LOT a

The District of Sooke purchased Lot A in 2016. This sizable lot between the rear of Evergreen Centre and Wadams Way has since become the new permanent home of the Vancouver Island Regional Library branch, whose building and medium sized parking lot take up about 25% of the property. The remaining areas are currently being eyed for a public outdoor plaza, a six story mixed use health center and rental housing project, and the Sooke Gathering Place - a senior and youth focused community center.

Noah is generally in favour of these uses. However, he recognizes there are many details remaining to be worked out.

The long overdue medical building is currently approved under a deal with a non profit developer called Catalyst. Under the deal, Catalyst leases the land and collects rents to recover the cost of the project.

Ceasing this arrangement (the project is reported to begin construction at the end of 2026) would undoubtedly delay the delivery of the health center as a new proponent would have to be found. Noah notes that 30% of the 80 rental units will be below market rates and it is intended that incoming medical workers will be given some form of priority access to those.

The Sooke Gathering Place is an initiative by the Sooke Region Communities Health Network to "provide a much-needed drop-in space for the community, space for activities, crafting, dining, games, and socializing. The space will also incorporate a youth/intergenerational component and the facility will be rentable to the larger community for events."

The proponents have raised over $400,000 so far towards construction. On the ballot this fall will be a non binding plebiscite asking if the district should consider borrowing up to a maximum of $5 million to support the construction and operational start-up of the Gathering Place on lot A. Noah will be voting YES on his personal ballot to keep the project alive at the district and allow staff to then report back to the new council with further information before any borrowing or project commitments are considered. Also, he is open to further discussion in regards the final design of this building and what additional amenities or spaces it may contain.

The fate of the final quadrant of Lot A must be carefully considered. Noah is in favour some sort of outdoor plaza/public outdoor space with a unique amenity or two that would best tie together the other emerging elements of lot A and the adjacent commercial property. Vehicle access through Lot A into Evergreen Centre is inadvisable nor likely desired, but pedestrian access via an attractive plaza/park space could add dimensionality to our linear town core. This final piece of the lot A puzzle is exciting because of its potential impact proportional to the relatively low expenditure and Noah is eager to see this all come together.