Council backed a community-led effort to protect the 32-acre Eagle Bluffs Forest and approved putting a non-binding question about the Sooke Gathering Place on the October election ballot. The Gathering Place question was amended to name District-owned land at 6671 Wadams Way and cap the proposed borrowing at $5 million; council also voted to hold the remaining Lot A land for a plaza and the centre for up to five years. Debate was sharper over the Throup Road–Phillips Road connector: council reaffirmed a 25-metre road corridor for staff to use in negotiations, but rejected a proposal to ask voters whether the project should continue. Council also approved a phased tax exemption for 30% of Catalyst’s residential units, while several councillors questioned the public cost and the terms of the wider project.
Generated from the recording's captions and the agenda (minutes not yet published by the council).
What was discussed
AI summary · check against sources
6.1 Protection and Preservation of Eagle Bluffs
parks environment4 public speakers12:55 Watch · Read
The Friends of Eagle Bluffs Forest Society asked for council’s support in principle to protect a 32-acre rainforest parcel on Whiffin Spit as a publicly accessible nature park, and for a council representative to join a round table on how to secure it. The presenters cited strong early community backing, including 820 petition signatures and nearly $60,000 in pledges, and described the forest’s habitat, shoreline, cultural history and possible education and eco-tourism uses. They said they were not asking the District for money.
Agreement
Speakers emphasized the forest’s ecological and community value and supported protecting it.
The delegation asked for collaboration on a path to secure the land, rather than direct financial support.
8.5 7296 Francis Road - ALC Non-Farm Use Application
zoning development3 public speakers39:17 Watch · Read
Council approved the application to go to the Agricultural Land Commission with comments in support. In public comment, a small-lot Agricultural Land Reserve owner praised the committee’s support for flexibility on such properties. Another speaker supported possible farming uses but called for more discussion, while a third raised an allegation of potential bias involving a councillor; no further discussion of the allegation appears in the transcript.
Agreement
Public speakers supported considering flexible uses for small agricultural parcels.
Disagreement
A speaker called for more discussion of the proposed non-farm use; another raised a concern about fairness in the review process.
8.6 Development Permit with Variances (PLN01930); Flood Plain Exemption (PLN02032)
Adopted on the consent agenda without debate. Council authorized a duplex and deck at 6507 Water Street, including a reduced sea setback of 3.09 metres for the dwelling and 1.2 metres for the deck, and granted a floodplain setback exemption subject to a registered covenant. The covenant must secure a flood construction level of 3.62 metres geodetic elevation and the geotechnical recommendations. Council denied the request to waive frontage improvements.
8.7 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 946 (600-119), 2026 – Agri-Tourism, Agri-Tourism Accommodation, and Alcohol Production Facility
zoning development2 public speakers39:17 Watch · Read
Council approved the bylaw’s first and second readings and directed staff to schedule a public hearing. The proposed change would allow agri-tourism, agri-tourism accommodation and alcohol production as accessory uses to agriculture on eligible agricultural parcels. A small-lot farm owner asked how the changes would interact with a separate proposal for three dwellings on Agricultural Land Reserve properties and short-term rentals. Another speaker raised a concern about fairness in the review process.
Disagreement
A public speaker wanted clarity on whether the new rules could affect the use of multiple dwellings on Agricultural Land Reserve properties.
Council adopted the zoning amendment for 5653 Sooke Road. The bylaw had already received three readings, Ministry of Transportation and Transit approval, and registration of a covenant before this final vote.
9.2 Permissive Tax Exemption Application from Catalyst
Council approved the first three readings of a tax-exemption bylaw, amended so the phase-out applies to 30% of the project’s residential units, and directed staff to give public notice before adoption. The exemption would phase out by 2030. Staff estimated that the exemption would reduce the project’s 2027–2030 property-tax revenue from about $447,900 to $353,000, a difference of about $94,900. The discussion also covered the project’s medical centre, below-market rents, a building-permit fee reduction and the applicant’s stated intention to start construction before the end of 2026. Staff said the province may separately consider a statutory tax exemption for the health-centre portion.
Agreement
Council supported targeting the proposed exemption to 30% of the residential units rather than all residential units.
Councillors broadly supported the below-market housing and medical-centre project, while noting that the costs and terms need scrutiny.
Disagreement
Some councillors questioned whether the exemption was needed for the project to proceed and whether taxpayers were already providing enough support through land, parking and fee relief.
Other councillors argued that a temporary exemption could help the affordable units and signal support for non-profit housing.
Councillors differed on how to define below-market rent and how consistently future projects should be treated.
10.1 Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland Dedication for 5653 Sooke Road
parks environment1 public speaker1:20:03 Watch · Read
Council accepted cash instead of 5% parkland dedication for a proposed five-lot subdivision on the 1.29-hectare property. A qualified professional’s appraisal will set the land value at the time the preliminary layout assessment is issued. The Director of Finance and Approving Officer can accept the payment without returning to council if they are satisfied with the appraisal; concerns must come back to council. Staff said the money would be for future parkland acquisition.
Agreement
Councillors supported a process that lets the subdivision proceed without delay if staff are satisfied with the appraisal.
The cash-in-lieu funds are for parkland acquisition, with council to decide on future use.
10.2 Temporary Appointment of Deputy Corporate Officer
Council rescinded the appointments of Nancy Owen and appointed Raechel Gray as Deputy Corporate Officer and Deputy Chief Election Officer for the 2026 local election. Staff said the temporary appointments were needed because the municipality would be without a deputy in those roles for several weeks while recruitment continued.
Agreement
Councillors supported the temporary appointments to keep municipal and election functions covered during recruitment.
10.3 Request for Sponsorship: Sooke Region Food CHI Society - Sooke Harvest Festival 2026
community services2 public speakers1:25:48 Watch · Read
Council approved $1,000 in sponsorship for the 2026 Sooke Harvest Festival. Councillors described the event as a community draw and noted the society’s work supporting food-related community services. A public speaker who identified with the festival’s organizing society said the money would help cover orchard costs such as water, equipment and mowing.
Agreement
Councillors supported the festival and the $1,000 request.
Councillors welcomed the financial statements submitted with the sponsorship request.
Council extended the highway maintenance contract with Victoria Contracting & Municipal Maintenance Corporation to September 30, 2028. A councillor asked why the annual fee rose from $587,000 to $625,000; staff said the increase reflected both inflation and added infrastructure. Councillors also raised concerns about slow pothole repairs, mowing, brush clearing, clogged culverts and flood prevention. Staff said drainage inspections were constrained by limited staffing and that conditions can change after storms or upstream events. Staff agreed to follow up on how often street sweeping is required.
Agreement
Council supported extending the existing contract.
Councillors agreed that maintenance response and oversight, especially for drainage and road hazards, deserve attention.
Disagreement
Councillors raised concerns about whether the contractor is meeting response times and maintaining roads and drainage adequately; staff cited staffing limits and changing conditions.
10.5 Non-Binding Opinion Plebiscite: Sooke Gathering Place Intergenerational Centre
community services3 public speakers1:37:49 Watch · Read
Council approved a non-binding ballot question for the October 17, 2026 election asking whether the District should consider borrowing up to a maximum of $5 million for the Gathering Place’s construction and start-up. The question was amended to name District-owned land at 6671 Wadams Way. Council also directed staff to take the steps needed to put it on the ballot. If voters support it, staff must report back on feasibility, costs, partners, governance, delivery, site and tenure before any borrowing or project commitment, and must work with the Sooke Region Communities Health Network and community partners. Separately, council voted to hold the remaining Lot A land for a public plaza, the Gathering Place and associated parking for up to five years. Debate focused on whether voters would understand the project, whether to include the $5 million figure and whether naming a site would limit future options.
Agreement
Councillors agreed to ask voters for a non-binding opinion and require further analysis before any borrowing or project commitment.
Councillors agreed staff should work with the Sooke Region Communities Health Network and community partners if voters support the proposal.
A motion to reserve the remaining Lot A land for a plaza, the Gathering Place and parking for up to five years passed.
Disagreement
Two councillors proposed simpler ballot wording; others argued the existing name and description were already familiar and that changing them could misstate the project’s purpose.
Councillors differed on whether to name Lot A in the ballot question. The question was amended to specify District-owned land at 6671 Wadams Way.
Supporters of the separate Lot A reserve motion said the group needed certainty to attract partners; opponents warned it could limit creative partnerships and bind future planning.
10.6 Reconsideration of Throup Road Motions
transportation1 public speaker3:12:32 Watch · Read
The mayor brought back three June 22 decisions for reconsideration. Council again received the Throup Road/Phillips Road Connector report for information and approved staff negotiating with property owners for the land needed for a 25-metre corridor. Staff said the 25-metre design was the basis of existing work; changing it would require redesign and funding. Councillors cited safety for pedestrians and cyclists, future servicing and the value of obtaining cost information. Others questioned the timing, cost and traffic benefits, and preferred to leave decisions to the next council. Council defeated a proposal to ask voters whether the connector should continue. Discussion cited a $20–27.5 million estimate for one section, uncertainty over grant funding and concern that voters would be asked without settled costs.
Agreement
Council agreed the connector report could be received for information.
Councillors recognized that the next council may revisit the project and its design.
Disagreement
Supporters of the 25-metre corridor argued that staff needed a firm design direction for negotiations and future cost work, and that acquiring width later could be costly.
Opponents questioned the project’s affordability, timing and value, and argued that staff should not proceed before the next council or clearer funding information.
Councillors disagreed over whether a non-binding public question would help establish community support or would be premature without settled costs.
Council supported in principle securing the 32-acre Eagle Bluffs Forest parcel at 7107 Deerlepe Road as a publicly accessible nature park, with eco-tourism opportunities. Council also unanimously selected the mayor to join a community round table developing a path toward park creation. The mayor said she would report back and pass the work to the next council.
Agreement
Councillors supported the community-led effort and recognized the parcel’s importance.
Council unanimously selected a representative for the round table.
13.1 Sooke Community Association Service Agreements
community services1 public speaker4:30:15 Watch · Read
Council approved a motion to begin discussions with the Sooke Community Association about its January 19, 2026 request for new service agreements. The original wording also referred to Fred Milne Park and Art Morris Park and called for user-rate increases to be kept to a reasonable minimum, but council removed that language. During public comment, a representative of the Sooke Community Association clarified that the association owns the Fred Milne Park land but does not manage the fields or set rental fees; an independent park society handles day-to-day operations. Councillors said the discussions could help clarify future support for community facilities and sports groups.
Agreement
Councillors supported starting discussions with the Sooke Community Association.
Councillors welcomed a broader conversation about the roles and funding of local recreation facilities.
Disagreement
Council removed the proposed reference to specific parks and keeping user-rate increases to a reasonable minimum, narrowing the motion to discussions about the association’s request.
A councillor asked whether Sooke should contribute about $7,500 toward a funding gap for the Mobile Youth Service Team, after federal funding was withdrawn. The team pairs a youth worker, social worker and police officer to intervene early with young people facing problems. Council postponed consideration until after the Capital Regional District reports on possible regional funding, expected in September. Councillors also wanted current information on how many local calls the team handles and how its work is distributed among participating communities.
Agreement
Councillors agreed more information, including the regional funding report and local service statistics, was needed before deciding.
Decisions
Sooke has not published the minutes for this meeting yet. Councils post minutes only after a later meeting adopts them, usually two to six weeks afterwards. We check weekly. We last checked Fri, Oct 2, 2026. Votes and decisions are taken only from the official minutes, so this section fills in once Sooke publishes them. Anything above about motions comes from the recording and is preliminary.