The Issues That Matter
Practical solutions to improve infrastructure, accountability, affordability, and quality of life in Sooke.
Infrastructure & Traffic
Sooke has grown rapidly, but critical infrastructure has not kept pace. Residents continue to face increasing traffic congestion, delayed road improvements, and long-awaited projects that have remained stalled for years. We need a Council that moves faster, plans ahead, and delivers meaningful progress for a growing community.
As much as it is needed to improve traffic flow, I cannot support increasing taxes 10-20% for the Throup Road Project. I do support the premise, but there needs to be provincial support in the form of funding. A significant tax increase to complete this project is not feasible. We need to put pressure on the Province to advance long-overdue transportation improvements. This includes funding the Throup Road project, updating the bridge, and adding sidewalks on Sooke Road.
Infrastructure is about more than roads. Sooke also needs better recreation facilities, improved services, and the amenities that support a thriving community. It’s time to focus on practical solutions, responsible growth, and real action that improves daily life for residents.
Support the Trail Network
Sooke has the opportunity to become a leading outdoor recreation destination while preserving the natural beauty that makes our community unique. Expanding and improving trail networks will create more opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor activities for both residents and visitors.
Supporting recreation infrastructure is an investment in our local economy, community wellbeing, and tourism industry. By backing projects like the proposed trail network expansion, we can attract visitors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and strengthen Sooke’s reputation as a premier outdoor destination.
Greater Accountability
Regular absenteeism is a problem for some (not all) on Council.
Last term (2022-2026), one Councillor has missed over a third (34%) of Regular Council meetings and over half (57%) of Special and Committee meetings. Three others have missed between 15-20% of meetings each. Can you miss this much work and still keep your job?
I propose requiring a minimum of 90% attendance at Regular Council and Committee meetings to receive your pay (with exceptions for illness and emergencies).
Town Halls & Public Voice
Right now, unless it’s on the meeting agenda, the public cannot address Council directly.
I suggest the creation of regular Town Hall meetings to close the gap between Council and Community and to provide a forum for any community-related issues to be brought forth. If Council doesn’t approve, I will hold my own, and you can hold me to account for the decisions I have made and what you would like me to address in the future.
Cap Tax Increases
After paying for Police and Fire, we need to cap tax increases at or near the rate of inflation (3-5%). This will mean tough choices and careful prioritization, but we cannot afford double-digit increases any longer.
This council has projected a 53% tax increase for the next 4-year term. This is unsustainable and something I will not support.
Find New Efficiencies
I would recommend bringing in an outside auditor to identify efficiencies in how we deliver services to the public, and to assess whether the 70+ municipal employees are adequately and appropriately tasked. There’s always a way to find efficiencies and save tax dollars; we just need to look harder. Where staffing adjustments are warranted, I support achieving them through natural attrition and retirements rather than layoffs whenever possible.
Find More Money
We are doing a decent job securing funding from other sources for projects in Sooke, but I think we can do even better. I would like to add a Grant Writer to the staff. Their sole job would be to search for and write grants to fund projects in Sooke.
A dedicated Grant Writer would save more money than it costs by taking work off department heads, whose best use is to provide expertise, not fill out forms or applications. Every penny we get from another source is a penny of tax we save. We already spend countless thousands on outside consultants to do this work; we need to bring it in-house to save that money.
Health Care
While a Provincial mandate, Council needs to impart upon our provincial representatives the needs of a growing town. It has taken over 10 years for a health center. Council needs to work faster and be more proactive in meeting the changing needs of a growing town.
