Closure of Charters Road in Sooke for Essential Infrastructure Upgrades: May 27, 2024 until October 2024

Thursday, May 23, 2024 –  The District of Sooke is announcing the temporary closure of Charters Road from Golledge Avenue to Throup Roads to facilitate crucial infrastructure upgrades from Monday, May 27, 2024 until (approximately) October 2024. The closure is necessary for the placement of a culvert and structural repairs, along with the addition of sidewalks and bike lanes, aimed at enhancing safety for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The timing of the culvert placement and subsequent works around Throup Creek accommodate the fisheries window, ensuring minimal disruption to the local ecosystem.

During this phase of the project, residents will still have access to Charters Road from Golledge Avenue and Throup Roads; however, through traffic on Charters Road will be redirected.

In collaboration with School District 62, parking accommodations have been secured for ball season attendees. The parking lot at Journey Middle School will be available for public use on weekday evenings and weekends.

Mayor Maja Tait remarked, “These repairs are long overdue. While disruption during construction is inevitable, the upcoming improvements will significantly enhance safety for our community.”

Efforts will be made to expedite the construction process while adhering to budgetary constraints if at all possible. Although the current target for road reopening is the end of October, potential delays due to unforeseen circumstances are acknowledged, as are less likely opportunities to more rapidly progress works. The District of Sooke will provide updates to the community regarding any changes to the timeline.

For further information and updates on transportation projects in Sooke and to follow the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan, please visit:

• letstalk.sooke.ca/tmp

More About the Fisheries Window

During construction projects, particularly those involving waterways or areas near aquatic ecosystems, fisheries windows are designated periods during which certain activities are restricted or regulated to minimize impact on fish populations and their habitats.

Fisheries windows are typically timed to align with critical periods in the lifecycle of fish species, such as spawning or migration seasons. These periods are carefully determined based on scientific research and provincial regulations to ensure the protection of fish populations and their habitats.

Link: Closure of Charters Road in Sooke for Essential Infrastructure Upgrades: May 27, 2024 until October 2024

Community Contact:
District of Sooke Reception
Tel: 250.642.1634
Email: info@sooke.ca

Media Contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
Email: cmoog@sooke.ca

Church/Throup Roundabout Reaches Substantial Completion

Thursday, May 16, 2024 – The District of Sooke is pleased to announce the substantial completion of the Church/Throup Roundabout, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of our transportation infrastructure!

Over the coming weeks, our team will work with contractors to ensure that these final touches are completed to the highest standards, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of this intersection.

The completion of the Church/Throup Roundabout is just one step in our commitment to implementing the initiatives outlined in the District of Sooke’s Transportation Master Plan. Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the next phases of plan implementation as captured during the 2024 budget process, which include:

Design Phase (2024):

• Charters South
• Throup Connector
• Phillips Connector
• Ella Road

Current Projects Identified for 2025:

• Charters Road North (2024-2025 build-out)
• Charters Corridor South (2025)
• Charters + Hwy 14 Intersection (2025)
• Ella Road (2025)
• Throup Road Design (Charters to Church/Throup Roundabout)

Pending funding, we are also planning for the building out of the Thorup Road Connector, scheduled for 2026-2027. Additionally, in 2027, we aim to commence the construction of the Phillips Road Connector Project, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility within our community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the residents for their understanding and cooperation throughout the construction period. We are committed to continuing our efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure in Sooke for the benefit of all.

For further information and updates on transportation projects in Sooke and to follow the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan, please visit:

• letstalk.sooke.ca/tmp

Media Contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
Email: cmoog@sooke.ca

Link: Church/Throup Roundabout Reaches Substantial Completion (sooke.ca)

Public Health will be providing catch-up immunizations to Grade 7 students who missed their Grade 6 immunizations on May 29th, 2024. Only students who have a paper consent form signed by their parent/guardian/representative from the 2022-2023 school year (Grade 6) will be immunized.

Contact the local Health Unit at 250-519-3487 if you have any questions.

There are many shows happening at the Sooke Community Theatre at EMCS.

Details on how to purchase tickets for the shows visit the EMCS website.

https://www.emcsprograms.ca/theatreevents

Thank you for supporting local theatre.

District of Sooke Invites Community Input on Crosswalk Improvements

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – The District of Sooke is seeking community input on proposed additions and improvements to crosswalks with pedestrian flashing lights on local roads within our community. This initiative, funded through the District’s Climate Action Program, aims to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility, as well as reduce carbon emissions by promoting active transportation options.

Community members are encouraged to participate in the consultation process by providing feedback on potential crosswalk locations and pedestrian safety concerns. Input can be submitted ONLINE or by phone at 250.642.1634 until May 15, 2024.

The project is a part of the District’s ongoing efforts to prioritize pedestrian safety and foster community resilience. Please note that the scope of this project is limited to the District’s local roads (it excludes Highway 14).

For more information and to stay up to date on the implementation of Sooke’s Climate Action Plan and its focus on improving the quality of life for residents, please visit letstalk.sooke.ca/sooke2030.  

Related:

• Road Safety Crosswalk Improvements Coming to Five Locations in Sooke

Community Contact:
District of Sooke Reception
Tel: 250.642.1634
Email: info@sooke.ca

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

Photo: Crosswalk enhancement on Church Road at the Stickleback Urban Trail – pedestrian flashing lights were added in early 2024.

Join the Nature-Based Scavenger Search at Sooke’s Earth Day Celebration

Monday, April 15, 2024 – A nature-based scavenger search event is a part of the Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27th, 2024! Held adjacent to Fire Station One, alongside the vibrant Sooke Country Market, and hosted by the Fireweed Learning Commons, the event invites families to embark on an adventure inspired by the rejuvenating spirit of spring.

Attendees are encouraged to embrace their curiosity and immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. Two sessions will be delivered: one at 11 AM and another at 1 PM. Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to explore their surroundings and gain insight into the seasonal changes occurring in their environment.

The scavenger search promises an engaging and educational experience, allowing participants to discover the beauty and biodiversity of the spring season. Young explorers will be particularly delighted, as each participant, especially children, will receive a small gift as a token of appreciation.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or just beginning to explore the wonders of the outdoors, the nature-based scavenger search promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 27th, 2024
• Time: 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
• Location: Beside Fire Station One, alongside the Sooke Country Market
• Admission: Free
• Link to registration: REGISTER ONLINE

District website: Join the Nature-Based Scavenger Search at Our Earth Day Celebration (sooke.ca)

Please click on the link for more information on the upcoming Craft-Garage Fair at EMCS.

EMCS SPRING CRAFT-GARAGE SALE 2024

Church-Throup Road Roundabout Approaching Substantial Completion:

UPDATE – Monday, April 15, 2024, 12:34 pm: The paving is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17 and Thursday, April 18. Closures are anticipated from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Top Lift Paving Scheduled for April 16 and 17

Friday, April 12, 2024 – Progress continues with the Church-Throup Roundabout Project with less than four days of road closures expected for the duration of the project, including two next week.

Early rainfall this morning delayed the pouring of the top lift today; however, with sunny days ahead, this milestone is set to be realized on Wednesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 17.

In response to public feedback, construction crews will adjust their schedule to mobilize later in the morning. This action aims to mitigate disruptions during school drop-off hours, thereby (in at least a small capacity) lessening some of the inconvenience to residents and commuters. When the road is closed, hours of work are expected to be approximately 9 am to 5 pm.

“We are in the home stretch!” says Project Manager, Sue Basset with Hazelwood Construction. “We currently expect two more days of closures following this milestone for the remainder of the project.”

The community’s patience and understanding during these essential infrastructure improvements are appreciated.

Follow the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan at letstalk.sooke.ca/tmp.

Learn more about traffic advisories:

sooke.ca/traffic-advisories

Link: Church-Throup Road Roundabout – Top Lift Paving Scheduled for April 16 and 17 (sooke.ca)

Please click on the link below for more information on the upcoming Book Fair.

Journey Middle School Book Fair