We’re Celebrating Yet Another Transportation Project Milestone! Asphalt Paving Scheduled for the Church/Throup Roundabout Next Week

Thursday, April 4, 2024 – The Church/Throup Roundabout Project is set to reach another significant milestone next week with the completion of asphalt paving (weather permitting). The project, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety for vehicles and pedestrians alike at the intersection of Church and Throup, marks an exciting step forward in enhancing transportation infrastructure within our community.

As part of this process, the Church/Throup intersection will be temporarily closed, April 8^th to 10^th and on April 12^th to facilitate the necessary construction activities. These closures are essential to ensure the safety of workers and the efficient progress of the project. The anticipated schedule is:

• April 8 & 9^th – Grading: Roundabout North up Church Road (north leg), closure 9am to 5pm
• April 10^th – Base lift paving: Roundabout North up Church Road (north leg), closure 8am to 5pm
• April 12^th – Top lift paving: Church Road (Wadams to Church Street), Throup Road, closure 8am to 5pm

While closures are not ideal, as the project approaches substantial completion, the end of these works is approaching. Please follow the posted signage regarding detours and traffic personnel, while allowing some additional time for your travels.

Through this phase of work, temporary crosswalk markings will be in place with $57,300 in funding provided through the ICBC Road Safety program. The ultimate crossings will include thermal paint which offers increased longevity and flashing lights to enhance pedestrian visibility for both those travelling by foot or vehicle alike. Permanent installations will be done this spring after the top lift of asphalt across the entire construction area is applied.

As we celebrate this milestone, we would like to once again express our gratitude to the residents for their patience and cooperation throughout the construction process.

More About the Two-Lift Paving Application

This project is the using a two-lift application for asphalt paving. This approach involves applying two layers of asphalt – known as lifts – to create a smoother and more durable road surface. By completing the lifts separately, the project team is ensuring the highest quality outcome for the roadworks.

Learn more:

• Traffic Advisories
• Transportation Master Plan Implementation Information Page

Link: We’re Celebrating Yet Another Transportation Project Milestone! Asphalt Paving Scheduled for the Church/Throup Roundabout Next Week (sooke.ca)

Closure of Charters Road for Concrete Curb Installation March 18-March 25, 2024

Thursday, March 14, 2024  – The District is advising the public of a temporary closure of Charters Road, scheduled for next week to facilitate the installation of concrete curbs between Golledge and the “Throup Creek dip”. This closure, essential for infrastructure enhancement, aims to ensure safer and more durable roadways for our community

This closure, occurring March 18^th to 25^th, has been strategically coordinated to occur during spring break for School District 62 and minimize disruption to residents. While Charters Road will be closed to through traffic from Monday afternoon until the end of the day Friday, access for local traffic will be maintained.

During this time, vehicle access into driveways will be temporarily blocked for three days following the pouring of curbs, allowing the concrete to set and gain sufficient strength. Residents directly affected by this closure will receive additional notices outlining specific details and accommodations for driveway access.

“I greatly appreciate the efforts of our contractor, Hazelwood Construction, in adapting to minimize disruption to residents whenever possible,” says Interim CAO Raechel Gray. “The District is making significant investments to respond to what we continually hear is the top concern affecting residents, our transportation network.”

We encourage residents to plan their routes accordingly, allow additional time for travel and utilize alternative routes during this period.”

“Construction is expected throughout the community as we implement the Transportation Master Plan, which while inconvenient, is hopefully something we can also celebrate,” adds Gray.

Link: Closure of Charters Road for Concrete Curb Installation March 18-March 25, 2024 (sooke.ca)

Community Easter Egg Hunt Relocates to John Phillips Memorial Park to Accommodate Growing Participation

Friday, March 15, 2024 – In response to the expanding participation and to ensure a delightful experience for all attendees, the annual Community Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by Pemberton Holmes, is moving to a new location at John Phillips Memorial Park. The event will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Join “Pemberton Pete” and the Pemberton Holmes team for a morning of free Easter fun at John Phillips Memorial Park. This beloved tradition promises an egg-citing day for families in Sooke!

The event will feature separate egg hunts tailored for toddlers and elementary-age children. Participants will have the opportunity to gather as many eggs as possible and exchange them with Pemberton Pete’s helpers for exciting prizes. Additionally, families can enjoy face painting, colouring activities, balloons, and popcorn.

Egg hunt times for various age groups are as follows:

• Toddlers (up to 3 years): 10:00 am and 11:00 am.
• Children (4 to 8 years): 10:20 am and 11:30 am.
• Children (9 to 12 years): 10:40 am and 11:40 am.

In consideration of all attendees, Pemberton Holmes Sooke kindly requests that pets, including dogs, be left at home.

Limited parking is available at Sooke Municipal Hall. With a strong attendance expected, alternative modes of transportation are strongly encouraged.

Community contact:
Pemberton Holmes
Tel: 250.642.3240
Email: SookeReception@phre.ca

Link: Community Easter Egg Hunt Relocates to John Phillips Memorial Park to Accommodate Growing Participation (sooke.ca)

PAC DFS Fundraiser

Journey’s ID code is 7617.

Proceeds will go to a year end event for students and towards playground fundraising efforts.

Good afternoon – I’m excited to extend an invitation to you to participate in the Greater Victoria Flower Count 2024! This annual event, sponsored and organized by local businesses, Destination Greater Victoria, and The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, aims to spread spring cheer and showcase the beauty of our communities.

The Flower Count is a wonderful opportunity for residents of Greater Victoria, including Sooke, to come together, explore their surroundings, and celebrate the arrival of spring. From 7 a.m. on March 6 to 4 p.m. on March 13, we invite you to join us in counting blossoming blooms and contributing to this delightful tradition. Let’s make Sooke bloom with pride!

In 2023, the community of Sidney took the title of the “Bloomingest Community” with an impressive count of 7,580,503,851 flowers. However, with your participation, we believe Sooke can rise to the challenge and claim the top spot in 2024!

Destination Victoria has exciting prize opportunities for participants, including our Photo contest, Social Media contest, and School contest. Their generous prize sponsors include The Butchart Gardens and La Limo, whose valued contributions are making this year’s event even more special.

So, let’s embrace the spirit of community pride and encourage everyone to get involved. Whether counting flowers in your backyard or exploring the beauty of Sooke, every flower counts towards our collective total.

We encourage you to share this invitation, and together, let’s make Sooke shine in the Greater Victoria Flower Count 2024! Don’t forget to document your flower-counting adventures and share them on social media using the hashtags #ExploreVictoria and #ExploreSooke.

Learn more and participate:

• Home – Greater Victoria Flower Count

I look forward to seeing Sooke and our community spirit bloom!

Church/Throup Roundabout Project Nears Next Milestones

Monday, February 26, 2024 – As the Church/Throup Roundabout project progresses, significant strides are being made towards its completion. On Wednesday, February 28th, weather permitting, the project will achieve another milestone with the completion of additional curb pours. To ensure the safety of construction crews and minimize disruptions, residents and commuters are encouraged to avoid the area, as delays are expected.

Following this phase, starting on Monday, March 4th, weather permitting, the focus will shift to paving pathways and driveways. Throughout this process, flaggers will be present to assist pedestrian traffic, and residents impacted by short-term driveway closures will receive individual notifications from Hazelwood Construction.

The dedicated crews are diligently working from approximately 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays, with occasional weekend shifts to expedite the project’s progress.

“We are thrilled to be approaching these significant milestones in the Church/Throup Roundabout project,” said Sue Bassett, Project Manager with Hazelwood Construction. “Each step brings us closer to the ultimate goal of substantial completion this spring.”

As the project advances, the community’s patience and cooperation are invaluable. The Church/Throup Roundabout promises to enhance traffic flow and safety for all residents and visitors once completed.

Media contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634   l   Email: cmoog@sooke.ca

Link: Church/Throup Roundabout Project Nears Next Milestones (sooke.ca)

Update – Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 4:13 pm – The rain in the weather forecast for tomorrow, February 28, will not permit concrete to be poured. The concrete work is now scheduled for Thursday, February 29th or Friday, March 1st, depending on the weather.