District of Sooke Moves Forward with Little River Multi-Use Trail Project

Friday, September 27, 2024 – The District of Sooke is pleased to announce that progress continues on the much-anticipated Little River Crossing Project. At the September 23rd Council meeting, Sooke Council authorized the issuance of the Development Permit for the construction of a multi-use trail and bridge that will greatly enhance connectivity within the community. The new trail and bridge will connect Sunriver Way by Poirier Elementary School, facilitating pedestrian travel between Sooke’s Town Core and the Sunriver Neighbourhood.

“This project marks an exciting step forward in the development of Sooke’s trail system,” said Mayor Maja Tait. “It reflects our commitment to creating a walkable, connected community while protecting and enhancing our natural environment, and providing alternative means to get around Sooke to lessen reliance on Highway 14.”

The Little River Crossing will not only provide a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists but also encourage outdoor activity and ease transportation challenges by offering a sustainable, active transportation option. The multi-use trail and bridge design is part of the District’s broader vision for enhancing local infrastructure and supporting community health, safety, and mobility. It will transform an approximately 8-kilometre round trip on Highway 14, often travelled by vehicle, to an approximate 1.2-kilometre walk or wheel route.

Key Tentative Project Milestones:

• August 2024: Receive Agricultural Land Commission (ALR) decision – COMPLETE
• September 2024 – Obtain approvals and finalize design.
• Fall 2024 – Invitation to Tender posted
• December 2024 – Award construction contract
• January 2025 to February 2025 – Site preparation (in advance of bird nesting season March to June).
• Spring 2025 – Trail and boardwalk construction begins
• August 1 to September 15, 2025 – Bridge and instream works conducted around fisheries window.
• Fall 2025 – Substantial completion.

Further updates on the project timeline will be shared as the project advances.

To learn more about the project’s history, please visit:

• Little River (Demamiel Creek) Pedestrian Crossing (sooke.ca)

Link: District of Sooke Moves Forward with Little River Multi-Use Trail Project

Attachments:

• District of Sooke site photo + site map, subject by file name

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Christina Moog, M.A. (MAPC)   l  Communications Coordinator

District of Sooke  l   250-642-1634 ext. 678

2205 Otter Point Road

The District of Sooke is within the Coast Salish territory. I am grateful for the T’Sou-ke Nation’s generosity and hospitality while we live, learn and work here.

STAY INFORMED: subscribe to District electronic mailing lists and receive meeting notifications and agendas

QUICK LINKS:

• Navigating Sooke: Transforming Traffic Challenges into Solutions
• Traffic Advisories and related resources
• Subscribe to Council meeting notifications and agendas
• Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter

For the latest on District of Sooke activities, visit sooke.ca or follow us on X!

Exciting Enhancements Underway at Ravens Ridge Park

Thursday, September 26, 2024 – Further recreation amenities are coming to Ravens Ridge Park, marking continued progress toward creating an inviting, multi-purpose space for the community!

Phase 2 of the Ravens Ridge Park enhancements is underway with anticipated completion in Spring 2025. This phase will include the commissioning of a new Multisport Games Area (MUGA) and significant landscape upgrades.

The multisport games area will feature low-profile fences, built-in shock and sound absorption, and a natural aesthetic. The new 18m x 32m fenced court will include basketball nets above soccer goals, with the flexibility to accommodate other games and activities. This court will provide a versatile space for sports and recreational activities, meeting the growing demands of the community.

In addition to the games area, the landscape upgrades will feature a raised sitting area with bleachers and picnic tables beside the sports box, accessibility improvements, and FireSmart landscaping that includes the planting of 50 new trees. These updates are designed to enhance the park’s functionality and aesthetics while prioritizing the safety and enjoyment of visitors.

The funding for this project is made possible through a combination of the Canada Infrastructure Program – Community, Culture, and Recreation Program grant and Playground Field Reserve Funds, established from a Sunriver Estates contribution.

“As we move forward with Ravens Ridge Park enhancements, we are focused on creating spaces that inspire active, healthy lifestyles while fostering community connections,” said Mayor Maja Tait. “These improvements are part of a broader effort to respond to the growing needs of Sooke’s residents and enhance the overall quality of life in our community.”

For more details on Ravens Ridge Park, visit the Ravens Ridge Park information page on our website:

• https://sooke.ca/district-services/departments/parks-and-greenspaces/multi-use-sports-box/.

Link: Exciting Enhancements Underway at Ravens Ridge Park (sooke.ca)

Attachments:

• District of Sooke site photos, subject by file name

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Christina Moog, M.A. (MAPC)   l  Communications Coordinator

District of Sooke  l   250-642-1634 ext. 678

2205 Otter Point Road

The District of Sooke is within the Coast Salish territory. I am grateful for the T’Sou-ke Nation’s generosity and hospitality while we live, learn and work here.

STAY INFORMED: subscribe to District electronic mailing lists and receive meeting notifications and agendas

QUICK LINKS:

• Navigating Sooke: Transforming Traffic Challenges into Solutions
• Traffic Advisories and related resources
• Subscribe to Council meeting notifications and agendas
• Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter

For the latest on District of Sooke activities, visit sooke.ca or follow us on X!

September 17, 2024 Statement Regarding Charters Road Construction Project Status

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – The District of Sooke is pleased to provide an update on the Charters Road construction as the project is set to reach a significant milestone, paving, this week! However, while this is a significant step forward provided favourable weather remains, coordination with subcontractors and requirements to ensure a safe site for crews and the public means a continued closure will be in effect. The District, along with the project contractor, Hazelwood Construction, shares the community’s desire to see this project completed in a timely manner.

Over the summer, the District explored multiple options to expedite the work, including the potential for a modified reopening. While this option could not be guaranteed, our commitment to keeping the project on or ahead of the end of October schedule remains.

The safety of both the public and construction crews is our top priority, and we will not compromise the quality or integrity of the work. District staff continue to collaborate closely with Hazelwood Construction to ensure that all subcontractor work progresses efficiently. We are also prepared to introduce additional measures, such as enhanced traffic control, to support a partial reopening of the road—provided it does not delay the overall project.

As we have stated throughout the project, should an opportunity arise to reopen Charters Road earlier than originally scheduled, we will act on it. This commitment remains unchanged.

While paving is in progress, subcontractors will not have access to the site, so subsequent work will follow once paving is finished.

Jeff Stevens, Project Manager with Hazelwood Construction has expressed satisfaction with the progress to date, stating, “We’re pleased that a project of this complexity remains on schedule. We will continue to coordinate with the District to provide updated communications after paving is complete and more definitive options for reopening are available.”

Additionally, Mayor Maja Tait and members of Council, along with Chief Administrative Officer Raechel Gray, are attending the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention in Vancouver to advocate on several key transportation issues for our community, including:

1. Expedited and Increased Transit Services to Sooke: Advocacy for swift implementation of the Sooke Local Area Transit Plan, focusing on increased service hours.
2. Vision for Highway 14 and Current Transportation Issues: Advocacy for the next phase of Highway 14 upgrades, and efforts to reduce congestion and improve the quality of life for residents through Highway 14 improvements.
3. Infrastructure Funding for the Transportation Master Plan (TMP): Seeking funding to build out critical internal road networks, support transit, and promote active transportation, reducing car dependency.
4. Co-working Hub Initiative: Advocacy for the creation of a co-working hub in Sooke to support economic development and remote workers.

For further updates, please follow the District of Sooke’s official communication channels, including our website and electronic newsletter. You can also reach us by phone at 250.642.1634 or email at info@sooke.ca.

Link: Statement Regarding Charters Road Construction Project Status (sooke.ca)

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Christina Moog, M.A. (MAPC)   l  Communications Coordinator

District of Sooke  l   250-642-1634 ext. 678

2205 Otter Point Road

The District of Sooke is within the Coast Salish territory. I am grateful for the T’Sou-ke Nation’s generosity and hospitality while we live, learn and work here.

STAY INFORMED: subscribe to District electronic mailing lists and receive meeting notifications and agendas

QUICK LINKS:

• Navigating Sooke: Transforming Traffic Challenges into Solutions
• Traffic Advisories and related resources
• Subscribe to Council meeting notifications and agendas
• Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter

For the latest on District of Sooke activities, visit sooke.ca or follow us on X!

Good Afternoon,

10 Extra yearbooks will be on sale tomorrow, and they will be sold on a first come/first served basis!

Sales will start at 8:15am in the office, $45, (cash or cheque/SD62).

Thank You

2024-25 School Supply Lists

Grade 8 – Journey Middle School (Sooke) – 2024 School Start Finals

Grade 7 – Journey Middle School (Sooke) – 2024 School Start Finals

Grade 6 – Journey Middle School (Sooke) – 2024 School Start Finals

Reminder

PAC Hot Lunch happening Friday, June 7th!

2024-25

School Calendar: Calendar 2024-25 – FINAL

School Colour Calendar: Colour Calendar 2024-25

School Operating Details: Journey Middle School Operation Details – 2024-25 – Letter to Parents

Hello Grade 8 Families,

We polled our Grade 8 students to see if they wanted a year-end school dance and the vote was unanimous: Yes!

The date that has been selected is Thursday, June 6th from 6-8pm.

The dance is being organized by a group of Grade 8 parents led by Kristy Green.  Please find a ‘Save the Date’ poster attached for your reference.

Four things that you and your student should know about the dance are as follows (note: students were informed of these parameters prior to voting on the dance):

• Students will sign in as they arrive.
• Only Grade 8 students currently enrolled at Journey may attend.
• The event is an indoor event and there will be no in-out privileges; once you sign in you stay at the event until you sign out.
• Parents must sign their children out at the end of the event or provide confirmation that their child can walk home alone (text on student’s phone is fine).

We look forward to hopefully seeing your child at this event.  This is one of the Grade 8 leaving events that we have planned.  More information will be coming out this week about the Grade 8 Leaving Ceremony which is being held on Wednesday, June 26th from 1:00-2:00pm.

Please select link for the Dance Poster Grade 8 Dance

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me,

This Thursday, May 30^th , there will be an Up-Cycle Crafts Market happening at lunch recess (11:35am – 12:10pm) in the gymnasium. Students, staff, and parents are welcome to come and check out all the incredible things that will be for sale. Bring your money to buy some amazing handmade crafts!