At a time when many communities are struggling with division, the Cascade Institute is piloting a new way to strengthen democracy from the ground up. Working in collaboration with local education non-profit Fireweed Learning Commons, this initiative supports inclusive public dialogue around Sooke's future-especially in the context of climate and energy transition, land use, and community development.

Through a combination of surveys, small-group conversations, and new digital tools, we're inviting residents to share their hopes, questions, and concerns-then building bridges between diverse perspectives.

This pilot is one of the first of its kind in Canada, and could help other communities facing similar challenges.