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The District of Sooke is the westernmost of Greater Victoria’s western communities. Only recently incorporated (1999), Sooke is a largely rural municipality with a developing residential core. The population of 11,000 is increasing slowly but steadily.

The historical home of the T’sou-ke people, this sheltered harbour containing a salmon bearing river, rich clam beds, and abundant berries and game in the forests was an ideal site and the people living here thrived. Europeans arrived in the mid 1800’s, and one of the first to reach Sooke was Captain Walter Colqohoun Grant of the Royal Scots Greys, who apparently brought seeds from Scotland of his cherished Scottish Broom, which is now a much maligned invasive species overtaking native habitat from Alaska to California.

Fishing and logging are the industries that built Sooke, and continue, though on a reduced scale, to contribute to the local economy. Tourism is now one of the biggest employers, both adventure related and cultural. There is a vibrant arts community here, and Sooke hosts the premiere juried art show on Vancouver Island – the Sooke Fine Arts Show each summer.

Many residents of Sooke commute to Victoria but have chosen to live in Sooke to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and also because of the lower property values, you get a lot of bang for your buck here! There is a wide variety of housing available in Sooke, from condominiums, townhomes and suburban single family residences in and near the village, to country residential, hobby farms, and estate properties out of town. Along the Sooke basin there are some amazing waterfront and waterview properties. Neighborhoods of Sooke include:

· North Sooke;

· Saseenos;

· Milne’s Landing;

· Sunriver Estates;

· Sooke Town Centre or “UpSooke”;

· Broom Hill;

· Whiffin Spit;

· Otter Point, and

· Kemp Lake

Policing in Sooke is provided by the RCMP and there is a volunteer based fire department. Municipal water is available to residences near the town core and the sewer system is under expansion. Rural properties may still rely on wells and septic tanks and fields. Sooke has its own recreational facility, SEAPARC Leisure Complex, with a swimming pool and ice rink.

As with many smaller communities, Sooke enjoys a variety of annual events which serve to bring residents and visitors together to appreciate the flavour of life in a small town. Among these is:

Sooke Canada Day Celebrations – including logging sports, a canine agility demo, music and, of course, fireworks at dusk;

Sooke Fine Arts Show – a juried art show featuring the best local artists and drawing patrons from all over British Columbia, western Canada and the US;

Sooke River Bluegrass Music Festival – this family friendly festival is held each June at the Sooke River Campground;

Sooke Fall Fair – held in September at the Community Centre on Otter Point Rd, and

The Sooke Country Market – Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm mid-May through September, where you can purchase local produce, plants, bread and crafts.

This laid back community in Greater Victoria is proud of its reputation of independence and acceptance of all peoples regardless of lifestyle, and Sooke has grown to be a diverse, fascinating community because of this attitude. People who want to be part of a rural community that provides outdoor adventure, small town atmosphere and a lively fine arts scene will enjoy living in Sooke.

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