Continuing a transition to 24/7 policing and committing $400,000 to bridge maintenance are some of the key budget items proposed in the District of Sooke. It all adds up to a 10.53 per cent tax increase for 2024-25, the equivalent of an additional $147.12 for an average assessed property.
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait said the municipality’s tax base is not as diverse as some others.
“Eighty-three per cent of our property taxes comes from residents,” she said. “We don’t have big industry or a big commercial tax base. We’re trying to grow those, but it’s largely households. The challenge for us is that one per cent [of added tax] only generates $100,000.”
The budget proposals were developed after more than 1,000 residents took part in Sooke’s annual budget survey last year, and will be presented at an open house on Wednesday, running 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Sooke’s municipal hall at 2205 Otter Point Rd.
Tait said that while there is already 24/7 response from Sooke RCMP, the intent is to transition to “a more complete service of not just responding, but proactively boots on the ground.” That would include more patrols and other services, she said.
Bridge maintenance is a big consideration, as there are 11 bridges in the municipality, Tait said. The Connie Road Bridge, Todd Creek Bridge and Phillips Road Bridge are designated for attention in a recent budget summary.
Also with transportation, there is a proposal for $150,000 to go to the “patch-and-pave” program, with crosswalk improvements and streetlights up for funding, as well.
Design work on Charters, Ella and Phillips roads is being put forward, as is a transit exchange on Wadams Way.
“There’s also working with the province for Highway 14 corridor improvements,” Tait said.
Representatives from the Ministry of Transportation will attend Sooke council’s meeting April 8 to discuss priorities for Highway 14.
In the area of parks, green spaces and the environment, budget proposals include putting $15,000 into rain/storm water management and $100,000 into the annual playground program.
“Playground equipment breaks down over time so it needs to be replaced,” Tait said. “Within the wastewater plant we’ve done extensive work to stop stormwater from flowing into the treatment area.”
Hiring another bylaw officer is also being looked at, she said, and there will be the usual community-grant process that provides funds to a variety of organizations.
