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Economic development group eyes Sooke

Council hesitant to join fearing Sooke will be overlooked compared to rest of Greater Victoria
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The South Island Prosperity Project wants Sooke to climb onboard.

SIPP is a new economic body which wants to include and recive funding from all 13 Greater Victoria municipalities. It, in turn, will help expand local businesses by providing them with mentorships, finding grants and investors, and by attracting new business.

Though a presentation to district council showed promising information on SIPP’s growth and success in the last year, councillors were concerned that if they agreed to be a member, that Sooke would get overlooked compared to the surrounding municipalities.

“A high tide raises all ships, and we want to include Sooke in all the conversations and give you a voice in economic development,” said Bruce Williams, a SIPP representative.

Council was also hesitant to join because Sooke already has organizations, like the chamber of commerce, that help with economic development.

Councillors wanted to examine the SIPP propsal further before making a decision.