Saturday May 4, 2024 | SOOKE, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The District of Sooke has had a long and storeyed journey over how it develops with urban verve while maintaining forested seaside ambiance and rural flair.
Taking on the next step in that vision is Chris Marshall, whose position as Director of Planning and Development was announced this week.
Effective June 3, 2024, Marshall will be in his new position.
With over 30 years of experience in municipal administration across Ontario and British Columbia, including 22 years serving as Director of Planning and Development in communities ranging in size from 4,000 to 80,000 people, the District of Sooke says that Marshall brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his new role.
Sooke’s population is now about 15,965, having grown since 2008 from under 10,000.
The position was previously held by Matthew Pawlow, who is now working with the province.
Joining the municipal team:
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Marshall to our team. He is joining the District at a pivotal time and his extensive experience and proven track record in municipal administration make him the ideal candidate to lead our Planning and Development service area,” said the District of Sooke’s top staff person Raechel Gray, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), in a news release May 3.
“We look forward to his contributions to the continued growth and sustainability of our community,” says Gray, who herself recently was hired into her CAO position.
Economic development and sustainability:
Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in planning, economic development, sustainability, and operational leadership, the District says.
Marshall’s areas of expertise include completing numerous award-winning major planning processes, managing economic development plans, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction and adaptation planning, sustainability initiatives, and operational budgeting.
As Director of Planning and Development, Chris Marshall will oversee key initiatives, including official plan reviews, zoning bylaw reviews, economic strategic planning, GHG reduction and adaptation strategies, sustainability initiatives, and operational leadership.
Keen to be on board:
“I am honoured to have been selected as the new Director of Planning and Development for the District of Sooke,” says Marshall.
“I am eager to collaborate with the community, staff, and stakeholders to advance sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for residents,” he said.
“Together, we will work towards innovative solutions that promote economic prosperity, environmental protection, and social well-being in Sooke for generations to come,” said Marshall in the municipality’s news release.
Other planning positions:
The District of Sooke recently hired a Manager of Community Planning. That position is held by Jayden Riley, who started in the position in October 2023.
The District of Sooke is also hiring a Senior Planner — position is open to May 21, 2024.
===== RELATED:
- District of Sooke finally has a CAO in place (March 24, 2024)
- Sooke Mayor & council storyboard walkshop Jan 29 (January 9, 2024)
- District of Sooke: Maps Gallery
- NEWS SECTIONS: SOOKE REGION | VANCOUVER ISLAND
===== ABOUT THE WRITER:
Island Social Trends Editor Mary P Brooke has been covering Sooke and west shore news since 2008. She specializes in socioeconomic and political news analysis.
After covering the daily news of the COVID pandemic in 2020-2022 Ms Brooke reports alongside the BC Legislative Press Gallery.
In 2023, Mary P Brooke was nominated for a Jack Webster Foundation journalism award for contributing to her community through professional journalism.
Mary P Brooke lives in Langford where she produces Island Social Trends as a digital online news portal at IslandSocialTrends.ca . The biweekly print edition will be relaunched this year.
In 2024 she has also launched the Urban Food Resilience Initiatives Society (UFRIS) which helps guide urban communities in emergency planning for food supply.