Planning in the public interest: Action 23 - 29

23. Support our Official Community Plan. 

Implement the Official Community Plan and other community-created plans. Review regularly, update when evidence supports, and carry on rather than discarding years of community work and starting over.

24. Protect the new Development Permit Areas.
Sooke’s nine new DPAs set clear expectations for development and important protections for environmentally sensitive areas, steep slopes, riparian areas, foreshore and other areas needing special consideration. DPAs protect property owners from future problems. We’ll continue to review how they work in practice and adjust where needed.

25. Make growth pay its fair share.

Use the tools available to ensure new development contributes to the infrastructure its growth requires, including roads, sidewalks, cycling connections, wastewater, parks, environmental protection.

26. Plan infrastructure before we build.

Understand the condition and capacity of roads, drainage, wastewater, and other infrastructure -  and what it will cost to maintain - before taking on additional infrastructure liabilities through development.

27. Plan now for wastewater.

Complete the Wastewater Master Plan and begin planning early for the next treatment and collection-system investments so Sooke isn't scrambling when capacity becomes critical.

28. Protect environmentally sensitive areas.

Complete the identification and mapping of environmentally sensitive areas so streams, wetlands, wildlife corridors, shorelines and other important natural areas are consistently considered in land-use decisions.

29. Open up more of our waterfront.

Improve existing public water-access points and look for opportunities through future waterfront redevelopment to create more public access, trails and amenities, while respecting private homeowners' property rights.

Read 36 Actions for a Better Sooke at sooketogether.ca/action-items

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