Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan: Implementation

Don’t throw it away — repair and reuse it!

Community members are invited to bring up to two broken household items to the Repair Café on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the lower floor of Sooke Community Hall.

Skilled volunteers will be available to help with a range of repairs, including electronics, woodworking, bicycle repair, jewelry repair, knife sharpening and clothing mending. A plastic welder and vinyl decal repairer will also be on hand.

By helping residents extend the life of household items, the Repair Café offers a practical way to reduce waste, save money and connect with others in the community. Please note that a maximum of two items per person may be brought for repair.

The District of Sooke thanks the volunteers with Zero Waste Sooke for making this event possible and for supporting community-based waste reduction.

To learn more about Repair Café and similar local programs, visit Zero Waste Sooke at:
https://www.zerowastesooke.com/

The District of Sooke’s 2026 Community Grant Program is helping advance the goals of the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan by supporting grassroots projects that strengthen local resilience, environmental stewardship, food security, emergency preparedness and community connection.

Council has approved 32 community grants and sponsorships, totaling $71,753, to support organizations whose services, programs, events and initiatives contribute to the well-being, vibrancy and connection of the Sooke community.

While not every funded project is climate-specific, many support the broader foundation of climate resilience: strong neighbourhood connections, local food systems, environmental education, inclusive community spaces, youth engagement, emergency readiness and care for the natural environment. These are all important parts of a community that can adapt, respond and thrive as climate-related pressures increase.

The Community Grant Program is guided by Council-approved criteria that include environmental, social and emergency preparedness value. Projects are assessed, in part, on how they promote environmental stewardship, climate awareness, social sustainability, place-based learning, or community readiness and resilience.

Several funded initiatives directly support the goals of the District's Climate Action Plan, including:

Food security and local growing
Community garden, school garden and food literacy projects help residents build practical skills, strengthen local food systems and connect with each other close to home. Funded projects include accessible garden beds, youth gardening, school garden and food literacy work, and food security programming.

Environmental stewardship and education
Projects such as the Children’s Garden Program, Sustainability Superstars, Friends of Sooke Parks’ parks enhancement work, and the 606 Water Group’s streamkeeping initiative support hands-on learning, habitat care, water stewardship and community-based environmental action.

Emergency preparedness and community safety
Funding for marine rescue equipment and other community safety initiatives supports local readiness and the volunteer capacity needed to respond during emergencies. Emergency preparedness is also recognized in the Community Grant Policy as activities that strengthen the community’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies or natural disasters.

Health, inclusion and social connection
Climate resilience is also about people. Programs that support youth, seniors, food access, mental health, recreation, cultural participation and community connection help reduce vulnerability and build the relationships communities rely on during times of stress or disruption.

The Community Grant Policy describes the program as a way to cultivate “a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community” by encouraging collaboration, creativity and shared experiences. It also recognizes that investing in grassroots initiatives strengthens community connections and promotes environmental and social sustainability.

Through this funding, the District is supporting community-led action that complements larger climate initiatives. Together, these projects show that climate action is not only about infrastructure and emissions reduction — it is also about building local capacity, caring for ecosystems, strengthening food systems, supporting volunteers and creating more opportunities for residents to participate in community life.

Residents are encouraged to follow Climate Action Plan implementation updates on this page and visit sooke.ca/events for upcoming grant-supported events and opportunities to get involved.

The District of Sooke is inviting residents to register for a free Wildfire Resilient Gardening Workshop on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Sooke Municipal Hall, Council Chamber, located at 2205 Otter Point Road.

As wildfire seasons become longer and more severe, small actions around the home can make a meaningful difference. This practical workshop will help residents learn how to design, plant and maintain outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and more resilient to wildfire.

Participants will learn easy-to-follow tips for creating FireSmart landscapes, including how to choose more resilient plants, manage mulch and groundcovers, identify vulnerable areas in the yard, and use garden design strategies that can help reduce risk around the home.

“You don’t need to completely redesign your yard to make it more wildfire resilient,” said Madison Crawford, FireSmart Coordinator with the District of Sooke. “This workshop is about sharing practical, approachable ideas residents can use at home — whether that’s choosing plants that are better suited to our area, rethinking where mulch is placed, or making small changes around the house that can help reduce wildfire risk.”

The workshop is part of the District’s broader wildfire preparedness efforts this season. Residents can also take practical action by participating in the remaining free FireSmart Yard Waste Disposal Days, which help reduce dry brush, leaves, branches and overgrown vegetation that can act as fuel for wildfires. Drop-off is available on remaining Saturdays in May, excluding the May long weekend, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the District of Sooke Parks Yard, 2070 Kaltasin Road. The program is open to District of Sooke residential property owners and occupants only; commercial loads are not permitted.

The June 14 session is open to residents ages 16 and up, whether they are experienced gardeners or just getting started. The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required. Doors open at 11:40 a.m.

Residents are encouraged to register early, as space may be limited. Registration is available through Eventbrite by searching “Wildfire Resilient Gardening Workshop – District of Sooke.”

The opening of the Little River (DeMamiel Creek) Pedestrian Crossing and Multi-Use Trail marks an important step in implementing Sooke’s Climate Action Plan by making it easier for residents to choose active transportationfor short local trips.

The new crossing links the Sunriver neighbourhood, local schools and Sooke’s town core through a 600-metre forested trail, creating a more direct alternative to the previous four-kilometre route along Highway 14. The project adds a new connection within Sooke’s active transportation network and supports walking, routes to school, recreation and access to nature.

This kind of infrastructure directly supports the goals of Sooke's Climate Action Plan, which calls on the community to rethink how we move, enjoy more time closer to home, strengthen local connection and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sooke is working toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.

By providing a safe, scenic and convenient route between neighbourhoods, schools and community amenities, the Little River Crossing helps make walking a more practical option for everyday movement. It also supports a more connected community by giving residents, students and families an alternative to travelling by vehicle for some local trips.

The project reflects several climate action themes:

• Active transportation - How We Move: The trail supports walking and everyday travel, helping residents make lower-carbon choices for short trips.
• Complete, connected communities - How We Grow: By linking Sunriver, schools and the town core, the crossing brings key destinations closer together and supports more local movement.
• Connection to nature - How We Relate: The forested trail, ravine and creek setting offer residents a way to move through the community while experiencing the natural environment that shapes Sooke’s identity.
• Learning and stewardship - How We Relate: Interpretive signage and Coast Salish art are integrated along the route, reflecting the history and ongoing relationship to place. The project also creates opportunities for students and families to learn from the forest, river and surrounding environment.
• Partnership and long-term planning - How We Lead: Originally identified through the District’s Parks and Trails Master Plan and supported by community advocates and advisory groups, the project demonstrates how long-term planning, partnership and investment can advance climate action in practical, community-focused ways.

Together, these benefits show that climate action is not only about emissions targets. It is also about creating a community where people can safely and conveniently move between the places they live, learn, work and gather — while staying connected to the natural environment.

Residents are invited to experience the Little River Crossing respectfully and thoughtfully, and to continue following Climate Action Plan implementation updates on this page.

Elder Jackie offers a blessing during the opening of the Little River Crossing on May 15, 2026.

As communities across British Columbia prepare for another wildfire season, Sooke is taking meaningful steps to reduce risk and build resilience—starting right at home.

This May, the District of Sooke is bringing back its popular free FireSmart yard waste disposal days. On Saturdays throughout the month, excluding the May long weekend, residents can drop off yard waste at no charge between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the District of Sooke Parks Yard on Kaltasin Road. Please note that commercial loads are not permitted.

The initiative supports residents in taking practical action to reduce wildfire hazards. Removing dry brush, leaves, and overgrown vegetation helps eliminate fuel that can contribute to the spread and intensity of fires.

Invasive plant material accepted at yard waste drop-off includes Scotch and Gorse broom, English ivy, English holly, and Himalayan blackberry. Residents are kindly asked to separate these materials from other yard waste at drop-off.

These efforts align with Community Wildfire Resilience Day on May 2, which will be marked locally with a community stewardship event at John Phillips Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in collaboration with the Friends of Sooke Parks Society. Residents are invited to come out, connect with neighbours, and take part in hands-on activities that support a safer, more resilient landscape.

Incorporating FireSmart practices at home is another key step in wildfire preparedness. Residents are encouraged to:

• Remove dead plants, branches, and leaves from around the home
• Maintain a non-combustible zone within 1.5 metres of structures
• Store firewood and combustible materials away from buildings
• Clean roofs and gutters regularly

Sooke Fire Rescue is available to support residents with free home and property assessments, offering personalized recommendations to reduce wildfire risk.

Wildfire resilience is built through shared effort. By participating in yard clean-up, attending community events, and adopting FireSmart practices, Sooke residents can help protect their homes, neighbours, and the natural environment.

The District of Sooke acknowledges funding support from partners, including the UBCM FireSmart Program and the Province of British Columbia.

For more information on FireSmart and the District's Emergency Planning and Preparedness Program, please visit sooke.ca/EPP.

The District of Sooke is pleased to share that the T'Sou-ke Nation Emergency Program Coordinator, in collaboration with local partners including local Emergency Support Services and the District of Sooke Emergency Management Program, is hosting an Emergency Preparedness Open House on Saturday, May 9, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the T'Sou-ke Nation Community Complex & Health Centre. All are welcome to come together to learn, engage, and connect.

This event reflects the ongoing collaboration between T'Sou-ke Nation and the District of Sooke as we work together to strengthen emergency preparedness across our communities. By sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences, we can better support one another in preparing for emergencies and building resilience.

Community members are encouraged to attend and take part in a range of engaging and educational activities, including:

• Earthquake simulation experiences
• Emergency preparedness information and guidance
• Opportunities to connect with emergency management professionals
• Family-friendly activities such as face painting and interactive displays

This is a valuable opportunity to learn practical steps to prepare your household, ask questions, and connect with others who are committed to community safety.

For more information on emergency preparedness in Sooke, visit:
https://www.sooke.ca/programs-services/emergency-planning-and-preparedness/

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for our local Public Alert Notification System to receive important updates during emergencies directly to their phone or email. Register at: sooke.ca/alert.

The District of Sooke is pleased to share the following from our friends at the Sooke Region Museum and Victora Information Centre:

Spring Speaker Series at the Sooke Region Museum

Working with Native Plants in Our Local Ecosystems, with Kristen Miskelly
Thursday 19 March 2026, 7:00pm

Tales from the Underground with Andy MacKinnon
Thursday 16 April 2026, 7:00pm

• Admission by donation
• Speaker Series is presented in the Events Pavilion
• Museum & Gift Shop open to 7pm prior to speakers

Vancouver Island is known for being the wild West Coast, and the Sooke Region is a great place to experience the natural world. From the oceans to the plants to the wildlife, there is natural beauty and abundance at every turn, but in order to thrive, those ecosystems need native plants and rich soil.

This Spring, join the Sooke Region Museum in welcoming Kristen Miskelly and Andy MacKinnon as they share their knowledge and insight on native plants and soil to help us understand their value and inspire us to care for the ecosystems that sustain us.

On Thursday 19 March, Kristen will speak about local native plants and the work being done at Satinflower Nurseries, where they specialize in regionally adapted native plants and seeds, seed-based propagation, ecological restoration, and education.

Then, on Thursday 16 April, Andy MacKinnon- forest ecologist, author, professor, biologist, and mycologist- will dig into our west coast soils and shed some light on what happens beneath our feet in his talk, Tales from the Underground.

Last year the Sooke Region Historical Society asked the community what they were interested in seeing more of…and the subject that received the most votes (just after local history) was natural heritage. So here you are, two evenings dedicated entirely to our region’s native plants and soil.

Earth Day is coming up on 22 April – come and celebrate it with us!

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More information: Sarah Wilford, Programs Manager or Michelle Richard, Executive Director
Phone: 250-642-6351 | Email: programs@sookeregionmuseum.ca or director@sookeregionmuseum.ca

Spring is around the corner, and a limited number of garden plots are now available at the Sooke Community Garden on Wadams Way.

The garden is operated in collaboration with Transition Sooke and the Sooke Children’s Health Foundation, creating a welcoming space where residents can grow food, connect with neighbours, and take part in a thriving community gardening initiative.

Whether you’re interested in growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, the spaces offers a great opportunity to get your hands in the soil and be part of a vibrant local gardening community.

Plots are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents interested in reserving a plot can contact the garden organizers directly:

• Email: sookecommunitygardens@gmail.com
• Location: Sooke Community Garden, 6672 Wadams Way