Newly re-elected Mayor Janet Evans, in her inaugural address on December 1, welcomed the new council and thanked the past council for their years of dedication to the community.

The council chamber was full of family, friends and supporters of the new council, and the cameras flashed as each took their oath of office.

“Since incorporation, the District of Sooke has developed into an independent municipality,” said Evans. “We have professional, capable staff to run the day-to-day operations of the community. Council’s strategic planning sessions establish priorities for each year and we are moving ahead with those plans while maintaining budget integrity.”

She went on to list the many tasks at hand and listed the priorities which include; the expansion of the sewer system, negotiation of new contracts for road maintenance, waste water, CUPE and the RCMP. Completion of the Liquid Waste Management Plan, the Official Community Plan, parks and trails master plan and the Development Cost Charges bylaw and the transportation master plan were all addressed.

“A high priority for the community is our tranpsortation system in the core and along Highway 14,” said Evans. “We will continue to lobby the provincial and federal governments for grants to implement our new road network. We will also lobby BC Transit for better transit service and more Park and Ride areas.”

She went on to acknowledge the contribution of volunteers in the community, the arts community and sports activities and programs.

Council will maintain the Committee of the Whole meetings and will add a protective services committee, increase the size of the Economic Development Commission and the community grant review commitee.

“We have an exciting three years ahead of us and together we will strive to serve the best interests of the community,” said Evans in closing.