FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 5, 2024
Sooke Businesses Pump in $10,000 to Tackle Traffic Nightmare
Sooke, BC – In a bold effort to address the worsening traffic congestion in Sooke, local business owners have united to raise $10,000. This significant contribution will support the hiring of an expert engineer to work with Sooke Municipal staff to explore and implement critical traffic improvements. The announcement and presentation of this funding to Mayor Tait and the Council will occur at the council meeting on July 8. The locals are looking to Council to accept these funds and get moving forward immediately.
The Sooke Traffic Committee, along with the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce and the local business community, led this fundraising initiative. The committee’s board of directors includes Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce President Tracy Snow and Executive Director Deb Schenk, former Chamber Executive Director Britt Santowski, developer Jim Hartshorne, Mike Kozakowski, Herb Haldane, and Dave McClimon. Haldane and McClimon also serve on the boards of the Sooke Builders Association and the Sooke Community Association.
Councillor Kevin Pearson expressed his gratitude, stating, "The local business community stepping up with cold hard cash to the tune of $10,000 is a testament to the seriousness of the issue for them and the community."
Deb Schenk, Executive Director of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce, remarked, "When the community needs champions, the business community repeatedly steps up for everyone. The traffic crisis is a critical issue for all of Sooke and those who travel here."
Dana Lajeunesse and Kevin Pearson are also actively involved with the Sooke Traffic Committee, highlighting the collaborative effort to find viable solutions for the traffic challenges facing the region.
Susan Jones, a local business owner, started a petition on seeing impacts of the Sooke traffic crisis "I'm thrilled to see our local businesses stepping up with a substantial $10,000 contribution to address the critical traffic issues in Sooke. This initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the urgent need for solutions. The overwhelming support from the petition, and now this financial backing, underscores just how vital it is for the Sooke Mayor and Municipal Council to resolve our traffic congestion now. Together, we're making significant strides towards a safer, cleaner, and more efficient Sooke and look for stewardship and leadership from our Municipal, Provincial and Federal governments.
The Sooke Traffic Committee invites all community members to attend the council meeting at 7:00pm on July 8th to learn more about the initiatives being undertaken to improve traffic flow and ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors.
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Contact: Deb Schenk
Executive Director, Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 250-642-6112
Email: info@sookeregionchamber.com