Hello Sooke!

Like so many people who live here, I chose Sooke because of its natural beauty, its small-town character, and its strong sense of community. Whether I'm walking our trails, working in the garden, biking on the Goose, or chatting with neighbours around town, I'm reminded every day why Sooke is worth protecting, and worth planning for thoughtfully.

I'm an optimistic person by nature. I believe communities become stronger when people listen to one another, work together, and focus on practical solutions.

Showing Up

For years, I've attended Council meetings, volunteered with local organizations, served on community committees, and worked alongside residents who care deeply about Sooke's future.

Our community already has a clear vision of where we want to go. Together, we've created an Official Community Plan, a Transportation Master Plan, a Parks and Trails Master Plan, climate action strategies, and many other community-led initiatives. Thousands of residents have helped shape that vision.

I believe we should respect that work. That doesn't mean every plan is perfect or that we stop listening. It means we continue listening, build on what our community has already told us, and make thoughtful decisions that serve the

public interest.

I'm someone you can count on to come prepared. I do the reading. I ask questions. I value the expertise of staff and independent professionals. I take the time to understand complex issues before making decisions.

Experience

I've been honoured to serve as:

• Chair, Official Community Plan Advisory Committee (2020–2022)

• Current Member, District of Sooke Land Use & Development Committee
  

Professionally, I bring more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications in architecture and urban planning. Working alongside architects, planners, engineers, developers, and local governments taught me that good decisions come from careful planning, collaboration, meaningful public engagement, and keeping the long-term public interest at the centre of every decision.

What I Learned

In 2025, I ran for Sooke Council in the by-election and lost by just 24 votes.

So close! But it was also super rewarding as it gave me the opportunity to meet hundreds of residents and hear what matters most to the people who call Sooke home.

What I learned is that people may disagree on individual projects, but we share the same hopes for our community. We want to protect Sooke's natural beauty and small-town character. We want safer streets, connected trails and cycling routes, better public access to the ocean, a vibrant town centre, strong emergency services, and local businesses that prosper. We also understand that public dollars are limited. Every decision involves trade-offs, and Council has a responsibility to spend wisely and invest where it matters most.

Those conversations left me feeling hopeful because they reminded me that we have far more in common than what divides us.

Giving Back

Volunteerism has always been an important part of my life.

Today I'm proud to serve with:

• Board Member, Friends of Sooke Parks Society

• Executive Committee Member, Sooke Garden Club

• Volunteer with Sooke’s Emergency Support Services

• Steering Committee Member, Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society
  
  

Serving alongside so many dedicated volunteers has reinforced my belief that strong communities are built by people who care enough to get involved.
This October, I would love to have your vote. And bring 24 friends to vote as well!

My name is Helen Ritts and I am running for a seat on Sooke Council in October 2026.