In just 10 short days, during one of the busiest times of the year—right before Christmas—299 of you stood up for Sooke’s future.
This petition tackled a complex and challenging issue:
Balancing growth and infrastructure under the pressures of Bill 44.
Encouraging collaboration between Sooke Council and the BC Government.
Your voices were clear, but it’s important to reflect on what we achieved—and what we did not.
WHAT HAPPENED
✅ We Achieved Community Awareness
Nearly 300 residents signed in just 10 days.
Conversations about Sooke’s future gained traction.
Two days after petition started, MLA Dana Lajeunesse publicly committed to discussions with Sooke Council. (Sooke MLA pledges to mediate Bill 44 impasse
Dana Lajeunesse calls for collaboration between municipality and province to address housing legislation challenges - Dec. 12, 2024
❌ What Did Not Happen
Sooke Council remained silent: There was no public commitment to meet with the MLA or collaborate on Bill 44 solutions.
WHY WAS SOOKE COUNCIL SILENT?
While we can’t speak for Council’s reasons, some factors may include:
Complexity of the Issue: Balancing provincial mandates like Bill 44 with local infrastructure challenges is no small task. Council may be weighing options behind the scenes.
Timing: With tight deadlines and the holiday season, urgency may have clashed with capacity for a public response.
Strategic Silence: Leaders sometimes wait for further information, legal clarity, or political strategy before making public commitments.
Whatever the reason, the silence is disappointing. However, it’s a reminder that the community’s role in driving accountability is more important than ever.
WHY THIS STILL MATTERS
This petition succeeded in important ways:
📢 Awareness Was Sparked
Residents are now engaged, informed, and speaking up about infrastructure and growth.
🗣️ Leadership Was Informed
Sooke Council knows the community is watching and wants action.
🤝 The First Step Toward Collaboration
MLA Dana Lajeunesse’s willingness to engage sets the stage for future dialogue and solutions.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Though Sooke Council has been silent, the conversation doesn’t stop here:
Stay Informed: Follow updates on Bill 44 and local council decisions.
Transparency: Silence can’t be the final word—keep asking for leadership and action.
Build Momentum: A stronger, more livable Sooke is still possible if we keep working together.
THANK YOU, SOOKE!
In just 10 days, during the busiest season of the year, you proved that the Sooke community cares.
This isn’t over—this is just the beginning of real, meaningful action.
Let’s carry this momentum forward and make 2025 the year we push for smart solutions, collaboration, and a better Sooke for everyone. 🏡
🔗 Share this post to keep the community engaged:
👉 https://www.change.org/sookebill44plan