Maybe we need to change the conversation about roads

We all agree that Sooke needs better internal road connections. But whether the next version of Throup Road costs $50 million or $15 million, the reality is the same: without substantial outside funding, Sooke cannot afford another major road project right now without borrowing or raising taxes.

And the infrastructure we already own needs attention.

Our roads are aging. Old culverts are failing. Sinkholes and emergency repairs can cost close to $1 million each. Grants can sometimes help us build new infrastructure, but maintaining and eventually replacing it largely falls on the taxpayers.

So here’s a Sooke Together action item: let’s take a breather.

Before committing millions to another major project, let’s look at the whole infrastructure picture. What do we own? What needs replacing in five, ten and twenty years? What will it cost? Are we saving enough?

Because once we build something, we own it – and we have to maintain it.

Growth also needs to pay its required share. New development should pay its full Development Cost Charges and build the roads, sidewalks and drainage required as part of that development.

And those funny little “sidewalks to nowhere”? Let’s appreciate them. Existing taxpayers didn’t pay for them. The developer did. As development continues, those pieces eventually connect.

If substantial grants become available for important new road connections, let’s pursue them.

But we won’t commit taxpayers to something we can’t afford.

Sooke Together’s priority is pretty simple: Take care of what we have. Know what’s coming. Save for what we’ll need. Build when we can afford to build – and maintain what we build.