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- Wildfire services fight growing Sooke Potholes blaze
Wildfire services fight growing Sooke Potholes blaze
Plus, Colwood and View Royal's mayoral cook-off and SEAPARC's next 10 years

Good morning!
Many residents in the area will be experiencing smoke in the area, with the Sooke Potholes fire still out of control. With teams working hard to contain the blaze, get all the updates in today’s edition of the Westshore.
— Emma
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ENVIRONMENT
Sooke Potholes fire remains out of control

Old Man Lake Fire. Photo: BC Wildfire Services
The wildfire—known as the Old Man Lake Fire—was first reported Monday afternoon at 3 ha in size, growing to 50 ha within 24 hours, due to sustained winds picking up after midnight. Yesterday just after 9pm, BC Wildfire Services reported that the blaze had grown up to 169 ha. The fire is believed to be human caused.
Crews accessed the fire from Galloping Goose Trail, where the fire was initially reported. Crews continued to hold the flanks they could access, with staff working through the night and day.
Some parks and trails throughout Sooke have been temporarily closed due to the fire, including the Sea to Sea Regional Park, which residents were notified of yesterday evening.
The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground was evacuated “as a precaution” Monday night, according to the CRD. About 30 people had to promptly leave the site. Campers were instructed to meet at the Sooke Potholes Gateway on Tuesday to be escorted to gather their belongings at the campsite, then escorted back out of the park. The BC Wildfire service has not recommended any official evacuation orders as of July 24.
Sooke’s Monday night council meeting was cancelled to allow staff to focus all resources on the fire.
Currently, Greater Victoria's wildfire danger rating sits at “extreme”—the highest level of risk—while the rest of the Island is at “high.” This risk was partly anticipated due to lower snowpack levels on the Island earlier this year.
Environment Canada has released a smoke advisory for Greater Victoria, and is asking residents to stay safe and updated on the air quality. The District of Sooke is providing a local comfort centre available at the Sooke Branch of the Vancouver Island Public Library to minimize the risk of smoke exposure. Residents are advised to have a grab-and-go bag ready with essential items, fill and charge all vehicles, and stay informed on the situation through the local public alert system.
RECREATION
SEAPARC is seeking public input on its 10-year strategic plan

SEAPARC Recreation Centre. Photo: District of Sooke
The Capital Regional District's (CRD) Sooke and Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission (SEAPARC) is inviting community members to share their ideas on what should be included in its 2025-2035 strategic plan. SEAPARC is a partnership comprising the District of Sooke, Juan de Fuca (JDF) Electoral Area, and local First Nations that creates recreational opportunities for the public through the development, provision and operation of recreational facilities, programs and activities.
Information gathered through a public survey on SEAPARC’s strategic plan will inform and provide the commission with a framework for making decisions on future provision of recreation services.
“SEAPARC’s 2025-2035 strategic plan is a commitment to community excellence, reflecting our dedication to meeting the evolving recreational needs of Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area,” said SEAPARC board chair Al Beddows. “We invite every resident to contribute, ensuring our services continue to enrich lives and foster a vibrant, healthy community. Your input is vital in guiding our path forward.”
The most recent SEAPARC Recreation Strategic Plan (2015) served the commission as a 15-year guide for recreation planning and development. Since it was developed, many of the strategic initiatives, including the fitness/gym expansion, the outdoor sport box and support for an artificial turf field, have been completed.
SEAPARC manager Melanie Alsdorf said in a press release, “One of the factors contributing to the need for an updated strategic plan before 2030, is the rapid population growth of the region.”
Community engagement is pivotal, with SEAPARC inviting input from all stakeholders, including the paaʔčiidʔatx̣ (Pacheedaht) First Nation, T’Sou-ke Nation, and Sc'ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation. This collaborative approach ensures that the strategic plan reflects diverse community needs and aspirations.
COMMUNITY
Westshore mayors face off in tailgate cook-off
ReImagine West Shore’s Power Play Festival is just around the corner, and Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi and View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias are gearing up to take on the challenge of a cook-off on the grounds of Craigflower Manor National Historic Site, competing to win the title of power chef of the Westshore. Both mayors have prepared videos to show their preparation for the cook-off to promote the event.
The competition is a part of the Power Play Festival, a free family event celebrating community and “all things electric.” ReImagine West Shore has collaborated with a number of municipalities and groups to make the event possible, with a focus on using electric items to run the event.
Residents can head over to the Victoria Scottish Community Centre from 12 to 4pm this July 28, and are encouraged to dress up as superheroes, enjoy live music, a range of engaging activities, and of course, the culinary throw-down between Colwood and View Royal starting at 1pm.
“We’re excited to welcome folks to our party with a purpose,” said ReImagine West Shore’s president Cindy Moyer. “We’ve got something fun for everyone … electric cars, kids zone, live music, snacks, a costume contest, and cool exhibits with experts to help people find ways to save money and make some positive shift happen for the planet.”
Both mayors will be cooking on induction stove tops, plugged into electric Ford F-150 Lightning trucks for a tailgate party feel. Judging the chefs will be Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson, Metchosin Mayor Marie-Térèse Little, Sooke Mayor Maja Tait, and Chef Ken Nakano of the Aura Waterfront Restaurant & Patio at the Inn at Laurel Point.
Which mayor are you cheering on in the cook-off? |
Around the 'Shore
🚔 Police search for bracelet thief: West Shore RCMP are asking the public for their help in identifying a suspect who stole handmade gemstone bracelets from an 11-year-old-girl’s front porch on July 17 near the 2700 block of Lakehurst Drive in Langford. The suspect is described as a 20 to 30-year-old Caucasian female with medium length brown hair; the suspect was carrying a large black style tote bag, which she used to store the stolen items.
⚠️ Swimmers warned about bacteria in local lakes: Island Health is warning swimmers to avoid Glen Lake’s Glen View Park in Langford and Patricia Bay Beach North in North Saanich after testing found high levels of bacteria. The group advises local swimmers to stay aware of any warning signs, and stay up to date on the health of local bodies of water. [Times Colonist]
🛍️ Local businesses ask Sooke residents for support: Ongoing traffic congestion on Highway 14 has led to a decline in customers for local Sooke businesses, with business owners saying that the decline might just mean cost-cutting measures or closures. Many are asking residents to shop local to help support the community, stressing the importance of the future of their businesses. [Vancouver Island Free Daily]
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Community Events
🏝️ Eats and Beats beach party: Join the Colwood community this Saturday, July 27 for the Eats and Beats beach party at the Beachlands. Going from 1 to 8pm, attendees will enjoy live music, samples from the food truck festival, sip on beachside beverages served by Victoria Beer Society, and much more. Check out our sister publication Tasting Victoria’s feature on the event.
🏈 Westshore Rebels home opener: Cheer on the Westshore Rebels in their first home game this Saturday, July 27. Starting at 4pm, guests can secure their seats online to cheer on the Rebels as they take on the Prince George Kodiaks. This is the first home game of the season with new head coach Mark Townsend.
🥬 Metchosin Farmers’ Market: Head down to the Metchosin Municipal Grounds at 4450 Happy Valley Rd. for the Metchosin Farmers’ Market this July 28. Hosted every Sunday from 11am to 2pm until the last Sunday of October, everything available is homemade, handmade or homegrown.
What’s Offshore?
No ships today!
Westshore Snaps

Farm Field in View Royal. —Richard Steward, View Royal
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