What does ‘planning in the public interest’ mean?

If there's one idea that ties our campaign together, it's the principle of planning in the public interest. That means making decisions that are good for the whole community, not just for a few people.

Every planning decision should ask one question:

"Is this good for Sooke?"

Not just today, but 10, 20, or 50 years from now.

Regardless of how we feel about growth, one thing is certain: growth is inevitable. Sooke is a wonderful place to live, and we're not the only ones who know it.

So the question isn't whether Sooke will grow. It's how.

Planning in the public interest means making sure growth strengthens our community. It means protecting the qualities that make Sooke special, ensuring development contributes fairly to the infrastructure and services it requires, supporting local businesses, protecting our natural environment, and making decisions that future generations will thank us for.

Good planning doesn't just ask, "Can we build this?"

It also asks:

• Does it fit the character of Sooke?

• Will it strengthen our neighbourhoods?

• Does it protect our forests, streams, and shoreline?

• Will it make life better for the people who already live here?

• Will this still be a good decision 20 years from now?

That's what planning in the public interest means to us and that is the lens through which we will make decisions on council.

Keeping It Sooke.

Because every council decision should leave Sooke better than we found it.