Continuing a transition to 24/7 policing and committing $400,000 to bridge maintenance are some of the key budget items proposed in the District of Sooke. “Eighty-three per cent of our property taxes comes from residents,” she said. “We don’t have big industry or a big commercial tax base. We’re trying to grow those, but it’s largely households. The challenge for us is that one per cent only generates $100,000.
Tait said that while there is already 24/7 response from Sooke RCMP, the intent is to transition to “a more complete service of not just responding, but proactively boots on the ground.” That would include more patrols and other services, she said. Also with transportation, there is a proposal for $150,000 to go to the “patch-and-pave” program, with crosswalk improvements and streetlights up for funding, as well.
In the area of parks, green spaces and the environment, budget proposals include putting $15,000 into rain/storm water management and $100,000 into the annual playground program.