Community Economic Development: Actions 11 – 15

11. Grow our commercial tax base and bring services closer to home.
Pursue commercial development that fits Sooke - including mixed-use development, accommodation, tourism businesses, shops and services - so residents have more reasons to shop, work, and access everyday services locally. A stronger Town Centre with more homes and businesses will also help broaden Sooke’s tax base and share the cost of municipal services across more properties.

12. Help local businesses start and grow.
Build on Sooke’s existing Community Economic Development Strategy, including exploring a local business hub or shared workspace, and work with local businesses and organizations on practical ways to help businesses start, grow and stay in Sooke. Review zoning and approval processes to remove unnecessary barriers and support appropriate commercial and mixed-use development. Complete and implement the recommendations in the Employment Lands Strategy.

13. Bring more life to our Town Centre.
Use the Town Centre Plan and new MRDT (hotel tax) revenues to support a more welcoming, walkable, and active downtown, including landscaping, public art, gathering spaces, events, and better pedestrian connections.

14. Celebrate Sooke's arts and culture.
Make arts and culture a bigger part of Sooke's tourism and economic-development strategy. Our artists, musicians, makers, galleries, and cultural organizations are an important part of who we are.

15. Put tourism dollars back into Sooke.

Support the tourism opportunities that are in progress and work with the Tourism Advisory Committee, using new MRDT revenues to support cultural, eco and sports tourism, local businesses, events and improvements that benefit visitors and residents alike.

36 actions for a better Sooke.: Read the full list at sooketogether.ca/action-items

On October 17, vote Sooke Together: Susan Belford, Brian McHattie, Helen Ritts, and Steve Sorensen for Council.

#SookeTogether #KeepingItSooke