Wednesday February 9, 2022 | SOOKE, BC [Updated 1:35 pm]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The popular Sooke Potholes Regional Park is getting a facelift in the form of two accessible toilets, widening of the staircase access to the beach, installation of way-finding signage and a visitor information kiosk, as well as parking improvements.
The improvements covered by the grant are specific to the District of Sooke portion of the park (the lower lot).
Construction will begin this fall, with completion anticipated by the May long weekend of next year, 2023.
The upgrade project is being funded entirely by the BC Government through a Community Economic Recovery Grant, in the amount of $353,449, as awarded to the District of Sooke.
Local labour:
Local labour will include district staff, short-term local labour (eight construction workers) and at least two First Nations specifically with the interpretive signage, says Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator, District of Sooke.
Two portions to the park:
The CRD-owned portion of the Sooke Potholes Regional Park is called “lot 1” which is technically the second lot within the park, explains Moog.
Potholes as tourist attraction:
The potholes — deep pools in the river rock — are unique geological formations that offer some of the best freshwater swimming in the region. The park is adjacent to the Sooke River, which is the second largest river on south Vancouver Island and home to a salmon run each fall.
The park was first opened in 2005. The trail rating is ‘easy to moderate’.
As of a few years ago, atop the Potholes the Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground is operated by the T-Sou-ke First Nation which operates each summer from mid-May to mid-September.
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