After a few delays, the Sooke Boat Launch facilities on West Coast Road at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort was officially launched last week.
Mayor Janet Evans said there were some issues with Fisheries and Oceans Canada regarding building into the water during salmon fry season that pushed the completion date back by a month.
“I would have liked to open a bit sooner, at least now it’s open,” said Evans. “It’s a fantastic asset for the community and I hope all those people who petitioned us four, five years ago are happy we finally have a public boat launch.”
In a District of Sooke press release, it said the endeavour — a cooperative result of all three levels of government and local businesses — provides much needed access to the water for locals and visitors and promotes increased use of the Sooke harbour and basin.
“The governments of Canada and British Columbia jointly contributed $605,768 toward the project, through the Canada — British Columbia Building Canada Fund — Communities Component,” said the release.
The final cost, including the $915,000 for the land the launch is built on, hasn’t been tallied yet, said Evans, who added staff is still waiting on the final invoices. Figures should be available and made public record by the end of November.
“I’m just very pleased it was finished by the end of my term, it was on my list of things the public wanted me to do,” she said.
A formal opening ceremony featuring local dignitaries, community representatives and funding partners is being planned.
