ENDORSEMENTS
“I am pleased you have decided to run for Sooke Council. You would make a great councillor. I admire your dedication to preserving our environment, your support for local sustainably- grown food, and your concern for the people of Sooke. Since I first met you, I have been impressed by your quiet way of listening to others, stepping in and helping out whenever possible, and sharing your hopes for a strong, healthy community. You don’t just talk, you act to make a difference. Please count on me for any support.”
Mary Alice Johnson,
Owner and Operator, ALM Organic Farm
I have admired the direction that the District of Sooke Council has guided our community over the last number of years under the leadership of Maja Tait. They have brought us back into thoughtful and conscientious planning for our growing community. They have worked hard to build a solid relationship with the T’Sou-ke First Nation, been serious about the environmental impact on future development and embraced the creation of a community that we all want to live in and call home. We need a Council that will continue in this direction.
I am pleased to endorse the candidacy of Brian McHattie as a member of the Together Sooke slate. I am honoured to call Brian, friend. In that friendship, I have seen his strong character of honesty, integrity and deep concern for the issues of the day that affect all of us. He has not just spoken of such issues, but has taken action to engage on environmental concerns, land preservation, and supporting local T’Sou-ke First Nations initiatives. Brian’s extensive experience as a Councillor for the very large and challenged city of Hamilton, Ontario, will serve Sooke exceptionally well. He has entrenched himself in service to so many Sooke community organizations in the short time he has lived here, which has given him a very deep insight into the challenges and great opportunities that Sooke has to offer.
I highly recommend Brian McHattie for Council on the Together Sooke team. We will be very well served by his services to this great town.
Congratulations to Sooke residents on Brian McHattie’s candidacy for your council! I’m sure Hamilton Ontario residents like ourselves are jealous. Brian was our councillor for over a decade after soundly defeating a long-time incumbent. His repeated re-elections indicate that most of our ward residents agreed that he was a real prize. And we think his record led eventually to a progressive majority that are following in Brian’s footsteps. As I wander about our city I am struck by the very specific things Brian accomplished, a legacy that includes a major downtown heritage building that led revitalization and preservation of other historic structures. There’s also a pedestrian/cycling bridge, a major rails to trails project and other bike infrastructure, that has been copied across Hamilton. And Brian led an historic renewal of Indigenous harvesting on conservation lands that continues every year. Like many pioneering progressives Brian’s initiatives were not welcomed by many of his council colleagues, but they have been strongly embraced by subsequent councils and are no longer controversial. Brian made wonderful contributions to Hamilton and I’m sure he’ll do the same for Sooke.
Don Mclean
Hamilton Resident
I endorse Sooke Together because their platform reflects the practical, communityfocused, and fiscally responsible local governance I work to support. They ground decisions in communitydriven plans like the Official Community Plan and Transportation Master Plan, respecting public input and tax dollars.
I’m impressed by their commitment to compact, wellplanned development in serviced areas and a strong Town Centre, while protecting neighbourhood character, natural assets, and wildlife corridors. This approach resists costly sprawl and supports affordability, climate action, and longterm liveability.
On public health and safety, Sooke Together supports effective policing, bylaw enforcement, fire protection, and emergency preparedness, and recognizes that public health is part of public safety—engaging seniors, youth, lowincome residents, and unhoused neighbours in practical, communitybased solutions, with transparent budgeting.
Their economic vision strengthens locally owned businesses, mixeduse development with affordable commercial space, local agriculture and food processing, and tourism that fits Sooke’s identity, reducing reliance on residential property taxes over time.
Finally, I value their collaborative leadership style. They know no one person or organization has all the answers and want residents, businesses, community organizations, staff, and Council working together with openness and a shared commitment to the public interest. That’s the kind of leadership I trust—and why I’m proud to support Sooke Together.
“I know first-hand that Brian has been there on community issues, listened hard to constituents and held innumerable community meetings.”
Community advocate on Raise the Hammer.
“Brian lives what he preaches and is willing to sacrifice his personal comfort for the betterment of society.”
From his citation as the 2000 Environmentalist of the Year.
“McHattie is one of the most decent people I have known in public service.“
Brian Morrow in a report by the CBC
“He has a remarkable ability to present environmental issues in relation to quality of life and other civic concerns, winning widespread respect.”
From his community panel evaluation for the Environmentalist of the Year Awards.
“Brian is a natural leader who generates ideas and develops visions. He frames the letters, writes the proposals, develops the strategies and makes the necessary contacts to keep projects moving toward success.”
2000 Environmentalist of the Year.
“When a leader cares enough for his community to think of the less fortunate… and go the extra mile… that’s what being ‘a TRUE steward of Our Community’ means.”
Local Hamilton citizen
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Thank You
I am privileged to live on the ancestral lands of the T’Sou-ke Nation. I want to express my gratitude to the T’Sou-ke and Scianew ancestors and families who have protected these lands since time immemorial. In the spirit of true reconciliation, I am dedicated to building meaningful, supportive relationships with my Indigenous neighbours. Thank you, or Hych’ka.
