The District of Sooke is updating its zoning bylaws to comply with provincial legislation requiring municipalities to allow small-scale multi-unit housing on single-family lots.

Sooke council introduced a zoning bylaw amendment permitting three to four housing units per lot in areas previously zoned for single-family homes or duplexes. The move follows a Jan. 16 warning from Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, who gave the district 30 days to align with Bill 44 or face a ministerial order enforcing compliance.

Mayor Maja Tait expressed frustration with the directive, calling it a "jagged pill to swallow." The issue returned to council on Feb. 18.

"I'm severely disappointed in this approach," Tait said, adding that the province had made no effort to collaborate with Sooke on the matter. In December, Sooke MLA Dana Lajeunesse pledged to work with the council and the provincial government to resolve the impasse over Bill 44 compliance.

While the bylaw changes may increase housing density, Sooke faces significant infrastructure challenges. Highway 14, the district's main route in and out, already experiences heavy congestion. Additional housing could worsen traffic, making commuting even more difficult.

Local roads may also need upgrades to handle higher vehicle volumes, improve emergency response times, and enhance pedestrian safety.

Beyond transportation concerns, SookeB次元官网网址檚 water supply and wastewater treatment systems could struggle to support population growth. The district relies on the Sooke Lake Reservoir, managed by the Capital Regional District, and a significant housing expansion may strain existing resources. Wastewater treatment capacity may also need expansion to meet rising demand.

Increased population density could put pressure on emergency services, health-care facilities, and schools. Fire, police, and medical services may require additional resources, while schools, parks, and recreation facilities could face overcrowding.

Sooke council previously requested a five-year extension to allow infrastructure to catch up with growth, but the province denied the request.

Despite the provinceB次元官网网址檚 assurances that housing developments under Bill 44 will roll out gradually, municipalities like Sooke have asked for financial assistance to manage the strain on infrastructure.

Tait said the district was warned by the ministry that it would be ineligible for provincial grants if its zoning bylaw remained outdated.

Coun. Al Beddows, a vocal critic of Bill 44, strongly opposed the legislation, calling it harmful to the community.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e led the way for housing starts, and all of a sudden, we get hit with this draconian Bill 44, with no consultation. It just irritates me,B次元官网网址� he said.

However, councillors Jeff Bateman and Tony St-Pierre argued that the district had no choice but to comply.

B次元官网网址淭his is our final chance to decide how we want to implement our local laws. If we donB次元官网网址檛, they [the province] will do it for us,B次元官网网址� St-Pierre said.

Other municipalities also face compliance deadlines. A provincial update on Bill 44 shows that West Vancouver, which rejected the required bylaw amendments, has received a 30-day non-compliance notice. The Township of Langley and the Mount Waddington Regional District, two of 15 communities that requested an extension, were denied and must comply within 90 days.