Sooke community in bloom

Published in MapleLine Magazine: May 5, 2010

with updates in May & June 2010

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Developers, density and discussion

There is discussion amidst developers and the District of Sooke staff about the most desirable density for town-core land areas. The big news is that a discussion is in fact taking place, with many of the developers represented by the new-in-2010 Sooke Community Development Association, and the District lead taken by Evan Parliament, CAO and Dave Devana, Director of Finance.

Related issues under discussion include secondary suites (with a survey online at www.sooke.ca ) and the handling of illegal suite situations. Meanwhile development booms all over town.

Sooke is a town in construction bloom! If we reach 25,000 residents we meet one of the key provincial health-planning criteria for having a local hospital and the local economy will thrive.

In April 2010 the average Sooke house sold for $415, 576 -- that price point was a bit lower than the 6-month average of $420,059 but the number of sales that month was robust at 34. There was only one condo sale in April, at a low $150,000 (6-month average was $217,250). Townhomes showed the greatest pricing spike, with an average sale price of $431,067 (6-month average of $392,249)-- there is a lot of new townhome supply in the local market (6 sales in April).

The Greater Victoria average house sale price in April 2010 was $624,149 (slightly below the 6-month average of $630,491). Sooke property prices are the lowest of all neighbourhoods in the Greater Victoria area; 6-month average prices still in the $400,000 to $500,000 range are seen in Sooke ($420,059), Vic West ($459,995), Esquimalt ($490,993), and Sidney ($495,195).

In May 2010 the average Sooke house sold for $426,204, pushing the Sooke 6-month average to $421,802, with other 6-month averages under $500,000 still seen in May in Vic West ($455,883) and Esquimalt ($494,296); Sidney's 6-month average surpassed the half-million mark last month (now at $505,009). Overall sales in Greater Victoria housing were down (695 compared to 756 in April), but Sooke sales were strong -- 24 houses and 2 townhomes sold that month. The average house price in Greater Victoria in May 2010 was $646,483. MM

How does our garden grow?

The Communities in Bloom judges come to town again this year, in July. The District of Sooke has announced they will throw a party in September for the Sooke street that participates the most in the BC-wide and national program that is intended to foster civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification. The premise is that people, plants and pride – growing together – will support community growth.

The judges award points or ‘blooms’ to participating towns based on eight “look good, be successful” criteria: tidiness; environmental awareness; community involvement; natural and culture heritage conservation; tree/urban forest management; landscaped areas; floral displays; turf and ground covers. Last year Sooke won three blooms. MM

Sooke real estate news updates Editor: Mary P. Brooke

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These articles were first published on page 29 in the print edition of MapleLine Magazine (Summer 2010 issue - May-July 2010). Additions about April 2010 MLS statistics done May 10/10 and May 2010 MLS info added June 2/10.

Other articles from the Summer 2010 edition: Sustainable Communities | Sooke's Earth Future | Sooke is Open for Business?