by Mary P. Brooke    |         February 3, 2010

Sooke has another new organization, this one comprised primarily of developers, builders and trade who do business in the Sooke area.

Their new Sooke Community Development Association (SCDA) met on January 27 to elect directors and officers to it first Board. Discussion included an itemization of eight aspects of the District of Sooke's Official Community Plan (OCP) that are deemed to be top priorities for developers, including development cost charges (DCC's) and the District's interest in affordable housing.

"Sooke is going to lose its edge in the CRD as a place to live," commented Chris Ricketts, a builder in the Sooke area. He was referring to a discussion about affordable housing and the increased cost of building homes. "Costs are huge to develop single family homes," said Adrian Cowden, a developer. "Everything is in conflict with their stated goal," said another developer at the meeting, referring to District of Sooke policies for levying DCC's and other fees, explaining that DCC costs are ultimately passed on to homebuyers.  The general consensus was that taxes on residential properties were becoming too high.

Apparently 61 potential members are interested in the organization, with 35 members having paid the $100 membership fee to date; 22 people attended the 1.5-hour meeting on January 27 that was co-chaired by Allan Bradley, Chris Ricketts and Kate Linnet. The OCP checklist had been prepared by Randy Welters.

Officers were acclaimed: Steve Moir, a local builder, as president; Catherine Cloutier of Wild Rocks building supply as VP; Cheryl Vavra, notary public, as acting treasurer; Kate Linnitt as secretary.

"The association will be the collective voice of the members and will foster growth and economic stability in the development of Sooke," said George Holmes, a property manager with Kahl Realty. "The membership will consist of a broad spectrum of Sooke businesses including general contractors, developers, suppliers, tradespersons, realtors, property managers, legal practitioners, strata corporations, lenders, property owners, and interested citizens."

"The association will promote standard and ethical business practices and also educating members on matters concerning the development of Sooke," said Holmes, who is also the executive director of the Sooke Elderly Citizens Housing Society which owns Ayre Manor.

The SCDA's Jan.27 meeting was held at the Village Food Markets upstairs meeting room. Their next meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, specifically Feb. 17 and Mar. 17 in the coming months.  MM

See current MLS housing market statistics for the Greater Victoria area.

Article about Sooke and Greater Victoria real estate trends for 2010.