Sooke District faces ultimatum to amend zoning bylaws for small-scale multi-unit housing or risk provincial intervention.
The District of Sooke faces a looming deadline of less than 30 days to amend its zoning bylaws and accommodate more small-scale multi-unit housing ( SSMUH ). Otherwise, British Columbia's Housing Minister, Ravi Kahlon, has threatened to intervene and impose the changes on the municipality. In a letter dated January 16, 2025, Kahlon stated that Sooke has 30 days to revise its zoning bylaw to comply with provincial requirements.
The letter, part of the district's public record, explicitly warned that failure to comply would result in a ministerial order enacted by the Minister with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council. This order would mandate Sooke to enact or amend its bylaw to allow for the use and minimum density of SSMUH as stipulated under section 481.3 of the Local Government Act.The tension surrounding this issue escalated after a council meeting on November 25, 2024, where staff recommended adopting the housing amendments mandated by the B.C. government. While Councillors Tony St. Pierre, Kevin Pearson, and Jeff Bateman supported the recommendation, Councillors Al Beddows, Megan McMath, and Mayor Maja Tait opposed it. Beddows expressed his discontent with being dictated to by higher levels of government, highlighting the lack of public hearings and the opportunity for residents to voice their concerns or suggestions. He also raised concerns about the proposed density levels in certain areas and the lack of consideration for Sooke's infrastructure.Following the council's decision, Kahlon expressed disappointment, emphasizing that Sooke was the only remaining municipality in the province that had not passed the required bylaws. He subsequently outlined the rationale for the provincial intervention and the specific steps Sooke needed to take to achieve compliance. Recognizing the potential ramifications of provincial intervention, Mayor Tait proposed bringing the matter back to the public for consideration and ultimately adopting the bylaw.
Housing Sooke B.C. Zoning Bylaws SSMUH Provincial Intervention Municipal Affairs
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