Maja Tait is returning for another term as mayor of Sooke, easily turning back challengers Mick Rhodes and John Knops with 72 per cent of the vote.
The crowded council slate of 23 hopefuls vying for six seats — up from 13 in 2018 — saw all five incumbents chosen. The other seat went to Kevin Pearson, who served on council previously.
Primary issues in the growing municipality of about 15,000 during the election campaign included traffic and development. The population is up 16 per cent since 2016.
Tait, ready for her third term as mayor following two terms as a councillor, said council has “been doing our best to improve the quality of life for residents” by things like managing growth, and will look to continue on that path with a similar roster of people.
“I’m very confident in the work that we’re doing and I’m excited about the term ahead.”
