schedule

(Presentation Tents – inside Woodside Farm Grounds)

Living Library & Expert Alley – Open 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Meet the Panelists:

• Liam Butters – Ecology Consulting: A Professional Engineer and Certified Energy Manager with deep expertise in building science and energy performance. Liam helps homeowners and businesses balance practical realities with energy efficiency goals.
• Mark Bernhardt – Bernhardt Contracting: A leading voice in Canada’s high-performance building movement, Mark is a Passive House Consultant who develops tools, trains builders, and promotes the adoption of energy-efficient construction practices.
• Jeffrey Robinson – Canadian Association of Certified Energy Advisors: An experienced energy advisor and Red Seal carpenter who has completed more than 1,000 EnerGuide evaluations. Jeffrey specializes in supporting both new builds and renovations with education-first guidance.
• Wendy Wall – Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association: As president of a long-standing non-profit supporting strata owners, Wendy helps residents of duplexes, townhouses, and condos navigate rebates, legal steps, and planning considerations for energy retrofits and EV charging infrastructure.
• Cameron Lockhart – CarbonWise Consulting: With over a decade in the trades and six years as an energy advisor, Cameron brings practical insight into retrofitting homes for climate goals—especially for those undertaking larger-scale or phased upgrades.

Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or strata council member, this is your opportunity to get inspired, get informed, and take your next step toward a more efficient home. For Retrofit Festival details, visit: citygreen.ca/projects/sooke-retrofit-community-festival View the Retrofit Festival Experience Programme Brochure: Retrofit Festival Brochure Sooke (PDF) To learn more about the 25^th Anniversary Community Day Celebration, visit: sooke.ca/events.