Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan: Implementation

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.

The District of Sooke is pleased to announce that progress continues on the much-anticipated Little River Crossing Project. At the September 23rd Council meeting, Sooke Council authorized the issuance of the Development Permit for the construction of a multi-use trail and bridge that will greatly enhance connectivity within the community. The new trail and bridge will connect Sunriver Way by Poirier Elementary School, facilitating pedestrian travel between Sooke’s Town Core and the Sunriver Neighbourhood.

“This project marks an exciting step forward in the development of Sooke's trail system,” 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 Little River Crossing will not only provide a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists but also encourage outdoor activity and ease transportation challenges by offering a sustainable, active transportation option. The multi-use trail and bridge design is part of the District’s broader vision for enhancing local infrastructure and supporting community health, safety, and mobility. It will transform an approximately 8-kilometre round trip on Highway 14, often traveled by vehicle, to an approximate 1.2-kilometre walk or wheel route.

Reducing Emissions and Supporting Sustainability

In alignment with the District’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Little River Crossing will contribute to local emission reduction goals. By creating an accessible, alternative route for pedestrians and cyclists, the project is expected to significantly decrease short car trips that would otherwise contribute to local greenhouse gas emissions. This infrastructure improvement supports Sooke’s broader efforts to transition to low-carbon transportation and fosters a healthier, more resilient community.

Key Tentative Project Milestones:

• August 2024: Receive Agricultural Land Commission (ALR) decision - COMPLETE
• September 2024 – Obtain approvals and finalize design.
• Fall 2024 – Invitation to Tender posted
• December 2024 – Award construction contract
• January 2025 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 fisheries window.
• Fall 2025 – Substantial completion.

Further updates on the project timeline will be shared as the project advances.

To learn more about the project’s history, please visit:

• Little River (Demamiel Creek) Pedestrian Crossing (sooke.ca)

The District of Sooke is proud to support the Cool It! Climate Leadership Training program, which reached 120 students in the 2023-2024 school year in our community. Through hands-on activities and engaging lessons, students learned about climate action and sustainability, empowering them to make a real impact on their communities and the environment.

Delivered in partnership with the BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA) and the Capital Regional District, Cool It! introduces students to practical ways of reducing their carbon footprint and becoming climate leaders in their schools and homes. The program encourages participants to adopt sustainable habits such as reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and exploring alternative transportation options.

"Supporting programs like Cool It! aligns with the District's commitment to fostering environmental awareness and sustainability, particularly among our youth. We are thrilled to see so many students actively engaging in these critical conversations about the future," said Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator and Climate Action Team lead with the district.

The Cool It! program will continue in the 2024-2025 school year, allowing even more students in Sooke to benefit from this climate leadership training. The District remains committed to helping the next generation lead the way in creating a sustainable and resilient future.

For more information about Cool It! Climate Leadership Training, visit the BCSEA website.

Local teachers interested in bringing the program to their classrooms in Sooke, can contact Christina Moog at cmoog@sooke.ca to express interest.

Coming to Sooke Fall 2024!

Climate change concerns continue to grow, with over 70% of Sooke residents expressing significant worry. Are you one of them? Do you want to know what you can do?

The workshop series will enable individuals and households to learn climate-friendly practices that will also increase wellbeing for you, your family, and for our community of Sooke.

As a workshop participant, you will design a climate action plan that fits your needs, time, and budget; learn how to prepare for a range of climate risk; know where to access reliable information, grants, and products; and understand how your actions are part of the bigger reality of climate action.

Hosted by university professors and professional educators, the workshops will be enjoyable and informative with videos, activities, and engaging discussion.

1. What in the World is Going On? Putting Climate Change into Perspective
Saturday September 21, 9 am to 1 pm

2. Building a Higher-Quality Life for You and for Sooke
Saturday October 5, 9 am to 1 pm

3. The Nuts and Bolts of Climate Action… Acts of Hope
Saturday October 19, 9 am to 1 pm

Attendance is free.

For further information, please email fireweedlearningcommons@gmail.com.

• REGISTER HERE

The District is sharing the following announcement from BC Hydro:

BC Hydro has installed its first 180-kilowatt chargers on Vancouver Island at its new electric vehicle fast charging site in Sooke.

“An important part of our CleanBC climate plan is helping people make the switch from a gas-powered vehicle to one that runs on B.C.’s clean electricity – whether you’re driving around a city, a small town, or a more remote area of our vast and beautiful province,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “This new electric vehicle charge site in Sooke continues our work with BC Hydro and other partners to make cleaner options more accessible and affordable for all British Columbians.”

The new 180-kilowatt chargers are located in the Evergreen Centre parking lot (6660 Sooke Road) and can add 180 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. This location also includes a curbless design and lower displays on the new chargers for better accessibility.

“These new charging stations will help British Columbians get to where they need to go more quickly and reliably, all while using clean energy,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “More electric chargers bring both environmental and economic benefits as we work towards lowering our climate-changing emissions 40% by 2030.”

In addition to being faster, the units also offer dual charging or power sharing, which allows two customers to use the same charger. For example, a 180-kilowatt charger can adjust to provide two 90-kilowatt charging ports, which allows more drivers to access public charging stations at the same time.

“There is a growing community of EV drivers in Sooke, and we are proud to make it the first location on Vancouver Island to offer these higher-powered chargers within BC Hydro’s network,” said Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “With more options for fast charging, Sooke is now better equipped to meet the needs of our growing EV community. This advancement will not only support local residents but also encourage more people to consider electric vehicles as a viable and sustainable transportation choice.”

The adoption of electric vehicles across British Columbia has increased significantly. There are now more than 170,000 EVs on the road in B.C., and BC Hydro predicts there will be between 700,000 and 900,000 EVs within the next 10 years.

“British Columbians are embracing electric vehicles faster than any other jurisdiction in Canada and that’s why we are continuing to make investments for growth within our current system and building out our fast charging network across B.C.,” says Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “These new chargers are part of our expansion plan to achieve geographic connectivity of our EV fast charging network, with a station located at least every 150 kilometres throughout B.C.”

BC Hydro’s provincewide fast charging network currently includes 270 charging ports at 107 sites in communities throughout B.C. The chargers are funded in a partnership with the Province of B.C. and Natural Resources Canada.