Busy Week

Staff have been extra busy it seems this week with many things going on. The budget continues to be the biggest item on the agenda as it works its way through channels. Committee of the Whole decided to accept the budget and pass it on to council and the public hearing process. They want to hear from the public on what they think of the new proposed firefighter position before making a final decision.

Several plans have come across my desk for review and these are for major developments. The next phase of the Prestige Hotel is the first one as we look at the fire alarms and other emergency system designs for the building. Construction of the restaurant section on the second floor is well underway. Mariners Landing has had their Development Permit approved and construction will likely begin in May on the first building. Shoppers Drug Mart has applied for a development permit for their new store which will be about 18,000 sq ft in size. (for a comparrison, the entire fire hall / municipal complex is 22,500 sq ft in area. This is a large store. They plan to be open for business on Nov 25 (this year). The Sooke Arena is upgrading its infrastructure and it is expected that work will begin before summer on the new change rooms and second floor addition.
Tenders for design of the first section of the new connector road will soon be going out. Phase 1 will see the Throup Road extended from Charters to Phillips Road, just behind the arena. This project is expected to cost approximately $3,000,000.00. Work is expected to get underway in late 2010 or early 2011. This will be done with money currently in the budget.
The municipal boat launch and pier work will soon be started. An addition to the boardwalk is also expected to be part of this development. Much of this project is funded through grants and a large contribution from Prestige Hotels. Speaking of the hotel, Ric's Grill has been named the restaurant and food services operator for this development.
The Spiritwood subdivision continues to make its way through the process. This site will have approximately 450 units when completed. The site is behind Firwood Road and the developers will provide sewer connections to the entire area.
New "Way Signs" have been approved for the down town area. These very attractive sign posts, made with a sail boat theme will be placed in strategic areas of the community to indicate direction to businesses and services in the community. Sites identified as possible locations include Phillips Rd and Sooke Rd, Church Road at Sooke Rd, Otter Point and Sooke Road and Whiffin Spit and Sooke Road. Area businesses will be able to purchase a sign board to be installed on these sign posts.
Several other large projects are also in the works. I will discuss them when they are ready.