ItB次元官网网址檚 not a stretch to say that as SookeB次元官网网址檚 population expands, the need for more community space grows.
The recent decision by the Sooke LionB次元官网网址檚 Club to pause plans for a community centre and public amenities at John Phillips Memorial Park has only sharpened the focus on how to address the growing need for more community space.
In addition to acknowledging that Sooke residents, community groups, and local governments have long recognized the need for additional community space, Coun. Bateman said that they have also recognized that existing facilities could be enhanced and upgraded through creativity, collaboration, and funding.
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B次元官网网址淭here is energy and drive in the community to create new spaces,B次元官网网址� Bateman said. B次元官网网址淭he new Vancouver Island Regional Library and its meeting room is a shining example of that.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淎n exciting development this year is the launch 0f the Villager initiative,B次元官网网址� he said.
The initiative, led by Sooke School District, collaborates with United Way Southern Vancouver Island and more than 40 organizations, including the District of Sooke and SEAPARC Leisure Centre. The goal is to better use existing spaces, including schools.
B次元官网网址淚 understand the Sooke Community Association has plans and perhaps even funding to renovate the Sooke Community Hall,B次元官网网址� Bateman said. B次元官网网址淭he Royal Canadian Legion is better positioned to use its second floor for events and gatherings.B次元官网网址�
Sooke Region Community Health Network and the District of Sooke continue to collaborate on a long-term plan to develop The Gathering Place as an inter-generational centre on land adjacent to the library. However, significantly more funding is required for the project.
B次元官网网址淭he mantra for this and all things Sooke as formulated generations ago and still applicable today is planning, process, patience, and persistence,B次元官网网址� Bateman said.
Sooke Lions president Steve Lawrence agreed thereB次元官网网址檚 no doubt that Sooke needs more community space.
B次元官网网址淭he community hall can host larger events, but it doesnB次元官网网址檛 provide a venue for smaller events,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淲e thought our proposal (for a community centre and public amenities) at John Phillips Memorial Park would provide that.B次元官网网址�
The Lions club said its decision to pause its proposal, for now, is due to a lack of support from council and a divided community.
B次元官网网址淭he district needs to figure out if most people are in favour of John Phillips being an active park with community amenities,B次元官网网址� Lawrence said. B次元官网网址淭he Lions havenB次元官网网址檛 met yet to discuss the next steps for us. From our perspective, weB次元官网网址檒l discuss a bunch of options.B次元官网网址�
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