Description

Construction work to improve parking and pit toilet facilities at East Sooke Regional Park – Aylard Farm access is scheduled to take place from December 2024 to May 2025. With nearly 250,000 visits to East Sooke Regional Park annually, the CRD is working to ensure the longevity and security of services and facilities within it through these types of upgrades. During the construction period the park will remain open, however park users may experience disruptions accessing the park and limited parking space will be available while construction takes place.

What's happening?

The current toilet building has reached the end of its serviceable life and construction work to replace the existing facilities will begin in December 2024. This work is supported by local First Nations and the Agricultural Land Commission. In addition, the existing parking lot’s asphalt has reached the end of its service life, and in its present layout, the lot no longer meets visitation parking demands throughout the year. The new parking lot will convert the seasonal parking area into year-round parking that will accommodate additional parking during peak visitation times. It will also improve emergency vehicle access and large vehicle turnaround.

As always, if visitors arrive and the parking lot is full and/or the park is busy, the CRD encourages visitors to consider going to a different park or visiting at a quieter time. Be sure to follow any parking signage outside of the park and be considerate of parking on nearby streets and blocking emergency access to the park or surrounding areas.

When will construction start?

Work to replace the existing pit toilet and expansion of and improvements to the parking lot area will take place from December 2024 to May 2025 in order to minimize disruption to park visitors during the peak visitation season. In addition, the new toilet building will meet current accessibility standards.

Will there be access to toilets during this construction work?

The current toilet facility will remain operational for park visitor use during the new pit toilet construction. We ask that visitors follow all posted signage and use caution around equipment and crews.

What measures are you taking to protect the environment during this project?

An environmental impact assessment, cultural and ecological monitoring and approvals are in place for these projects and measures will be taken to protect park values.