Sooke Region Communities Health Network - SRCHN

10/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in the Municipal election. To those that took the time to learn more about the Sooke Gathering Place and how it will provided space that supports health, wellness, learning, and connection for Sooke Region Seniors and Youth. Our hope is that you vote YES.
Stay tuned for more details as we have time to work through the planning with the community and the new Sooke Council.

10/16/2026

SOOKE, TOMORROW IS YOUR CHANCE TO HELP US TAKE A FIRST STEP FORWARD.

Still have questions about Sooke Gathering Place? We have answers.

Tomorrow, October 17, Sooke residents are being asked an important question about the future of our community. And if you're still undecided, we encourage you to take a few minutes to get the facts before casting your ballot. https://www.sookeregionchn.org/sgp-faqs

For years, the Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN) and a dedicated team of community volunteers have worked toward a vision of a welcoming, accessible Sooke Gathering Place — somewhere people of all ages can connect, participate, learn, create and belong.

We've listened. We've planned. We've fundraised. We've explored possibilities and overcome setbacks. And we've done it because we believe Sooke deserves community spaces that grow with the people who live here.

Let's be clear about what tomorrow's vote means.

A YES vote does not authorize borrowing $5 million. It does not approve construction or automatically increase your taxes.

It simply tells Council that you support considering an investment of up to $5 million, subject to further planning, financial review and future approvals.

There are still many decisions to be made where you will have many chances to have your say. That's why this is a non-binding plebiscite — an opportunity for residents to tell Council whether they support taking the first steps.

We've put together answers to the most important questions about the project at this stage, including why it's needed, what it could offer our community, where it could be located, how it might operate and what the financial considerations are.

You don't have to rely on rumours, speculation or secondhand information. You can hear directly from the people who have been working on this project for years.

👉 PLEASE READ OUR FAQs BEFORE YOU VOTE:
https://www.sookeregionchn.org/sgp-faqs

Sooke is growing. Our needs are changing. And the decisions we make today will help shape the kind of community we leave for future generations.

Tomorrow, please vote with the facts. Vote with the future in mind. And make your voice heard.

Saturday, October 17 | 8 AM–8 PM
Edward Milne Community School

Authorized by Sooke Region Communities Health Network, registered sponsor under LECFA. [email protected]

10/15/2026

The Sooke Gathering Place promote health and wellness through social, creative, and active-aging programs, support services, resource navigation, education, and welcoming spaces that connect seniors, youth, and everyone in between.

People who provide services or plan celebrations in Sooke know how limited suitable space is. When programs are not running, the Sooke Gathering Place will rent out its space to help cover operating costs and expand local supports.

43% of Canadians aged 50 years and older are at risk of social isolation, and up to 59% have experienced loneliness. (The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) 2024 Survey) Research shows how this type of programming can increase the health of our Community by decreasing physical and mental health needs, increase resiliency to help us get through difficult times.

The question on the ballot is asking you to give direction to the new council to partner with the Sooke Region Communities Health Network to make this happen. It does not give authority to the District to go out and borrow money. It gives them direction to work with us on the next steps, figuring out what the operating costs will be, work to come up with the best location, business plan and cost to build. This will then have to come back to the community before money is borrowed.

Vote YES to support the next steps of creating a healthier community.

10/15/2026

YAY - we made our goal for the Sooke Grand Parade. A fun fundraiser to help get the Sooke Gathering Place Built. The winners of the best team costume were the boomers - bringing lots of fun to the day. Thank you to the Hegglund's for providing the team prize.

10/11/2026

The Sooke Gathering Place will be for both seniors and youth. We previously posted what youth told us they want. Here is what the seniors told us.

Arts & Crafts – painting, drawing, photography, weaving, quilting, sewing, paper crafts, wood carving, bonsai, cake decorating, flower arranging, knitting, pottery
Exercise – chair exercise, yoga, balance (Physio based)
Games
Pool
Table Tennis
Board Games
Chess
Crib
Virtual Game Experience
Wii Sports – golf, bowling
Bingo
Café
Education – cell phone & other communicatoins,
computer skills, internet
Downsizing and decluttering
First Aid
Meditaiton,
Life Planning, wills and End of Life Planning
Lifelong Learning Classes
Dancing
Ancestry
Foot care
Community Gardening
Hair Dresser
Music & Memoirs
Nature (quiet space)
Outings for Lunch
Peer Support,
Singing
Travel – facilitated by globtrotting seniors – on and off island
Writing & Poetry *
Shoe Repairs & Other Repairs*
Book Club – Everyone reads a different book – less formal
Furniture Restoration
Empowerment
Visit Choirs*
Drumming Circle*
Pet Visiting*, Grooming, Dog walking
Fitness Room with equipment for hip surgery recovery
Special chair for exercise pedal bike idea
Multi-media Room
Cooking
Meals

There are many duplicates to what the youth said - stay tuned.

Please vote yes to give the new Sooke council your support for this project to move forward in it's planning. Remember the vote does not give the council permission to borrow now.

10/08/2026

Thank you to Sooke Chamber of Commerce and the Multi-belief Initiative for hosting the All Candidates meeting at EMCS last night. We apprecitated being included and being able to provide accurate information on the Sooke Gathering Place so people can make an informed vote.

10/04/2026

Thank you to everyone that came out and made the ABBA Party such a success, and a sold out night. Thanks to Shannon Rae and Jeff Head for the music and trivia, Mary McColeman and team for organizing and decorating, The Legion for providing the space and making themed drinks and Swedish meatball supper.; and Sherry Robb (https://www.sherryrobb.com/) for donating the prizes for best costume.
The event made $2,943.25 in tickets and donations for the Sooke Gathering Place. The 50/50 had a happy winner of $440.00. The other $440.00 helps keep our programs running and allows us to do things like the Health Summit and upcoming Mental Health Fair (stay tuned).

10/02/2026

The Sooke Region Communities Health Network has been nominated for a Sooke Business of Excellence Award - best non-profit. Please consider voting for us.
https://www.sookeregionchamber.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUtGt9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6GMGRjk9enaLf4PWKPj72XhIe7qxrme5JOQxLacV8SCsPn9TUVty8zZZY6fA_aem_CcAT1jhWQVD0iHepqVfZQw

Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce is offering ad space in it’s signature magazine! “EVERYTHING you always wanted to know about SOOKE” is distributed to all new businesses and community members via Chamber gatherings, Sooke Region Tourism, District of Sooke, Victoria Tourism Bureau and more!

10/02/2026

The Sooke Gathering Place is a proposed multi-purpose community hub designed to bring people together, reduce isolation, and support health, wellness, learning, and connection for seniors and youth. There will be space to meet and socialize but there will also be programs designed to increase or maintian health and wellness.
It will also be providing opportunities for youth and seniors to work together and develop connections. Feeling connected to our communities help us get through the tough times.