Some brief stories which may be of interest to Sooke News Mirror readers.
Council Briefs
Upgrades to infrastructure suggested for Coopers Cove area
The implementation of sewer-connected public washrooms was suggested at the waterfront parking lot near Coopers Cove due to high volume of visitors in the area. As this has become a hot spot for tourists due to its easy access to the Galloping Goose, the only washroom is at the local restaurant, which runs on a septic tank and is not connected to the district’s sewer system. The business owner noted that the increased usage may put a burden on the restaurant’s washroom facility, as it was built to handle a limited number of users. Council suggested possible development of the parking lot, which would include proper public washroom facilities.
In addition to public washrooms, there was also suggestion for council to review a traffic study to address the area’s troubled turning lane (not being able to properly turn left back towards Sooke). Residents agreed that as the spot grows more popular, the amount of vehicles going in and out of the adjacent parking lots will go up as well.
Commonwealth Games to be local
Council voted in favour of having the 2022 Commonwealth Games taking place in the Greater Victoria Area, which would also involve the District of Sooke. This was in response to David H. Black’s open letter to council suggesting that the event would be significantly beneficial to the region as it would promote culture, sports and tourism. Black mentioned that while it won’t be the same as the Victoria 1994 Games, it would be “just as satisfying.”
The proposal by Black to put forward a bid for the games is only if the games are not held in Durban, South Africa.
District 2015 Strategic Plan
The District of Sooke Council has approved their 2015 Strategic Plan at the meeting held on April 13, 2015.
The role of the Strategic Plan is to guide all municipal processes within the District of Sooke over the next 4 years based on five fundamental principles: fiscal sustainability, excellence in management and governance, streamlining community planning, promoting economic prosperity and enhancing community livability. The Plan is the result of a Council and staff workshop with Paragon Strategic Services Ltd. Held on February 13, 2015 and a series of meetings to develop objectives for the work plan.
“The intent of the Strategic Plan is to identify and focus on objectives where we as an organization believe changes and improvements can be made to enhance the livability of our community for all citizens,” says Mayor Maja Tait. “As our community continues to see growth, we are faced with unique and important opportunities and challenges that need to be pro actively addressed in order for us to achieve our goals.” Some key objectives addressed within the Strategic Plan include: pro actively plan for replacement of our infrastructure, ensure we are properly structured and re sourced to meet the community’s needs, ensure the Official Community Plan is current; pursue economic opportunities, and focus on making the Town Centre vibrant and accessible.
“Working within these framework, specific objectives have been identified which will guide the District’s annual budgets and work plans over the term,” says Mayor Tait.
The 2015 Strategic Plan is available for viewing on the District website at: http://www.sooke.ca” www.sooke.ca (Plans & Reports).
Police seeking B&E suspects
Just after 4 a.m., early Tuesday morning, April 21, three male suspects broke into the Shell Station at 5529 Sooke Road.
Entry was gained by compromising the front door.
“The thieves got away with some cigars and tobacco products, but of most significance to the owner was the extent of the damage caused by the thieves on entry and while rummaging through the store,” said Cst. Reid Miller of the Sooke RCMP. The RCMP Forensic Identification Services attended and are assisting with this investigation of break, enter and theft.
We have no better description at this point other than it appears to be three males. They arrived at the station in a vehicle.
Sooke RCMP are seeking public assistance for the identities of the suspects responsible for this crime. If anyone has witnessed this crime or knows who committed the crime, please call the Sooke RCMP Detachment at 250-642-5241 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477).
Your information to Crimestoppers will be taken in strictest confidence. You never have to give your name.
Tips that lead to the arrest of suspects, as well as the recovery of stolen property and drugs are eligible for cash rewards.
