On October 5 council approved the agreement for purchase of 13.8 acres along Sooke River Road.

Tim Brown, the owner of the property, offered to sell the property to the district for $765,000.

The sale itself is contingent on the district decommissioning, rezoning and selling Pineridge Park on Rhodonite Drive.

The 13.8 acre parcel of land on Sooke River Road is envisioned as a public area with a nature boardwalk and a Galloping Goose Trail crossing. It is also adjacent to a small parcel of land already owned by the district.

The property itself is strategic for a future second crossing over the Sooke River.

Tim Brown said he would be pleased if the property/park was named after his father, a veteran.

Director of Finance Dave Devana said there would be no tax implication to taxpayers.

Pineridge Park will not be completely sold off, there will still be trail access and some green space.

Council agreed to pay the Sooke Community Association $19,000 to offset some of the association’s expenses.

Mayor Janet Evans said she would like the district finance committee look at the association’s financial records.

“We do need to look at how we can help them out,” said Evans.

Devana said the community association indicated that the community hall was becoming a drain on their financial resources.

The community hall needs a new roof to the tune of $50,000; sprinkler system repairs estimated at $3,000-$4,000 and replacement of back stairs, $1,000. The Sooke Flats Campsite, which is the association’s money maker needs electrical upgrades, $40,000 to $50,000 and upgrades to DeMamiel Creek Bank for erosion control.

Council adopted Bylaw No. 352, Zoning Amendment Bylaw (270-38). The purpose is to amend the zoning at 2089 Maple Avenue South from Village Residential 1 Zone (R-1) to Small Lot Residential Zone (RS-3).