Sooke council is refusing to comply with provincial regulations under Bill 44, rejecting the tight timeline set by the B.C. government to implement zoning and infrastructure changes required by new housing legislation.
The province denied Sooke’s request for a five-year extension, insisting the district finalize zoning by Dec. 16. Missing the deadline would result in ministerial orders overriding local bylaws to enforce minimum housing density.
Bill 44 mandates changes to zoning laws to allow small-scale, multi-unit housing as part of a broader strategy to address British Columbia’s housing affordability crisis. While the original compliance deadline was June 30, Sooke council argued it must first upgrade infrastructure to resolve public health and safety concerns.
Several communities sought extensions for infrastructure improvements or zoning revisions. Twenty-one were granted extensions until the end of 2030, providing more than six years to amend bylaws and complete necessary upgrades. However, seven municipalities — including Sooke and View Royal — were denied extra time.
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait, aware since last summer that her community wouldn’t qualify for an extension, criticized the legislation for creating obstacles for growing communities.
“There is a housing crisis not of our creation, just because Sooke is a desirable place to live,” Tait said. “That’s why we need to work together with residents and staff to determine our future.”
Tait suggested the province’s refusal was politically motivated.
“It feels that way to me,” she said. “It comes across as, ‘Do as we say. We know better than you do.’”
In May, the Housing Ministry told Black Press that developments under Bill 44 would "likely occur gradually over the years," providing time for local governments to upgrade infrastructure.
Despite the assurance, council voted 3-3 on implementing Bill 44. The tie defeated the motion.
Couns. Tony St-Pierre, Kevin Pearson, and Jeff Bateman supported adoption of the regulations, arguing the council should not delay.
“Given the bylaws will be implemented come hell or high water, the only people we are affecting and punishing are those who need affordable housing,” St-Pierre said. “At this point, I don’t think we should hold back.”
Coun. Al Beddows opposed the motion, criticizing the legislation for ignoring Sooke’s infrastructure challenges and eliminating municipal controls like public hearings. He argued Sooke has already met its housing targets and called it unfair to compare the district with communities like Oak Bay.
Tait and Coun. Megan McMath joined Beddows in voting against the motion.
“There’s a sense we’re being pushed into this without any recognition of our unique situation,” McMath said.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing did not provide a statement before deadline.
