New Plan Will Revitalize Sooke's Town Centre

Sooke, British Columbia, July 30, 2009 – Future development in the Sooke town centre will feature compact, sustainable, high-density projects thanks to the vision outlined in the new Sooke Town Centre Plan. It is one of four important planning tools undertaken by the District of Sooke and made possible through an investment from the federal Gas Tax Fund.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Government of Canada understands the importance of supporting infrastructure projects that create jobs, stimulate the economy and improve our quality of life,” said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport) and the Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands. “This plan will support the District of Sooke's Town Centre Plan that will revitalize and redevelop the municipality of Sooke.”

The plan, which outlines new land uses, urban design standards and a street network, provides a clear strategic concept for a revitalized town centre. When combined with the updated Official Community Plan, a new Parks and Trails Master Plan, and a new Transportation Master Plan, all funded by the Gas Tax Fund, the documents comprise a vision that will guide the development of Sooke for years to come.

“The Sooke Town Centre Plan creates a framework for future development that is already attracting attention from investors and has the potential to expand Sooke's economic base,” said Bill Bennett, B.C. Minister of Community and Rural Development. “It's gratifying to see how partnerships between multiple levels of government can have a positive impact on communities.”

“The Sooke Town Centre Plan provides a new vision to transform the town centre and has inspired the District to approve a new Town Centre Stimulus Program,” Mayor Janet Evans said. “The stimulus program encourages sustainable development practices and affordable housing through the use of tax exemptions, building permit reductions, development cost charges reductions, and the reinvestment of all incremental property taxes generated into capital projects in the town centre. Sooke is inviting the world to share in our vision and make Sooke one of finest places to live, work and play.”

Developers of Mariner's Village are certainly on board with the Sooke Town Centre Plan. Their waterfront development concept, estimated to be worth $275-million, will transform the core of the new town centre. When completed, Mariner's Village will be a blend of 375 dwelling units, 10,000 m2 in commercial space, including a medical clinic, as well as a 176 slip marina, boardwalk and public wharf, all in the heart of Sooke.

The project, which recently received Council's approval for a new comprehensive development zone, embraces the goals of the Sooke Town Centre Plan and the other new planning documents by creating a liveable, walkable community, complete with a medical centre.

“We are excited to be the first major project to embrace the goals of the people of the District of Sooke in their town centre,” Mariner's Village developer Mike Barrie said. “At build-out our project is estimated to deliver over 1,800 person years of employment. We are just one example of how the District's Town Centre Stimulus Program will encourage the creation of a vibrant town centre that will also help to stimulate the local economy.”

The federally funded Gas Tax Fund is a tripartite agreement between Canada, British Columbia and UBCM delivering infrastructure funding to local governments for capital projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.

“The District of Sooke has taken charge of its sustainability agenda thanks to the strategic investment of Gas Tax funds,” said UBCM Robert Hobson. “The Town Centre Plan is an excellent example of the potential for sustainable planning to renew communities.”

For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca. To learn more about the District of Sooke's revitalization initiatives visit www.sooke.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister
613-991-0700

Ministry of Community and Rural Development
250-387-4089

Paul Taylor
Relationships and Communications Advisor
Union of BC Municipalities
250-356-2938

Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148

Dave Devana
Acting Chief Administrative Officer/Director of Finance
District of Sooke
250-642-1634