Sooke mayor Maja Tait provided a live update to the residents of Sooke on April 6, 2020.

Notable items:

• A special meeting was held to pass the budget, with the direction from COuncil to staff to cover only essential services at this time.
• A Council meeting is scheduled for April 14th. If it goes ahead, the public can participate by sending an email to info@sooke.ca
• The District has received several notifications of gatherings over 20 people on Whiffin Spit on some evenings. Note that all Sooke parks and playgrounds are currently closed to the public.
• Appreciations to Sooke businesses who have been incredibly nimble and responsive. Everyone is encouraged to shop locally and buy from Sooke. A list of businesses and essential services is available on the District’s website. Please contact them if you notice that something is missing.
• The Chamber has a weekly Zoom call for businesses every Monday, a great resource to connect with other businesses and stay current on the fast-changing information.
• Financial support is listed on the District’s COVID-19 website.
• FoodbankBC has received federal funding, and that money will be distributed to local Foodbank, including that in Sooke (who have really ramped up to meet needs at this time).
• Community caring has blossomed in Sooke, and it’s heartwarming to see neighbours helping neighbours.
• Schools are launching virtual classrooms, with each teacher designing new courses. The EMCS teacher’s video was thoroughly enjoyed.
• The advice from the province continues to stay physically separate but connect with each other.
• Public transit ridership is down. Rear-door boarding has been extended to April 30, meaning that fares will not be collected. Passengers with accessibility needs can still board at the front.
• Ferries are for essential traffic only.
• Locally there seems to be an increase of roadside litter. Thank you to those who are cleaning up. Please don’t do that.
• Clothing donation bins are closed. People are still dropping off clothes at the bins. Unfortunately, these items cannot be distributed at this time. Please keep your items until the time comes that these donations can be handled and managed.
• Vandalism is still happening at parks. Please feel free to call the Sooke RCMP (250-642-5241) when you see this happening in your community.
• Remember to wash your hands. Please stay healthy.

Watch the full address here:

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• SEAPARC restricts registration to summer camp programs only, starts April 15
• COVID-19 Sooke: Outdoor burning ban extended, non-essential travel and camping discouraged
• COVID-19: Update from Sooke Mayor Maja Tait, April 6, 2020
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