Hope Centre in Sooke’s downtown core is a mixed-use development made possible
through a partnership between the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Vancouver
Island and the M’akola Housing Society. The project maximizes land use and density
in its urban location. The Centre includes 3,122 sq. ft. of commercial space and 14,982
sq. ft. of residential space which provides 25 units of affordable housing for at-risk
youth. A number of local First Nations artists are featured in two commissioned art
pieces in the building. Various sustainable and energy conserving initiatives were
incorporated such as ENERGY STAR® windows with low emissivity coatings, a
large overhang on the main floor to reduce solar gain in the summer months, low
maintenance factory painted fibre cement siding and storm water detention provided
on-site to retain water and minimize water run-off during heavy rain.