Good morning!
One of my favourite people visited this weekend. She’s the best kind of person to explore the Westshore with because she thinks everything is great and has none of my jaded municipal political reporter baggage ;)
It was so lovely to see this place with the fresh eyes of a visitor, and reminded me that when I first moved here I felt like I was on vacation! I’m grateful for the people who always make life feel like a holiday.
Reporter The Westshore
If you enjoy this newsletter and know someone who would like to read local news that matters to the Westshore, share this link with them so they can sign up. Thank you for supporting our work!
LAND USE
Sooke hopes for housing, roundabout from ex-agricultural reserve land
The 0.46 hectare plot was one of the last within Sooke's downtown core to belong in the ALR. (Agricultural Land Reserve map)
Last summer Sooke council supported removing a property from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), and yesterday the Agricultural Land Commission approved the request. Now council will vote on changing the land use designation to allow for a low-density housing development application, which it expects from property owner Keycorp Developments.
The land is a 0.46-hectare corner property on Throup and Church Roads, exactly where Sooke is planning a transportation corridor to alleviate traffic congestion on Highway 14. To fit in a roundabout at Church and Throup Roads, Sooke needs to shave off a corner of 6588 Throup Rd., which it expects to negotiate in the development permit process. Sooke also supported the argument that this particular property is better suited for housing than agriculture.
It’s never been used as a farm, and even though it was in the ALR it was not subject to the Agricultural Land Commission Act. (The exception is complicated, but suffice it to say, properties registered before 1972 as a single plot of land of less than two acres are not subject to the Act.)
At the public hearing in May 2022, three people spoke up to say Sooke needs to conserve whatever agricultural land is left, no matter how small. They referred to Sooke’s past reputation of releasing too much land from agricultural uses, and urged this council to do things differently.
“[The speaker] is correct in that Sooke had an extremely bad reputation in those first seven years as a municipality. Left, right, and centre, ALR was being removed,” Coun. Jeff Bateman said at the public hearing. But, he maintained that this property is better suited for town centre growth than agriculture.
Sooke went from losing 204 hectares in seven years, to one hectare over 16 years
Sooke was only incorporated in December 1999, and in its first seven years, 204 hectares of land was removed from the ALR. The largest exclusion was 116 hectares for Sunriver Estates, a development with more than 700 detached homes for which the developer was fined $200,000 23 years ago for trying to bribe government aide David Basi to help to get out of the ALR. (The application to remove the land would have approved anyway, the defence lawyer for the developer said, because the soil quality was so poor.)
Between 2007 and now, a net total of 1.04 hectares have been removed, including the 0.46-hectare property on Throup.
Bateman said Sooke councils got better at denying requests—or rather recommending that the ALC deny requests, including some “persistent applicants” who want to remove their land from the ALR, he told The Westshore. (The decision to remove land has been up to the ALC since it was established in the 1970s, but local governments can support or oppose applications.)
COMMUNITY THEFT
Seniors activity bus grounded after catalytic converter theft
Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre members receiving a ceremonial check from the City of Colwood in 2014 for its then newly-arrived shuttle bus. (📸 City of Colwood)
The Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre’s shuttle bus had its catalytic converter stolen for the second time in November, putting the well-used bus out of commission.
The 24-seat bus had previously helped support a number of activities at the all-volunteer seniors organization: singing groups that visited care homes, walks in the park, occasional trips to the theatre in Chemainus.
“Seniors getting together and being outside, going on a little trip—it’s a highlight of the week for them,” said volunteer bus driver Brian Leah. But that’s not happening until the shuttle is fixed.
“All because somebody just decided to steal,” Leah said.
Around the 'Shore
🦺You can get a building permit in 35 days in Sooke, compared to the months-long wait from two years ago. The District has been trying to increase capacity, but staffing shortages remain a constraint. [Sooke News]
💞 Care2Talk simplifies the process of connecting seniors with loved ones and healthcare professionals. Connect and collaborate on care in person and virtually. Sign up now and start connecting today.*
⚠️ Three cougars spotted in Colwood yard. Officials are reminding the public to stay vigilant after three wildcats were seen in Colwood near Havenwood Park. The Conservation Officer Service is involved.
🌿 Find, keep, and grow your A-team with a fresh take on “HR” workshops! Reimagine Work’s 3-session series sets the groundwork to level up your leadership.*
🏴Scottish community centre opens in View Royal: 166 years after the original manor was built, a modern community and arts space is open for events.
🥂 Culinaire 2023 is now sold out! Be sure to subscribe to the Culinaire newsletter for 2024 event announcements and to secure tickets to next year's event!*
*Sponsored Listing
SPONSORED POST. CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE WESTSHORE.
TOGETHER WITH GABLECRAFT HOMES
SAVE with GableCraft’s new year sales event
Make yourself at home within the stunning master plan community of Royal Bay, curated and built by GableCraft Homes, known for having a reputation as new homeowners’ first choice.
Now with single family homes ready for quick possession this spring and early summer, make your dream of owning a new home in 2023 a reality with GableCraft Homes’ new year sales event. Plus, several floorplans can accommodate a legal suite: A built-in mortgage helper to further assist your mortgage financing.
Your new home awaits! Embrace the opportunity to thrive within this thoughtfully designed seaside community with front door access to the Pacific.
New 3 bedroom homes starting at $949,900New homes with suites starting at $1,124,900*Ask about their Price Protection and Interest Rate programs
Community Events
🌹Valentine’s high tea and symphony: Back for the first time since 2020, the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra and Sooke Lionesses are hosting an afternoon of treats and lively music. Tickets are $40, available online or Little Vienna Bakery, and Sooke Pharmasave. Feb. 12, 2:30pm in the Sooke Community Hall.
🌲 Rally for Old Growth forests: Elders for Ancient Forests, Sierra Club BC, Stand.earth & Wilderness Committee are hosting a rally for old growth forests at the provincial legislature buildings on Feb. 25. They’ve created a declaration which to date has been signed by more the 160 organizations.
What’s Offshore?
(Vessel Finder screenshot)
⛴ #1 The CS Wu Han is a bulk carrier built in 2021 and is sailing under the flag of Hong Kong. It is sailing from 🇨🇳 Tianjin Xingang, China ➡ 🇨🇦 Tsawwassen, BC and was scheduled to arrive three weeks ago on Jan. 2.
🛳 #2 The Golden Magnum is a bulk carrier built in 2009 and is sailing under the flag of Hong Kong. It is sailing from 🇨🇳 Jiangyin, China ➡ 🇨🇦 Vancouver, BC and was scheduled to arrive on Jan. 1.
SPONSORED POST. CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE WESTSHORE.
TOGETHER WITH MICHAEL UHTHOFF CUSTOM WOODWORKING
Quality cabinetry and furniture
If you have a vision for custom-built cabinetry and furniture, let Michael Uhthoff Custom Woodworking’s small, dedicated team make that vision a reality, from the simple to the sublime. Enjoy a uniquely personalized, seamless experience working in collaboration to design the best product for you.
Westshore Snaps
"Aaaah, another day come and gone in Sooke." —Joanne Morris, Duncan
📸 Snapped a photo you’d like to share? Send it with a caption and don’t forget to add where you live.