Final Edit: (From News Sources) Province to step in after Sooke votes down bylaw changes to boost housing
The changes would allow small-scale multi-unit housing on single-family lots, which is required under provincial legislation. In a tie vote last week, Sooke council defeated a motion to adopt the zoning-bylaw changes required by the province by Dec. 16, despite a recommendation from staff to adopt them.) 

TODAY IS DEC. 16, 2024 THE LAST DAY for Sooke Council to turn this around.  Please sign and share.

Edited Dec. 12, 2024:

As of 200 signatures, Sooke's MLA Dana Lajeunesse has agreed to sit down with Sooke Council to discuss. However, Sooke Council has remained silent.

It’s time for Sooke Council to represent the Sooke community by joining the conversation and finding solutions. Let your voice be heard—sign today!

Please Sign Petition Now!                                                                          We Are Running Out of Time! 

Urge BC Gov. to Pause Enforcement of Bill 44
Urge Sooke Council to Commit to Constructive Dialogue with BC Government over Bill 44
__________

End Goal
Sooke and BC Government resolve the Bill 44 impasse. Sooke then voluntarily adopts Bill 44 with a clear plan to improve infrastructure in partnership with the BC Government.

__________

 
Why It Matters

Collaboration can:

• Fix roads
• Balance housing growth
• Build a thriving community for future generations

 
The Current Situation

Sooke is at a critical crossroads:

• Infrastructure has not kept pace with housing growth.
• Families, seniors, and businesses face challenges thriving in Sooke.

The Challenges
Affordable Housing: Families can’t find affordable homes.
Traffic Congestion: Impacts commuters and local businesses.
Strained Services: Schools and healthcare are overstretched.
 
What’s at Stake?
Without action, critical services will worsen, and Sooke’s livability will decline.

Why Now?
⚖️ Bill 44 Enforcement:

Sooke’s non-compliance with Bill 44 puts the town at risk of enforcement by the BC Government.
This is a chance for smart growth, but urgent infrastructure solutions are required.
 
The Solution
A professional mediator can:

• Align efforts. 
• Encourage collaboration.
• Facilitate progress.
   
  📢 Call to Action
  Sign this petition to urge:

BC Government to pause enforcement of Bill 44.
Sooke Council to commit to constructive dialogue.
 
End Goal
Sooke voluntarily adopts Bill 44.
A clear plan ensures improved infrastructure, balanced growth, and long-term livability for Sooke.
 
How You Can Help

• Sign the Petition to make a difference for Sooke’s future.
• Share on Social Media to spread the word.

Together, we can build a stronger, better Sooke for everyone. 

Who's Who: Key Elected Figures
Sooke Municipal Government
Jeff Bateman: Councillor
Al Beddows: Councillor
Megan McMath: Councillor
Kevin Pearson: Councillor
Tony St-Pierre: Councillor
Mayor Maja Tait: Current Mayor of Sooke
BC Government
David Eby: Premier of BC (NDP)
Dana Lajeunesse: Sooke MLA, representing the Juan de Fuca-Malahat electoral district.
Ravi Kahlon: BC Housing Minister (NDP)
Mike Farnworth: Minister of Transportation and Transit
Federal Representation
Randall Garrison (NDP): Former MP for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke.
Maja Tait: Acclaimed candidate for the Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke federal riding.
 
Relevant News Articles
"Sooke council rejects provincial housing mandate"
Published Dec 3, 2024, by Kevin Laird, Vic News
“There is a housing crisis not of our creation, just because Sooke is a desirable place to live. That’s why we need to work together with residents and staff to determine our future.” – Mayor Maja Tait
Read more
"Province expects to step in after Sooke fails to adopt housing measures"
Published Dec 2, 2024, by Ryan Price and Steve Young, CFAX 1070
“We have legal counsel reviewing it right now, but we did make it clear that if local governments didn’t adjust it to the way they wanted to see in their community, then the province would be stepping in,” said Kahlon.
Read more