Vote Tony St-Pierre

Future Priorities

Build Neighbourhood Houses Across Sooke

I believe community connection needs spaces where a young person can meet a mentor, a senior can have a coffee with a neighbour, a parent can access support, or someone starting a small business can find a place to begin.

Takeaway: Connect generations in neighbourhoods. Grow local business and services. Use what we have. Build faster. Spend less.

That’s why I want us to build a network of neighbourhood houses across Sooke: welcoming, walkable community hubs that bring people together where they live.

Where possible, we would repurpose existing buildings and combine child care, community gardens, cafés, youth and seniors’ activities, flexible work and learning spaces, small-business incubation, and access to social-service navigation under one roof.

The houses could use community co-operative models to operate services such as cafés, creating local employment and sustainable community assets.

At the centre of the network would be the Gathering Place near the library, providing administration and space for larger programs and events.

The goal is simple: make it easier for youth, seniors and neighbours to connect, learn, work, access services and build community—without having to get in a car.

Create an Economic Development, Housing & Land Corporation

Sooke should get ahead of land costs—not pay tomorrow’s prices for tomorrow’s needs.

Takeaway: Buy strategically. Generate value. Protect the public interest. Avoid paying more later.

I would support an arm’s-length corporation staffed by qualified professionals to acquire and manage land identified in our OCP and Transportation Master Plan, under a clear public mandate and strict safeguards:

• Council-approved objectives, budgets and borrowing limits

• Independent oversight and annual public audits

• Regular reporting on acquisitions, leases, partnerships, risks and returns

• Transparent procurement and conflict-of-interest rules

• Public disclosure of major transactions, subject to legitimate legal protections

• Council and public approval for major sales, borrowing or mandate changes

For example, if land will eventually be needed for a road, the corporation could acquire it early, rent it in the meantime and avoid higher costs when construction is imminent.

It could also assemble land for waterfront development, parks and non-market housing, establish a community vision and partner with private developers to deliver it.

This is about professional land management, financial discipline, transparency and democratic oversight—using public assets strategically while protecting taxpayers.

Advance Safe Cycling Infrastructure

Sooke needs safe, connected cycling infrastructure to protect cyclists, reduce congestion on Route 14 and encourage visitors to stop, explore and spend money locally.

Takeaway: Connect the trails. Protect cyclists. Reduce congestion. Keep visitors—and their spending—in Sooke.

This supports Destination Canada’s vision for the Juan de Fuca basin as a major destination built with regional and cross-border partners around tourism, cycling and Indigenous culture.

Today, cyclists can enjoy the Galloping Goose but face dangerous gaps—including the crossing into Sooke. Many visitors are discouraged from reaching the town centre, limiting spending at local shops, restaurants and attractions.

Our priorities should be to:

• Create a safe connection from the Galloping Goose to the town centre

• Add separated, paved cycling lanes through parks and along key routes

• Clearly separate cyclists, pedestrians and drivers through signage and design

• Improve access for youth and residents who rely on cycling for transportation

Connected cycling routes give visitors more reasons to stay longer and spend locally. They also give residents a practical alternative to driving, helping reduce congestion and supporting local businesses.

Your Vote Counts

THE CHALLENGE: It can be difficult to feel well-enough informed to vote for 6 councillors and 1 mayor.

THE SOLUTION: You can have the most impact by voting only for the candidates in whom you have confidence, even if that’s only a few. Don’t dilute your vote!

Contact

Stay in Touch

© 2026 | Authorized by Christiana St-Pierre, Financial Agent
PO Box 395, Sooke, BC V9Z 1G1

tonystpsooke@gmail.com