Why are there no sidewalks yet?
We do not want to build sidewalks until the storm water management plan is approved and funded, it would not be prudent to build them, then dig them up. With the failure of the referendum we are about 4 years behind in our plans to build sidewalks, however, with the new road network plan and our application for funding from the Federal and Provincial governments we hope to start on the storm water issues and to build the first phase of the road plan. We have budgeted for this in our 5 year financial plan and sidewalks is an important part of the project.
Why did we build the boardwalk when we don't have safe sidewalks?
The community has asked for years to have better access to the harbour and basin and with the announcement of the Provincial government funding up to $330,000 from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic fund for new projects in communities to encourage tourism and fitness, we took the opportunity to apply.
As we could not use the money for sidewalks and we did not want to return it. Council voted to build the boardwalk and use Casino revenue funds to pay the balance of the project. No monies from the base Sooke budget were used for this. I believe that this will be a asset to the community in the future.
The new boardwalk is great but some can not get to it.
Unfortunately Sooke is surrounded by high bank access to the harbour. A developer is currently paying to build an assessable walkway from Ed Mcgregor park to the boardwalk that will allow for better access to the boardwalk.
Why did Council approve that commercial building on Shields Road?
The commercial zoning was already in place for the owner and Council approved the development permit with the knowledge that it is the first new commercial building built since we approved the zoning bylaw and with the knowledge that another building will be built on the east side covering over the large cement wall. This new building will provide much needed commercial space in the downtown area.
Why is there such a large staff turn over?
In the current local government market there are many varied opportunities for professional staff to move to other municipalities that pay more and have larger opportunities for advancement. It is always difficult for Council to lose good employees as it takes about 6 months for their replacements to get up to speed which delays many of our projects.
Why are there no street lights on Phillips Road?
Staff have been working with BC Hydro on getting street lights from SEAPARC to Sun River and I am assured that it will be soon. As Mayor I am working with Hydro to see that it happens.
When will Council approve another phase of the sewer project?
Many residents in the community and the First Nations are asking for inclusion into the sewer specified area. Staff has been working with EPCOR to determine capacity in the plant and the costs associated with adding the Butler property, First Nations, Idlemore and Kaltasin into the SSA. We will need to apply for grants in order to pursue the additions.
Just so you know...
The District does NOT provide the Mayor with a car, the Mayor provides that herself. The District provides the Mayor with a cell phone as she is the Chief Executive Officer of the community and must be reached at all times of the day. The District also provides the Mayor with a District credit card so she can pay for travel expenses when she is and Council members are at conferences and when important guests come to the community.
