Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District’s (CRD) SEAPARC Recreation division has started an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek elector approval to approve the borrowing bylaw for capital funds to replace the Sooke Skate Park and SEAPARC Recreation Centre’s mechanical equipment using a heat recovery project. The cost for both projects is $3,150,000.
The Sooke Skate Park is at its end of life and needs replacement. Repair of the existing skate park is not a financially viable option. A public consultation process took place in 2024, which led to completion of a skate park concept design. The next steps in replacement will involve technical design, demolition. and construction of a new skate park.
With respect to the heat recovery project, SEAPARC Recreation Centre is the second largest emission emitter, accounting for 16% of the CRD’s facility greenhouse gas emissions. To meet the climate targets of the CRD and the District of Sooke, projects have been identified in SEAPARC’s 20-year capital plan to reduce emissions, including the heat recovery project. The heat recovery project has been aligned with end of life of several mechanical components which need to be replaced through this project.
SEAPARC requires elector approval to borrow the funds required for these recreation capital projects and are utilizing an AAP, which allows electors in the participating area to have their opposition to the proposed borrowing counted by submitting an elector response form.
SEAPARC may proceed with the capital projects, unless at least 10% (1,826) of electors in the District of Sooke and Juan de Fuca Electoral Area indicate that they oppose the borrowing bylaw. If not approved, SEAPARC would need to obtain the assent of the electors by way of a referendum before proceeding.
The deadline for submitting signed elector response forms, in relation to both projects, to the CRD is 4:30 pm on May 23, 2025. Alternatives to mailing the form include dropping it off at 625 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC, during regular business hours (Monday – Friday between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm) or scanning a legible, signed copy that can be emailed to LegServ@crd.bc.ca.
These AAPs are an important step in the decision-making process. More information about the AAPs, including copies of the elector response form can be found on the website at www.crd.ca/SEAPARC-aap.
To learn more about the Sooke Skate Park renewal, please visit Sooke Skate Park Concept Design.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Colleen Hoglund, Program Services Manager
SEAPARC
Tel: 250.642.8006
Cell: 250.213.7326
