LETTER: Sooke council overlooking public’s objection to OCP

What is really happening in Sooke? Many residents are troubled by persistent rumors that our elected officials have already decided to adopt the draft official community plan (OCP), even as our mayor calls us to a public hearing – now the third time in five years, for the exact same proposal that has repeatedly been rejected by our community. The message from the public is clear: this document does not reflect Sooke’s needs. Instead, it comes from outside consultants who seem unfamiliar with our local concerns. It reads as boilerplate language with little customization for Sooke. Moreover, important promises remain unfulfilled. Previously, community members voiced strong concerns that the development permit applications (DPAs) were confusing, lacked transparency, and left property owners uncertain about their rights. Residents specifically requested that new bylaws should only affect new builds, rezoning, or undeveloped land – not existing single-family homes. Mayor Tait and council assured us that there would be no expropriation of private lands, including foreshore properties, and that the DPAs would be clarified or removed. It’s worth noting that the Sooke basin and foreshore are already strictly regulated by provincial and federal agencies. Additional local regulations do nothing to address the serious affordability crisis facing our community. Instead, they will drive up costs, worsen affordability, and make obtaining permits more difficult. Builders and families already face long delays; more bureaucracy will mean more staff, higher administrative expenses, and ultimately offset any potential permit revenue. Real revenue comes from major projects – new builds or development of bare land – not from regular families, but from ultra-wealthy developers. What’s especially troubling is that, despite ongoing opposition, the district has targeted waterfront properties three times in five years yet has failed to notify affected owners directly. Each time, the same proposals are recycled, without meaningful changes or engagement. The transparency issues identified in previous hearings persist. Such practices show a lack of accountability and respect for taxpayers. Why is the district disregarding previous council and mayoral instructions, and why aren’t our leaders standing up for Sooke residents? Matt Mortenson Sooke