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
So basically they don’t want anyone moving in. Got it.
I don’t even understand why they keep blaming taxes like it’s some magic fix. Sooke’s already special because of the scenery, but people still need jobs too. Feels like they’re stuck between wanting growth and not wanting costs.
Whiffin Spit and the potholes are cool but if they’re saying growth is “too expensive” then just stop building roads? Like tear up what’s there and let nature handle it. Also isn’t the Marine Boardwalk already a huge environmental risk anyway? Sounds like they just don’t want big-box stores but they want everything else.
I moved here because I thought it was growing and getting more options, not because I’m trying to be trapped on some “small piece of land.” If they’re worried about infrastructure and environmental risk then fine, but what about healthcare and schools? And why is Victoria always getting brought up like that’s the only reason no one gets jobs. Seems like the big problem is they don’t want the same people who would actually pay the taxes.