Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District's (CRD) Sooke and Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission (SEAPARC) is inviting community members to share their ideas on what should be included in the 2025-2035 strategic plan. The new strategic plan will provide the Commission with a framework for making decisions on future recreation services provided by SEAPARC.
“SEAPARC’s 2025-2035 strategic plan is a commitment to community excellence, reflecting our dedication to meeting the evolving recreational needs of Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area,” said SEAPARC Board Chair Al Beddows. “We invite every resident to contribute, ensuring our services continue to enrich lives and foster a vibrant, healthy community. Your input is vital in guiding our path forward.”
SEAPARC provides community recreation opportunities through development, provision and operation of recreational facilities, programs, and activities for residents in the District of Sooke, Juan de Fuca (JDF) Electoral Area, paaʔčiidʔatx̣ (Pacheedaht) First Nation, T’Sou-ke Nation, and Sc'ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation. The current SEAPARC Recreation Strategic Plan was developed in 2015 as a 15-year guide for recreation planning and development for the Sooke and the JDF Electoral Area communities. Since the plan was developed, many of the strategic initiatives have been completed, including the fitness/gym expansion, the outdoor sport box and support for an artificial turf field. There has also been significant population growth in both the District of Sooke and the JDF Electoral Area. These factors have led the Commission to proceed with a new strategic plan prior to the scheduled expiry of the current plan in 2030.
To ensure that the new 10-year strategic plan focuses on the needs and wants of our growing community SEAPARC is gathering public and First Nations input on desired recreation programs, services, and associated facilities.
SEAPARC has retained the services of HDR Architecture Associates who understand the value of community recreation and will work with SEAPARC staff to ensure that community engagement and collaboration with partners and interested parties remains a priority throughout the process. SEAPARC is also inviting First Nations that the Commission services to engage in this project.
The 2025-2035 strategic plan is being developed in alignment with the 2023-26 CRD Board Priorities and will shape the capital planning process for new facilities and programs, incorporating input provided, assessing current and future capacity needs, and addressing identified service requirements for the next decade.
The community engagement process will begin with a public survey, open from July 22 to August 25, and two Open House events, taking place August 10 at 1:00 pm, and August 21 at 5:00 pm.
For more information on SEAPARC’s strategic planning process and to complete the online survey, please visit getinvolved.crd.bc.ca/seaparc-recreation-strategic-plan.
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.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Melanie Alsdorf, Manager
SEAPARC Recreation
Tel: 250.642.8009
Email: malsdorf@crd.bc.ca