106 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

This is the biggest news in Sooke politics since the incorporation of the district on the late 90s.

Former mayor Janet Evans is stepping back into politics under an EO called Sooke First, with Kevin Pearson, a long time councillor, running for mayor and Herb Haldane running alongside him for council. They have a full roster of seven candidates here.

Press release:

Kevin Pearson Announces Run for Mayor and Launches Sooke First Team

May 7, 2026

SOOKE, BC – Kevin Pearson has officially announced he will run for Mayor in the 2026 Sooke municipal election, launching Sooke First, a team of independent candidates united by a common goal of working together to help move the community forward.

Joining Pearson on the Sooke First team are Janet Evans, former Mayor of Sooke, current Councillor Herb Haldane, Elliott Lifton, Rob Pearce, Curtis Peterec, and Christine Thomas, a group with diverse experience across local government, business, trades, and community involvement.

Pearson said his decision to run for Mayor came from conversations with residents increasingly frustrated by rising taxes, worsening traffic, growing pressure on infrastructure and services, and a feeling that local government is losing touch with the challenges they are facing.

“What stands out most to me about this group is the amount of insight, community understanding, and genuine care they bring to the table,” said Pearson. “These are people who have been involved in Sooke in different ways for a long time and who want to contribute something positive to the community.”

Mike Hicks said he supports Pearson and the Sooke First team.

“I spent over a decade as the CRD Electoral Area Director for the Juan de Fuca region, so I know how important it is to have people who are practical and willing to get things done. Kevin Pearson is that kind of person,” Hicks said. “What I like about the “Sooke First” team is that they’re independent candidates working together, with clear priorities and a focus on getting things done. That kind of approach matters and that’s why I’m supporting Kevin Pearson for Mayor and the other candidates of the “Sooke First” team.”

The Sooke First team says its priorities will include improving transportation and traffic flow, supporting local business and economic growth, bringing greater discipline to spending and taxation decisions, improving municipal processes, and helping ensure Sooke remains a safe, livable, and financially sustainable community for families, seniors, and young people building their future here.

Pearson says many residents are tired of feeling like everything has become harder, slower, and more frustrating than it needs to be.

“People in Sooke care deeply about their community and want to feel positive about where it is heading,” said Pearson. “What we keep hearing is that residents want local government to listen, make decisions that improve people’s quality of life, and follow through on delivering results for the community. I believe this team has the experience and commitment to help make that happen.”

Pearson said Sooke First will continue meeting with residents, businesses, and community organizations in the months ahead as the team develops its platform leading into the October 2026 municipal election.

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https://SookeFirst.ca.

[Mike K.]

I spent the morning looking into the history of Janet Evans, and her era on council. My god, they sure achieved a lot during her time. Sewers, a major hotel (the only major commercial investment in Sooke since the 1990s, if you can believe it), a bypass road in the town centre between Otter Point and Church roads, the pier on Sooke’s waterfront, an OCP that was sustained from circa 2010 to 2025, a major housing subdivision that truly opened up Sooke’s real-estate industry, and so much ground work for initiatives that were passed on to the next iteration of council …and then stagnation.

It’s the craziest thing, realizing how much -was- happening and how suddenly it all stopped once the Evans era concluded. Just wild.

[Victoria Watcher]

Across the Island in Sooke a new electoral organization called Sooke First also launched this past week.

The mayoral candidate Kevin Pearson says roads and taxes are a common concern for his group.

“We got one road in. We’ve got one road out. We’ve got congestion, which leads to a lower quality of life for families because they’re being stuck in traffic on the way home. There’s a sense of frustration. Taxation we’re at 50 per cent over the last five years,” said Pearson.

Pearson says organizing an electoral organization also helps with logistics when attracting new candidates.

https://cheknews.ca/...ection-1323795/

[Victoria Watcher]

Kevin Pearson is currently serving on his third term as Councillor in Sooke. He was elected in 2011, 2014 and again in 2022.

Kevin was born and raised, and permanently resides, in Sooke. Through his years in the community, he served as a Millwright apprenticeship at the former Sooke Forest Products. After working in the forest industry, he transitioned to a 35-year Career with Canada Post where he recently retired as the Operations Manager.

Kevin and his wife Trudy raised their three children in Sooke, and now have five grandchildren who all continue to reside in the community.

Kevin has spent many years actively coaching and volunteering in various sports and other local organizations. Some of his favourite hobbies include golf, fishing, and travelling.

Council appointments: 

• Juan de Fuca Water Distribution Commission
• Sooke & Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission (SEAPARC) (Alternate)

Contact Councillor Pearson: kpearson@sooke.ca

 

https://www.sooke.ca.../kevin-pearson/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 10 May 2026 - 08:31 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Curtis Peterec:

 

 

 

I’m 29 years old, born and raised in Sooke, and proud to come from a family that has helped shape this community for generations.

 

Public service and local business were part of my life from the beginning. My grandfather, Don Rittaler, served as CRD Director and was involved with the Sooke River Hotel. My grandmother, Elsie Rittaler, is President of the Sooke River Hotel (Castle Liquor Store). Watching family members lead through service, hard work, and long-term commitment helped shape how I think about responsibility, accountability, and community.

 

I graduated with honours from EMCS in 2014. I loved history and English, and I also took every trades class I could — including welding, auto shop, metal shop, wood shop, and the TASK program. I’ve always believed there is real value in practical skills, problem-solving, and understanding how things work in the real world.

 

https://electcurtisp...ca/about-curtis

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 10 May 2026 - 08:35 PM.

[Mike K.]

Peterec family, as in the kickboxing gym Peterec?

[Victoria Watcher]

I suspect he is.

 

 

 

Outside work, I’ve always been active in sports and fitness. I grew up with kickboxing, soccer, swimming, skating, and basketball. Sports taught me discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the value of showing up prepared — all qualities I bring to public service.

I also believe local leadership should be steady, respectful, and focused on the bigger picture. Whether in work, business, or community life, I’ve learned that people want honesty, follow-through, and practical solutions they can trust.