At a combined Committee of the Whole and council meeting on October 5, council unanimously agreed to swap land at the site of the proposed Prestige Hotel/Convention Centre, as well as give first and second reading to rezoning the three properties on West Coast Road on which the hotel will sit. The rezoning will change the zones from Village Residential 1, and Marine Commercial Zone to a Comprehensive Development Zone - Prestige Hotel & Resort Zone (CD8). The land swap will allow the hotel to use the district’s land for things like loading zones and utility areas and the district gains a number of parking stalls on what was the hotel’s property.

The overall plan will see the district deal with the public boat launch, pier and proposed boardwalk while Prestige will take care of everything on land.

“This is the best proposal we can work with with the space we have,” said district CAO Evan Parliament. “The proponent knows the September 17 meeting led to some confusion.”

The district received an infrastructure grant of $605,768 from the federal and provincial governments for the building of the boat launch and waterfront amenities. The district has to come up with their one-third share of $302,884. Prestige has already committed to giving the district $200,000 for the boat launch. The district will be looking to build a boardwalk, in phases, which will connect up to the government wharf, as well as a pier and the boat launch.

The whole hotel concept did not sit well with everyone. Gail Hall came forward to speak to the issue of park reserve funds being used for other uses, such as a parking lot, as well as the easement covenant between Prestige and the district. She said the easement has “become a million dollar easement for the hotel.” She then congratulated Mayor Janet Evans, Evan Parliament and Director of Finance Dave Devana for “so efficiently keeping people in the dark.”

Fred von Ilberg felt the whole project would increase property taxes.

“The taxpayers of Sooke appear to be a bottomless pit of revenue, so let’s just slap on another six per cent tax increase into the property owners in order to fulfill this council’s dream of glory.”

The hotel and convention centre will contain 122 rooms/suites, conference and meeting facilities, commercial space, restaurants, fitness club, spa, indoor pool, hot tub, park space, and trail, complimented by the public boat launch and pier.

“For me, it’s a good day,” said Mayor Janet Evans.

A Public Heating will be held on Tuesday, October 20.