T'Sou-ke Community Complex and Health Centre

This facility stands as a powerful testament to the T'Sou-ke Nation's strength, resilience, and vision for self-governance and cultural preservation.

Sooke, British Columbia
Community Complex and Health Centre
$14 million
12,352 square feet

Project Overview

The T'Sou-ke Community Complex and Health Centre (T'Sou-ke SKÁ¸PEȽ I¸SOT ÁLEṈ in SENĆOŦEN language) represents a transformative milestone for the T'Sou-ke Nation.

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This 12,352 square foot, $14-million facility officially opened on September 15, 2025, bringing together health services, governance, cultural programming, and community gathering spaces under one roof. Located on T'Sou-ke First Nation land off Highway 14 in Sooke, British Columbia, the building was developed through the Nation's 25-Year Comprehensive Community Plan and designed by Urban Arts Architecture using the Seventh Generation Principle, which ensures decisions made today create a sustainable world for seven generations into the future.

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The facility replaces administrative buildings over 60 years old and worn modular portables that no longer met the community's needs. It now serves as a catalyst for healing, cultural resurgence, and capacity development for the T'Sou-ke Nation's more than 320 members, as well as supporting the broader Sooke community and residents from South Langford to Port Renfrew.
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Facility Features:

  • Band administration offices
  • Healthcare professional offices and examination rooms
  • Community hall with meeting rooms
  • Full-service commercial teaching kitchen
  • Community patio
  • Workout spaces with showers and changing rooms, including yoga room
  • Library and media room with computers and office equipment
  • Spiritual space with drumming room and Elders lounge
  • Photovoltaic solar panels providing approximately 30% of building power needs
  • Welcome Figure "W̱NENÍEṈES" (meaning "smiling" in SENĆOŦEN) carved by youth artists under master carver mentorship
  • Butterfly mosaic created by over 20 young community members
  • SENĆOŦEN language integration throughout signage and art features

Fire Protection System

The fire alarm system at the T'Sou-ke Community Complex and Health Centre provides comprehensive protection for this multi-functional facility while respecting the building's cultural significance and diverse programming needs.
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System Components:
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  • Control & Annunciation: FW105 control panel functioning as both main control panel and annunciator, strategically located within the building lobby for optimal accessibility
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  • Manual Alarm Activation: FW722 manual pull stations providing quick and reliable alarm activation
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  • Notification System: FW962 horn/strobe combination units ensuring effective occupant notification throughout the facility
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  • System Reliability: FW851 isolator modules maintaining wiring integrity across fire separations
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  • System Integration:
    • FW811 and FW812 input modules supervising fire suppression system and backup generator status
    • FW831 relay modules facilitating automatic shut-off of gas and electrical sources within the kitchen
    • Integrated audio system mute functionality in the community hall during emergency conditions

Products Installed

Project Significance

This facility stands as a powerful testament to the T'Sou-ke Nation's strength, resilience, and vision for self-governance and cultural preservation. It brings to life the vision of the late Chief Jim Cooper and honors the Nation's commitment to environmental sustainability, language revitalization, and holistic wellness.

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The building provides culturally safe primary healthcare services through partnerships with the First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative, Island Health, and the Western Communities Primary Care Network. It serves not only as administrative headquarters and health centre but as a vibrant heart of culture, learning, and connection for current and future generations.

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