Council backed a $106,960 study to identify land that could support more local jobs, but one councillor objected to the cost even though a grant covers the work. The most contested discussion concerned a request to restore a six-storey designation for 6605 Sooke Road: the owner said the four-storey limit threatens the project’s viability, while nearby residents opposed more height and council heard that any Official Community Plan change would require a longer public process. Council also supported moving ahead with a two-year regional youth-services pilot, subject to legal review and clearer Sooke-specific measures. It adopted a new sewer charge based on water use, which drew concern that families with more people in a home could pay more.
Generated from the recording's captions and the agenda (minutes not yet published by the council).
Before adopting the minutes, council was told that the September 21 minutes misstated an amount as $151,621.58; the correct figure, already shown in the resolution, was $15,621.58. Council also needed to rescind its September 8 adoption of the July 27 minutes so the corrected version could be adopted. The July minutes were to be adopted as amended, alongside the September 8 and September 21 minutes.
No one asked to pull an item for discussion. Council adopted the consent agenda, covering correspondence, the Chief Administrative Officer’s report, a road-design variance for 1245 Silver Spray Drive, and a decision to deny a driveway-grade variance for proposed Lot B at 7059 Maple Park Terrace. The Silver Spray variance allows sections of Birdsong Lane and Silver Spray Drive to use modified road designs, including a nature-trail section with five parking spaces and ocean access.
A house at 6763 Winona Close was badly damaged by fire, and the fire involved a death. Because the property is behind on taxes, the Building Bylaw would normally prevent a demolition permit from being issued. Staff said allowing demolition could help clear the site and eventually make it easier to pay the outstanding taxes. A councillor asked whether this was an exceptional case; staff said it was and would not require council to make the same decision in future cases.
Staff recommended awarding a one-year employment lands study to MXD Development Strategists for $106,960 before tax, within the $110,000 budget. A grant pays for the work. The study will assess existing and potential commercial and industrial land, demand for employment space, suitability and servicing needs, and possible land for future employment uses. Councillors asked about mixed-use neighbourhoods, local job opportunities, servicing, and how growth could fit Sooke’s character. One councillor opposed spending the money, arguing that the Official Community Plan already offers guidance and that private landowners know what they want to do with their land.
Staff said the proposed memorandum of understanding raised questions about what Sooke would receive for its annual $14,400 contribution, the staff time required, governance, and possible legal and employment implications. Two representatives of the regional initiative described planned work on youth-safe spaces, youth participation and employment, and helping young people access services locally. Council supported proceeding with a two-year pilot, with staff to negotiate an agreement setting out Sooke-specific deliverables, measurable outcomes, reporting, staff commitments and an evaluation. The agreement is subject to legal review; any funding after the pilot would need further council approval.
Staff described the bylaw as a housekeeping change that removes clauses that no longer apply. Council gave the bylaw three readings.
Council adopted a new sewer charge based on water use, replacing the previous approach that charged an additional amount for a legal suite regardless of how much water it used. Staff said the charge includes a fixed amount and a usage rate, with rates reviewed through the annual budget process. The water-use period is based on winter consumption to limit the effect of irrigation. Council discussed how separate suites and buildings would be charged, and how unusually high use might indicate a leak. One councillor opposed the change on the grounds that households with children could pay more than homes with fewer occupants.
A councillor asked for an update on a memorial bench in Eakin Park. Staff said the bench had been or was being installed under the District’s memorial policy, and that the District had contacted the requester to arrange payment.
A councillor corrected a statement in the correspondence that he had paid no property taxes in the current tax cycle, saying he had paid the taxes remaining for the year when he bought his home. Another councillor asked whether the District could provide a breakdown of council travel expenses to the letter writer. Staff explained that they normally confirm expenses with councillors the following year, after councillors have had time to submit claims or repay costs, before publishing the required annual financial report.
A councillor asked about parking complaints on Hudson Terrace. Staff said complaints had been more frequent in August and had since eased; enforcement is generally reactive. The District cannot leave parking tickets on vehicles because it is not part of the bylaw notice enforcement scheme, but staff can seek voluntary compliance and tow a vehicle left for an extended period. The fire service explained that parking on both sides of a narrow street can block emergency vehicles, including ladder-truck stabilizers. Staff said they were not planning a special enforcement blitz.
The outgoing letter restated Sooke’s opposition to increased tanker traffic and its concerns about spill response. It repeated the District’s requests for a ban on tanker traffic during storms when response vessels cannot sail, and for stable funding and operational support for coastal communities. The letter also asks that a share of revenue from the expanded Trans Mountain pipeline—and any proposed West Coast oil pipeline—go to frontline coastal local governments such as Sooke.
The package contained six follow-up letters on issues raised in meetings with provincial ministers at the Union of BC Municipalities convention, including contaminated soil, food affordability and transportation. The letters had already been sent. Mayor Tait said they would help the incoming council pick up the advocacy work; staff expected to send them again, or update them, once the new ministers and their responsibilities were known.
The property owner asked council to start an Official Community Plan amendment to change 6605 Sooke Road from Town Centre Waterfront to Town Centre Core. She said the four-storey limit reduces the project’s housing capacity by about 35,000 square feet compared with six storeys and makes it harder to fit access, parking and stormwater features. Three nearby residents spoke against the change, citing views, neighbourhood character, traffic and the risk of Sooke becoming more like Langford. Staff said the current rezoning application had been developed around four storeys; a change would require a public process, could take months, and would be difficult to consider for one property alone. Council received the request for information and unanimously asked staff to invite the owner and developer to meet with the District to clarify what they are seeking.
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.