The District of Sooke has pulled the plug on plans to establish sewer connections to Whiffin Spit.
 
The district announced on 29 Mar 2023 that a 2021 grant application for wastewater treatment service through the federal government's Investing in Infrastructure Program has been denied.
 
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait said financial support from the provincial and federal governments would be required to move forward with the project, and the district will continue to explore funding options.
 
"In listening to property owners, we understand the costs of establishing sewer connections may be cost-prohibitive, and that considerable grant funding would likely be needed for this project to proceed as a district-led initiative. As such, the district will not continue to initiate wastewater service expansion to Whiffin Spit without additional funding sources," the district said in a media release.
 
"On behalf of the project team, I recognize this news may be met with relief for some, and perhaps frustration and disappointment for others. Once again, on behalf of the project team, thank you for your engagement in this process. Your time and active participation is crucial to local government operation. I am grateful for your involvement and hope you will stay connected with the district activities. As mentioned during the consultation, the district has also initiated efforts to develop a formal septic system management plan. Such a program will offer a path forward for the district to maintain its commitment to protecting our community's natural environment," a spokesperson for the district noted.
 
The district said that when the project was initiated in December 2021, improving the area's underground services had been identified by Sooke's liquid waste management plan as far back as 2010 as a way to protect the community's natural environment and assist property owners with a sustainable wastewater management solution.
 
The district remains committed to this work.
 
It's anticipated that the potential scope of the plan will be brought forward at an upcoming public meeting.
 
Refer to sooke.ca/meetings to subscribe for meeting dates, agendas, and notifications.
 
Visit sooke.ca/septiccare to learn more about best practices to maintain septic systems.
 
"You can also support a petition for the expansion at the Province of British Columbia's local area services page at sooke.link/yR5z.
 
The news release was mailed to all affected property owners not on the electronic mailing list, and an update will be posted on the project web page shortly.
 
Rick Stiebel.