Is the drive between Sooke and Victoria finally getting easier? With new lanes, safer intersections, and a park-and-ride in place, it is natural to wonder if these Highway 14 upgrades will push more buyers toward Sooke. You want to know how this could affect commute times, demand, and home values — and what to do if you are planning a move. In this guide, you will see what changed, what is coming, and how these improvements may shape the local market. Let’s dive in.
Highway 14 upgrades at a glance
What’s finished
- A multi-year corridor program began in 2018, backed by federal and provincial investment to improve safety and capacity along Highway 14. The program’s funding and scope were announced in 2019.
- The largest piece — between Connie Road and Glinz Lake Road — opened to traffic in mid-2023 with additional lanes, a median barrier, a pedestrian underpass, and a new park-and-ride near Gillespie Road. Coverage of the opening confirms the new lanes and facility are operational.
- Earlier work included resurfacing and paved shoulders west of town, plus sidewalks and bus pull-outs through the town center. The District of Sooke reports substantial completion of these improvements.
What’s next
- The province is focusing on targeted safety and traffic-flow projects, including the Idlemore Road intersection upgrade with public engagement in 2025.
- Municipal projects are adding local circulation options to keep short trips off Highway 14. For example, Charters Road reopened to two-way traffic with new sidewalks and bike lanes in October 2024.
How upgrades shape demand
Reliability and transit
- More lanes and curve realignments reduce the chance that a single incident stalls everyone, which improves travel-time reliability. The 2023 opening restored normal speeds and opened the new passing opportunity.
- The Gillespie Road park-and-ride adds bus bays and EV-ready stalls, making transit and carpooling more practical for Sooke commuters. The province notes the park-and-ride’s transit and active-transport connections.
Local circulation and safety
- Sidewalks, crosswalks, and shoulder work make it easier to reach shops, parks, and bus stops on foot or by bike. That supports in-town convenience for day-to-day life.
- Local parallel routes like Charters Road, plus planned connectors, help keep short trips off the highway, which supports smoother regional commuting over time.
What research says about prices
- Transportation upgrades that improve accessibility are often reflected in nearby home prices. A review of highway projects found average gains in the low single digits on a broad basis, with higher results in places that saw the biggest accessibility boost. The evidence also shows “anticipation effects,” where markets react before full completion.
- Not every property benefits equally. Homes right next to high-traffic segments can face noise and traffic impacts. For many others, the accessibility gains dominate.
Sooke context: commute and growth
- Sooke sits within a realistic commuting distance to Victoria, roughly 30 to 40 km by road, often 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. See the Sooke–Victoria distance reference.
- Population growth has been strong. From 2016 to 2021, Sooke grew about 16 percent to top 15,000 residents, with growth momentum continuing. Local coverage of Census results highlights that pace.
- In a growing region, even modest commute improvements can nudge more buyers to consider Sooke, especially if transit or carpooling becomes easier.
Who benefits and where to watch
- Buyers who commute into Greater Victoria and value consistent travel times are likely to feel the biggest benefit. The park-and-ride near Gillespie Road can broaden options for these commuters.
- Demand could concentrate near the town center improvements and areas with improved walking and cycling access. The District’s Highway 14 information highlights these local connectivity changes.
- Properties directly abutting the busiest segments may experience more noise or traffic. If you are evaluating a property in that zone, weigh the access benefits against potential nuisances.
What this means for your move
If you are buying
- Test your commute at different times to confirm reliability after the 2023 changes.
- Consider proximity to the park-and-ride, bus stops, and safe walking routes if you want flexible commute options.
- Ask about sound mitigation or landscaping if a home fronts the highway.
- Plan for market fundamentals — interest rates, inventory, and approvals — which will shape how much prices respond.
If you are selling
- Highlight improvements that a buyer will use: easier commutes, access to the park-and-ride, sidewalks, and bike connections.
- If your home is close to high-traffic segments, consider steps that reduce perceived noise inside the home.
- Price with today’s data, not headlines. Accessibility helps, yet buyer affordability and local supply still set the pace.
- Time your listing around project milestones if your location benefits from upcoming changes.
Key dates to keep on your radar
- 2023: Connie Road to Glinz Lake Road realignment and multi-lane section opened, including the park-and-ride. See opening coverage.
- 2024: Charters Road reopened to two-way traffic with active-transport upgrades. Project update.
- 2025: Provincial consultation on the Idlemore Road intersection, plus targeted safety and geotechnical work. Project page and Highway 14 overview.
Ready to talk through your plan?
The short answer: the Highway 14 upgrades improve reliability and commute options, which tends to add modest upward pressure to demand over time. Effects vary by location, property type, and overall market conditions. If you are weighing a move, you deserve advice tailored to your goals and your street. Reach out to Kash Burley for local guidance and a clear plan.
FAQs
Will Highway 14 upgrades increase Sooke home prices?
- Research shows improved accessibility often raises nearby home values modestly over time, though effects vary by location and market conditions, and not every property benefits equally.
What specific Highway 14 changes are already open?
- The Connie Road to Glinz Lake Road section opened in 2023 with additional lanes, a median barrier, a pedestrian underpass, and a new park-and-ride near Gillespie Road.
Are more big capacity projects planned on Highway 14?
- Current provincial plans emphasize targeted safety and intersection upgrades rather than another large multi-lane build at this time.
How does the park-and-ride affect commuting from Sooke?
- It creates a convenient spot to connect with transit or carpools, which can reduce full-length drives and make commute times more predictable for some residents.
Which areas of Sooke might see the most demand from these changes?
- Areas with easier access to the park-and-ride and improved walking and cycling routes near the town center are likely to draw interest, while homes immediately beside the busiest highway segments may see mixed effects.
