Economic Base
Commercial and sport fishing, forestry, tourism and service industries form a strong, diversified economic base for the area. Tourism in the region has shown a phenomenal growth in the last few years, and is poised to grow with the formation of a Tourism Association. The ecology minded tourist is drawn to this area for its natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
The film industry is a budding economic sector for Vancouver Island and the Sooke area. Numerous movie and television productions have been shot in Sooke locations: the 17 Mile House, Silverspray in East Sooke, and on the Sooke River. The opening of Bluescreen Studio will draw even more production to the region.
Important Economic Sectors
Forestry
A "Log Mall" is being looked into in order to give "value added" work to the forestry sector. The potential exists in the area for value-added opportunities. Wood and wood by-products that are produced in the area represent excellent opportunities for the production of cedar hot tubs, furniture, shakes, trim and toys.
Tourism
Tourism has become a significant economic contributor in the southern Vancouver Island area. Potential for growth for Sooke is enormous as the weather and geography combine to make this area one of the most desirable locations in Canada.
Events
The ever popular Canada Day Celebration
and the Fall Fair delight
locals and tourists. An up to date listing of local events is listed on
the "Sooke Organizations" site. Past
events and upcoming. Some of the local
events are reported within hours of happening, complete with photos and
in some cases video.
Example: the annual Tour de Rock
where one year the online video "Mayor
Ed Shaves Head" was posted within 3 hours of the event!
Other events are the annual Remembrance
Day Ceremony, and Christmas Parade.
Agriculture
Every Saturday May through September, the Country Market sell local produce. A lot of agricultural land is being taken out of the Agricultural Land Reserve for housing development, so the area does not produce much food. Chicken farms were closed down a few years ago due to disease, but some are now re-opening. There is a honey farm and some small scale organic farmers.