Planning in the Public Interest: Action 30 - 36

30. Get more from neighbourhood parks.
Identify underused public green spaces and look for affordable improvements - trails, play areas, small sports spaces and other amenities - while ensuring new development contributes appropriately to future park needs.

31. Know what's coming - and what it will cost.

Use long-term infrastructure and financial planning so major costs are identified early rather than becoming expensive surprises. Don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.

32. Pursue outside funding aggressively.

Make grants, senior-government contributions, and other revenue sources a central part of funding major infrastructure before turning to local property taxpayers.

33. Review spending - and get the basics right.

Continue reviewing staffing, programs and spending for efficiencies while being clear about the services residents receive and what they cost. Keep core municipal responsibilities - roads, drainage, wastewater, public safety, parks and bylaw service - working reliably.

34. Keep the public interest at the centre.

Use clear and consistent development rules shaped by community plans. Rules should be applied fairly, and Council decisions should put the needs of the broader community first.

35. Bring more voices to the table.

Try new approaches to public engagement - including forums, workshops, community assemblies and neighbourhood conversations - so residents have meaningful opportunities to participate before major decisions are made.

36. Tell us what we’re missing.
Council’s role is to listen, be guided by community plans and make decisions in the best interest of the overall community. Tell us what priorities need to be updated or added to.

Read the full list at sooketogether.ca/action-items

36 actions for a better Sooke.

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

#SookeTogether #KeepingItSooke