In the SENĆOŦEN language, the word T'Sou-ke is the name of the Stickleback fish that live in the estuary of the river. Exposure to Europeans through the Hudson's Bay Company saw the name changed first to Soke and then Sooke. That English name is now common and is used for many things including the name of our neighbouring town, the river and basin, the main road.
The Juan de Fuca Emergency Program provides comprehensive support, planning and management of emergency response in the Electoral Area through the operation of Emergency Social Services. This program provides assistance to residents who are evacuated during an emergency. In cases where residents are left without power, water or access to amenities during storms, natural disasters or other incidents, provision for food, shelter and clothing needs are provided for up to 72 hours.
The District of Sooke is the local government body responsible for providing services for the residents of the municipality of Sooke.
A municipality is a corporation of the residents of its area and the governing body of a municipality is its Council. District of Sooke Council is composed of a Mayor and six (6) Councillors who hold office for a three (3) year term.
The citizens of the District of Sooke voted to become a municipality in 1999 and upon incorporation elected their first Mayor and Council.
As an integral part of the Canadian Search and Rescue (SAR) System, the mission of Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) is to save lives on the water. Our 1,000 plus members strive daily to provide world-class marine SAR and boating safety services.
The Sooke Transition House Society (STHS) provides emergency shelter for women and their children who are in crisis resulting from family violence. STHS provides additional services and programming, in partnership with other organizations, in an understanding and compassionate manner, to care for the emotional needs of women and children who experience or bear witness to abuse, or are at risk of abuse, threats, or violence.
Originally established in 1974, the first veterinary hospital of Sooke has grown a great deal over the years. After moving to our current location under the care of Dr. Joseph Shaffer, the practice was bought by Dr. Lambert in 2013. Dedicated to excellent service, Sooke Veterinary Hospital is pleased to continue working in the community providing affordable, compassionate care for dogs, cats and pocket pets of all sizes.
For more information please check out our website.
The Sooke RCMP Detachment serves a very large area, extending as far as Port Renfrew (82 kilometres west of Sooke). The Sooke detachment has a Staff Sergeant, Corporals, Constables and Public Service employees, as well as Auxiliary Constables and a part time Victim Services worker. In addition to their distinctive motor vehicles, the RCMP utilize bike patrols on a part-time basis. Several volunteers work in Victim Services and citizen crime watch patrol.
Sooke and Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission (SEAPARC) creates recreational opportunities for the public through development, provision and operation of recreation facilities, programs and activities. SEAPARC is a partnership of the District of Sooke and western communities in the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area (Port Renfrew, Otter Point, Shirley, Jordan River and East Sooke). The commission serves the residents of these areas.
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