I see there’s land across from the district office and fire hall for sale. This is a perfect time for the District of Sooke to look ahead. The land is costly, but in the future, it would be the best move.
The district needs a bigger area for the firehall, and you can use the present firehall land for more space.
The district will need room for a town yard eventually.
If the property is too big, the district could sell some and recoup some of the cost. I am sure there’s money for this to help. The town has 15,000 people, so it’s time.
When I lived in Smithers, a town of only 5,000 people, they had a new office and a large fire hall and their own maintenance yard and equipment. They also have a pool and two ice rinks. This puts local people to work, and they pay taxes. It’s a win-win deal.
If someone buys the property and builds condos or houses, I am sure the people are not going to be happy with the fire trucks and sirens in the middle of the night. So to have some feedback, buy the land.
Gordon Stewart, Sooke
