Sooke MLA Dana Lajeunesse has pledged to collaborate with Sooke council and the provincial government to resolve the impasse over Bill 44 compliance.
The legislation requires zoning changes to permit small-scale, multi-unit housing developments. However, Sooke council has resisted, citing concerns about infrastructure readiness, tight deadlines and lack of community input.
“This is a challenging situation for everyone,” Lajeunesse said in an interview with the Sooke News Mirror. “We can do more together than pointing fingers at each other.”
Lajeunesse stressed that cooperation among all levels of government is key to tackling the housing crisis while addressing Sooke’s specific challenges.
“We need to find a path forward that respects provincial mandates while also recognizing the real challenges Sooke is facing,” Lajeunesse said.
His involvement follows the province’s denial of Sooke’s request for a five-year extension to comply with Bill 44. The district now faces a Dec. 16 deadline to finalize zoning changes or risk ministerial orders overriding local bylaws.
Mayor Maja Tait has criticized the province’s stance, arguing that the legislation’s one-size-fits-all approach ignores the unique needs of rapidly growing communities like Sooke.
“The timeline and lack of flexibility are deeply concerning. We need time to upgrade infrastructure to ensure public health and safety are not compromised,” Tait said.
In response, Lajeunesse plans to facilitate discussions with the Ministry of Housing. He highlighted the province’s recent funding for significant upgrades to Otter Point Road and Church Road. Additionally, both levels of government remain committed to extending the Throup Road connector to Phillips Road to alleviate congestion, as well as advancing other projects along the Highway 14 corridor.
The MLA’s commitment to mediate has been met with cautious optimism.
Coun. Kevin Pearson, a supporter of Bill 44, welcomed Lajeunesse’s involvement.
“This is in the territory of the MLA to broker a deal between the municipality and the province. Anything he can do would be greatly appreciated,” Pearson said.
“It’s too bad we’re at this point at the 11th hour. There’s still an opportunity for both sides to meet in the middle.”
Coun. Al Beddows, who opposed adopting Bill 44, remains skeptical.
“Words are one thing, but we need concrete action,” Beddows said. “The feeling around town is we’ve been unfairly singled out when other municipalities have been given extensions.”
