Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan: Implementation

For the first time, BC Hydro will provide rebates for the installation of rooftop solar and battery-storage systems. The new program supports the Province’s new clean-energy strategy that was released June 27, 2024. Eligible homeowners can receive BC Hydro rebates up to $10,000. BC Hydro will also be rolling out targeted rebates for apartment buildings, schools, community organizations, local governments, small businesses, social-housing providers and Indigenous communities, up to $50,000-$150,000 based on the individual customer. The rebates will be available later in July.

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Today, the District of Sooke is launching an updated Parks Finder Map to simplify exploring Sooke’s 72 parks! This digital map offers easy navigation, letting residents easily find amenities and more. For those seeking green spaces for leisure, walking trails, or picnics, the enhanced map is a user-friendly tool to discover Sooke’s natural beauty.

Key features include:

• Detailed Park Listings: Get info on park locations and amenities.
• Advanced Search: Filter parks by amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas to suit your needs.
• Mobile Compatibility: Access the map on your phone for convenient outdoor planning.

Manager of Parks and Environmental Services, Emma Taylor spoke about the launch of the enhanced Parks Finder Map, stating, “Our parks serve as essential spaces for recreation, relaxation, and connecting with nature. With the introduction of this upgraded tool, we aim to make it easier than ever for residents to discover and enjoy the diverse range of parks available in Sooke.”

The District of Sooke invites residents to explore the enhanced Parks Finder Map and discover the numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration and enjoyment within the community. To access the Parks Finder Map, visit: Sooke Parks Finder (arcgis.com).

Nationally recognized wildland-urban fire expert Alan Westhaver will deliver a public presentation about how these disasters occur and practical steps homeowners can take to protect their homes. The event will take place at the Sooke Council Chambers, 2205 Otter Point Road, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, beginning at 7:00 PM.

Westhaver has over three decades of experience in dealing with, and researching wildfires and community fire protection with Parks Canada, and as a consultant. He was a founding member of the national FireSmart program now used in every province and territory. His current work helps inform the efforts of governments and fire agencies across the country.

Using his on-site examinations of disasters at Lytton (BC) and Fort McMurray (AB) as examples, Westhaver’s talk will focus on the principles which underlie wildland-urban fire disasters, and the simple, affordable actions Sooke area homeowners can take to reduce the vulnerability of their homes in the event of a wildfire. He’ll also discuss the importance of neighbourhoods acting collectively, offer strategies for undertaking these efforts, and dispel some of the persistent myths that surround these fires.

“It’s not a matter of if communities like Sooke are confronted by wildfire, it’s when,” Westhaver explained. “Survival is ultimately up to property owners to prepare their homes and the critical 30 metres around them to reduce the chances of structure ignition. When this is done, firefighters can be more effective – and safer in protecting the community”. “I’m passionate about helping people learn how to do this.”

The talk is sponsored by the District of Sooke and Greater Victoria Regional Fire Departments, with an introduction by District of Sooke Emergency Program Manager, Ryland Bennett. The talk is presented as a cascade from Emergency Preparedness Week. Seating at the event is limited so people are advised to arrive early.

Contact:
Madison Crawford
Fire Prevention Inspector/Life Safety Educator
Tel: 250-642-5422 ext. 688
Email: mcrawford@sooke.ca

The District is sharing this release from the Transition Sooke and Sooke Food CHI:

The Sooke Community Garden project, in co-operation with the District of Sooke, wants to engage with the residents of Sooke on possible locations for community gardens.

“As higher density development becomes more commonplace in the Sooke core,” says Levi Megenbir, spokesperson from Transition Sooke, “retaining space for residents to learn about and grow their own food close to their homes is growing in importance.”

“We have been exploring the possibility of creating community gardens in some Sooke parks,” says Ellen Lewers, spokesperson for Sooke Region Food Chi. “We feel that growing vegetables in our parks is an appropriate activity and could provide direct benefits to the community.”

After conducting a detailed review of the park possibilities, the groups are presently looking at two parks — Woodland Creek Park and Ponds Park Corridor (next to Carter Navarrete Dog Park). Two “open houses” will be held at the parks — Tuesday June 25, 4 – 6:30 pm at Ponds Park Corridor and Thursday, June 27 4 – 6:30 pm at Woodlands Creek.

Volunteers have already been going door-to-door in the areas of the two parks and a survey is available for all interested Sooke citizens. Links to the survey and more information can be found on the District of Sooke’s website: https://letstalk.sooke.ca/communitygardens or Transition Sooke’s website:
https://transitionsooke.org/sooke-community-gardens/.

The development of community gardens is possible through a District of Sooke Community Climate Action Seed Funding grant to Transition Sooke for a total of $7,000 over two years (2023 – 24) providing critical start-up costs.

“We’re excited to collaborate with the District of Sooke and thank them for this generous funding to make these projects happen,” says Megenbir.

Transition Sooke is a citizen-based, volunteer, public-interest group focused on co-creating a sustainable, resilient and secure community that meets the challenges of the climate emergency in the Sooke region. Sooke Region Food CHI organizes and advocates around food security issues so the community can grow towards a vibrant, resilient local food economy.

For more information, contact:

• Levi Megenbir, Transition Sooke, 250-508-0842, levi.megenbir@gmail.com
• Ellen Lewers, Sooke Region Food CHI, 250-812-2830, mrslewersfarmhouse@gmail.com

As wildfire season begins in B.C., it’s more important than ever to ensure we are prepared. We are pleased to announce that Broombusters in Sooke is leading a Wildfire Preparedness Day event, in collaboration with the District of Sooke, which will take place on Sunday, June 2, from 11 AM to 1 PM. The event will be held at the Stickleback Urban Trail Head near Journey Middle School on Ponds Park Corridor (see photos).

Wildfire Preparedness Day is an opportunity for community members to come together to help FireSmart the area and to learn valuable strategies to protect their homes and properties from wildfires. The event will include:

• Community Clean-Up: Join us in clearing flammable vegetation and debris along the trail to create a safer environment.
• Education: Experts will provide information on how to fire-smart your home and property, including tips on creating defensible space and using fire-resistant building materials.
• Emergency Preparedness: Learn how to develop an emergency plan for your family, including evacuation routes and emergency supply kits.

“We want to empower our community with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves from wildfires,” said Sooke Fire Chief Ted Ruiter. “This event is a great way to come together, make a difference, and ensure we are all better prepared for an emergency, such as the threat of wildfire.”

Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and bring gloves and any personal tools they have for vegetation clearing. Water and light refreshments will be provided.

Don't miss this chance to make a positive impact in your community and enhance your own wildfire preparedness. We look forward to seeing you there!

As always, carpooling and alternative modes of transportation to District events is encouraged. Parking is available nearby at Journey Middle School.

For more information, please contact:
Madison Crawford, Fire Protection
District of Sooke
Tel: 250.642.5422
mcrawford@sooke.ca

Site:

Together, the Sooke Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, the Compost Education Centre and the District of Sooke, are excited to announce a series of complimentary workshops aimed at bolstering community resiliency and food security! These workshops are designed to educate and empower residents with practical skills for sustainable living, waste reduction, and soil health.

Upcoming sessions include:

Composting Crash Course

Discover the art and science of composting in this comprehensive workshop. Learn the essential ingredients for successful composting and understand its critical role in reducing landfill waste and promoting climate health. Participants will receive hands-on guidance on creating nutrient-rich compost, choosing appropriate composting systems, and enhancing compost piles to resist rodents. Advanced topics such as hot composting, compost tea, and in-situ composting methods will also be covered.

• Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024
• Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Register now >>

Zero Waste Living

Imagine a lifestyle with zero waste. This workshop will explore practical strategies for minimizing waste in every room of your home, from the bathroom to the kitchen and beyond. Learn simple changes that can lead to a significant reduction in household waste. Participants will also make a personal commitment to a waste reduction action, fostering a supportive community of accountability and progress.

• Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024
• Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Register now >>

Build Incredible Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of all life on Earth. This workshop will delve into the composition and chemistry of soil, the role of beneficial soil microbes, and effective gardening methods to enhance soil health. Attendees will learn expert techniques for composting, mulching, and building soil organic matter year-round, empowering them to cultivate thriving gardens.

• Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
• Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Register now >>

All workshops take place at the Sooke Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, located at 6671 Wadams Way. Advanced registration is required for these free sessions.

These workshops reflect a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, and are a part of District's implementation of the Sooke 2030: Climate Action Plan. Funding support is provided through the Provincial Local Government Climate Action Program and the District of Sooke's Climate Action program.

About Vancouver Island Regional Library

The Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is one of the largest library systems in British Columbia, offering a wide range of services and resources to the communities it serves. VIRL is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning, literacy, and community engagement.

About Compost Education Centre

The Compost Education Centre provides composting and ecological gardening education to help build healthy, sustainable communities. They offer resources and training to support individuals and groups in waste reduction and soil management practices.

The District of Sooke is pleased to announce that the complimentary broom drop-off program is back! As broom begins to bloom, it’s the right time to cut and remove the plant, aiding in the ongoing effort to mitigate the spread of invasive species and reduce wildfire hazards in the area.

Sooke residents are invited to bring their cut broom to the designated drop-off station at the District of Sooke Parks Yard, located at 2070 Kaltasin Road on Saturdays, from May 4 to 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Scotch broom, an invasive woody shrub introduced to southern Vancouver Island in the 1850s, poses ecological threats by competing with native plant species and altering soil chemistry. Its removal is important in reducing wildfire risks and preserving local biodiversity.

In addition to the drop-off service, residents are encouraged to engage in local broom-busting events, including one this Friday, April 26 – meet at the Broomhill playground at 9:30 a.m. For more local events, please visit sooke.ca/events.

More about the April 26^th Community Clean Up (+ Broom-Busting Event):

Come together as stewards of Sooke as we tackle the removal of broom and other invasive species litter cleanup near Broomhill playground alongside the Friends of Sooke Parks Society, the Juan Fuca Community Trails Society, Sooke Broombusters and all interested volunteers.

Meet at the picnic shelter at 9:30 AM to enjoy a light refreshment, hot tea and coffee, and receive a safety orientation as community volunteers come together to make a difference. After 2.5 hours lunch will be provided for volunteers, alongside the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company!

Please dress for the weather and bring your own tools if you have them. Limited supplies of additional tools and safety gloves are available for community volunteers. Children are welcome, with parent/guardian supervision, to assist with the litter cleanup and smaller invasive plant species removal.

We are excited to provide you with an update on the progress of the Little River Crossing and Multi-Use Trail project, a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting active transportation within Sooke.

Background:

As outlined in the 2020 Parks and Trails Master Plan (PTMP), the pedestrian crossing of DeMamiel Creek connecting the Town Centre and local schools to the Sunriver and Phillips Road neighbourhoods has been identified as a high priority by the Council (p24). This project aligns with the PTMP's vision and is an integral part of the "Sun Run" wayfinding route, contributing to our commitment to fostering a more accessible and sustainable community.

Phase 1 of the project, completed in July 2020, marked a significant milestone with the construction of 250 meters of trail connection, expansion of existing sidewalks, and the installation of a decorative crosswalk through School District 62 property at Journey Middle School and Ecole Poirier.

Current Progress:

We are making steady progress with Phase 2 of the project, which entails the construction of a trail, boardwalk, and bridge crossing over DeMamiel Creek, also known as Little River by T'Sou-ke Nation. Once completed, this phase will address a key active transportation gap between Sooke's Town Centre and Sunriver neighbourhood amenities for the community (including Ravens Ridge Park), significantly reducing travel distances and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Detailed design, land use, and environmental approvals are well underway, with construction anticipated to commence in fall 2024.

Securing $2.9 million in project funding for 2024 and 2025 has been a crucial step forward, with contributions from a federal grant ($1.3 million), provincial grant ($500,000), and various local funds (Parks Development Cost Charges, $350,000; Casino Reserve Fund, $300,000), Community Building Fund, $149,000), demonstrating our commitment to realizing this vital community project.

The District has retained ISL Engineering Ltd. to oversee the development of detailed design drawings and project management for Phase 2. Extensive topographical surveying, geotechnical reviews, and design preparations have been conducted to date, ensuring the project's integrity and alignment with environmental regulations. DRAFT detail drawings can be seen here.

Project Partners:

We are actively engaging with School District 62 to ensure project alignment and minimize any impacts on school property, while also maximizing the eventual use of our expanded trail system.

Further, T’Sou-ke Nation and Sci’anew First Nation are invited to work with the District through construction to protect cultural heritage features of the site and to develop interpretive signage.

Anticipated Timelines, as available today:

Land use and environmental approvals are in process and are expected to be secured by summer 2024.

It is anticipated that construction will commence in fall with substantial construction underway between October 2024 and September 2025.

Project constraints include working within environmentally sensitive timeframes for fish and bird nesting as well as confirming budget aligns with construction costs.

We will keep the community informed as this important project moves forward and significant milestones are known.

Bahareh Nikpey, a graduate student enrolled in the Masters in Environment and Management program at Royal Roads University, is seeking public participation in her research project titled “Social Investigation of Management Approaches to Effectively Control Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) Invasion in the Sooke Region of Vancouver Island, BC.”

The primary objective of Nikpey’s research is to assess social perspectives on Scotch broom management in order to identify existing shortcomings and enhance effective management and control efforts in the Sooke region.

Members of the public are invited to participate in this important research initiative by completing an online survey designed to gather a broad range of perspectives addressing the social aspects of Scotch broom management. The survey, which is estimated to take no longer than 15 minutes to complete, can be accessed ONLINE.

Participants can verify the authenticity of the project by contacting Nikpey’s supervisor, Professor Bill Dushenko, at bill.1dushenko@royalroads.ca.

Upon completion of her thesis report, the research findings will be disseminated through various public channels, including publication in outlets such as RRU’s Digital Archive, Pro-Quest, and Library and Archives Canada. Additionally, presentations at public and academic conferences are planned. Participants may also request a final copy of the completed thesis report or direct any inquiries to Bahareh Nikpey at Bahar.Nikpey@royalroads.ca.

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Participants are reminded that once their responses are submitted, they become part of the dataset used for analysis and reporting. The online survey will remain open until May 8th, 2024.

This research project has received approval from the RRU Research Ethics Board and is in alignment with the District’s Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan. Participants with questions regarding their rights as research participants are encouraged to contact the Office of Research Ethics at ethicalreview@royalroads.ca or 1-250-391-2600 ext. 4425.

By completing and submitting the online survey, participants indicate their consent to participate in this important research endeavour. Thank you for your participation in advancing our understanding of Scotch broom management in the Sooke.

Contact:
Bahareh Nikpey
Graduate Student, Masters in Environment and Management
School of Environment and Management
Royal Roads University
Email: Bahar.Nikpey@royalroads.ca

The Friends of Sooke Parks Society is excited to announce a collaborative effort aimed at promoting community camaraderie and environmental stewardship with a Park Clean-Up and FireSmart Event at Millennium Park.

Scheduled for Sunday, April 21st, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, volunteers are invited to join hands in sprucing up Millennium Park, located at 1971-1989 Maple Avenue South. Together, participants will roll up their sleeves to ensure the park remains a haven for all to enjoy while implementing FireSmart practices to safeguard against wildfires.

"We're thrilled to rally the community together for this important cause," says Trevor Paul, Friends of Sooke Parks Society Director. "By joining forces, we can make a significant impact in preserving and protecting our natural spaces."

In addition to the rewarding work of conservation, volunteers will be treated to complimentary coffee and treats as a token of appreciation for their efforts. This family-friendly event welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities to participate, emphasizing the inclusive nature of community involvement.

For those interested in joining or seeking more information, please contact the event organizers at friendsofsookeparks@gmail.com. Together, let's make a positive impact and ensure the longevity of our cherished natural spaces for generations to come.

This event is funded with support from the District of Sooke Community Climate Action Seed Funding Program.