The rapid growth of Sooke has some pros and cons that affect our small coastal village. We have welcomed growth and new residents moving here because hopefully they could contribute to something special about our village and we could share the privilege of living here. Our location has to be one of those things we all brag about. We are located at the gateway to the real West Coast experience that visitors from around the world want to experience. At our doorstep are some of
the best authentic West Coast scenery you can imagine. Just steps away, within our town boundary we have unique places such as Whiffin Spit, Sooke Potholes and our fabulous Marine Boardwalk to boast about. In addition to this closeness to natural beauty, we have a large community of welcoming volunteer organizations of every kind. This has made us special as a caring inclusive place to get involved, without the feeling of isolation and loneliness that big cities can inflict. Yes, there is our desire to
quickly reach the big city and the jobs, a feeling we share but can’t resolve on a small-town budget and provincial debts. The challenge some say is with attracting jobs with big-box stores, manufacturing plants and government facilities. Taxes spent on economic development so far have not achieved these goals. The reality is we are close to Victoria and not near a major transportation route. We are locked on a difficult road on a small piece of land with an ocean and mountains cradling us.
This makes infrastructure needs expensive and environmentally risky. For any development Sooke is unique on Vancouver island in many ways. We must all weight these pros and cons on Sooke growth and how it can remain special. Let’s be pragmatic in the recognition of our limitations for growth and be cautious in what growth we ask taxes to pay for. William Wallace
Sooke growth, West Coast tourism, Whiffin Spit, Sooke Potholes, Marine Boardwalk, infrastructure costs, economic development taxes, jobs, environmental risk, Vancouver Island