The Sooke that the locals have tried to protect is being built up with condos and vacation homes The small businesses owned by our neighbours are being replaced by big-box stores, mortgages and rents are higher than our younger generations can afford and, thus, families are unable to care for each other in childhood and old age.
The quiet places we cared for are now busy paved trails, and bear/cougars/raccoons, etc are destroyed due to people who do not understand how to coexist with wildlife for a selfie or laziness when leaving garbage out. When trying to get to work, the roads are clogged with sightseers and condo fillers who refuse to pull over. The construction on the roads leads to small towns with little infrastructure, and those who have lived here for generations are forced to change their way of life to accommodate people who want the amenities they have left behind. It's destructive, disheartening, and damaging. Yes, Sooke is full.
Jacqueline Chandler
Sooke
