Building the
Future of Sooke
Together

Building the Future of Sooke Together

How can we move forward as a community-even when we don't all agree?
This project explores that question by creating space for deeper listening, respectful dialogue, and collective visioning in Sooke.

How can we move forward as a community-even when we don't all agree? This project explores that question by creating space for deeper listening, respectful dialogue, and collective visioning in Sooke.

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.

What’s This Project About?

This project creates a local conversation network-a process where Sooke residents can:

  • Share their views and values in safe, small-group settings

  • Listen deeply across differences

  • Explore what matters most for Sooke's future

  • Build trust and mutual understanding

  • See their voices reflected in the visioning process

Together, we're creating opportunities for democratic participation that go beyond town halls and public hearings-offering a more inclusive, relational, and community-driven way to shape the future.