Hello Sooke!

Like all of you, I care deeply about this place and its future.
Sooke has been my home for many years, and I’ve spent that time actively involved in the community - volunteering, participating in local decision-making, and working to help shape a future that reflects the values of the people who live here.

I’ve attended council meetings for years and served in key roles, including:

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

• Current Member of the District's Land Use & Development Committee

I ran for Council in the single seat 2025 By-Election and lost by 24 votes.
So close! It was an incredibly positive experience that strengthened my commitment to this community and inspired me to step forward again in the 2026 General Election.

Volunteer work is a big part of who I am.
I’m proud to contribute to organizations that reflect my love for nature, community connection, and helping Sooke stay resilient and prepared for the future:

• 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

Professionally, I bring more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications for an architecture and urban planning firm.
That work has given me a strong understanding of how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and long-term thinking help create communities where people feel connected, supported, and proud to call home.

Living in Sooke’s town core, I see what’s working and what's not -
the pressures we’re facing, the opportunities ahead, and the importance of making thoughtful decisions now for the future we want to create together.
I’ve stayed engaged because I care deeply about keeping Sooke connected, livable, and grounded in the values that make this community special.

I believe good leadership starts with listening. It means being respectful, collaborative, transparent, and willing to do the work to understand complex issues. I’m not a developer, and I’m not running to represent special interests. I’m running as a community-minded resident who wants to see growth planned carefully and responsibly, in a way that protects our natural environment, strengthens infrastructure and services, and keeps Sooke a place where people can truly belong.

I’m running for Council because I want to help shape a future where Sooke continues to thrive without losing the character, beauty, and strong sense of community that make so many of us proud to call this place home.

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

I’ll be updating this website as we get closer to the election, but I thought I’d take the opportunity to share a bit about myself and why I’m running for Council.