Sooke PocketNews is a hyper-local online newspaper that covers all things Sooke, all the time. SPN is a “community-authored news” service, so the more we receive from you, the more we can publish. Submit an Article here!
Latest Headlines
Probable case of vaping-related illness found in B.C.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, has confirmed the first probable case of a vaping-related illness in B.C. There are several other investigations underway that may also meet the case definition of probable or confirmed vaping-related illness in the near … Continue reading →
Illicit drug-related deaths down, but still unacceptably high
The BC Coroners Service has published updated reports on illicit drug toxicity deaths and fentanyl-detected drug deaths to the end of August 2019. Key preliminary findings of these drug death reports are below. Data are subject to change: In August 2019, … Continue reading →
Almost 1/3 of Canadians say back pain limits work and daily lives
According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA), more than 11 million Canadians suffer from an injury or disorder that affects their movement, with one in eight reporting a chronic back problem and almost one-third indicating activity limitations due to back … Continue reading →
HPV immunization program cuts pre-cancer rates by more than half
British Columbia’s school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program is dramatically reducing rates of cervical pre-cancer in B.C. women, according to a new study. The evaluation of the HPV vaccination program in B.C. was conducted jointly by researchers at BC Cancer, … Continue reading →
Unlocked vehicles invite crime: this recent wallet theft resulted in $10K haul
–West Shore RCMP media release, Image by e-gabi, CC0 Public Domain Pixabay On August 1st, 2019, the West Shore RCMP received a report of theft from a parked vehicle. The complainant advised their wallet had been stolen from their vehicle … Continue reading →
BC Wildlife Federation calls for change in salmon management
BC Wildlife Federation: B.C. Needs Sustainable Salmon Fisheries The BC Wildlife Federation is calling for fundamental change in the management of salmon fisheries. It’s time to make the transition from non-selective gillnets to selective fishing methods historically used by Indigenous … Continue reading →
Did you miss it? Watch Sooke’s Conversation with the Candidates online
On the evening of Friday, October 11th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce and the Sooke Multi-Belief Initiative co-hosted a Conversation with the Candidates at the Edward Milne Community School Theatre. The federal election takes … Continue reading →
Edward Milne Community School Society has a new face: Welcome Sasha Gale
-EMCS/SD62 media release Sasha Gale joins the Society as the Community School Program Coordinator. Gale works in partnership with the school to maintain and grow programs that foster strong families and deepen community engagement. She is developing programs and working … Continue reading →
Concert featuring Valdy and Adam Dobres doubles as fundraiser for Sooke Food Bank
–Submitted by Marilyn Sundeen The Sooke Folk Music Society is proud to partner with Sooke Community Theatre – EMCS Society to bring you Valdy and Adam Dobres on Saturday, October 19, 2019. This is a fund-raising concert to support The … Continue reading →
Unlawful home inspection contracts put homebuyers at risk
Consumer Protection BC is stressing the importance of reading contracts carefully when getting a home inspection. After finding a series of contract violations, the regulator wants to ensure that both consumers and home inspectors are aware of what should and … Continue reading →
Carlsberg moves a step closer to creating the world’s first ‘paper’ beer bottle
Two new research prototypes for its Green Fibre Bottle are revealed – containing beer for the first time More leading companies are now committing to paper bottle technology C40 World Mayors Summit: Carlsberg Group has updated on its journey to create … Continue reading →
Canadian folk legend Valdy performs in Sooke, Oct 19
Reminder: Sooke’s first Craft Materials Swap, Oct 16!
Zero Waste Sooke is organizing a Craft Materials Swap to help the people in Sooke reduce our waste. We welcome the general public to attend. Donations gladly accepted. Our first Craft Materials Swap will be held on Wednesday, October … Continue reading →
Applications for grants to build safer communities being accepted
Organizations throughout the province working to make B.C. communities safer are invited to apply to the 2019-20 Civil Forfeiture Crime Prevention and Remediation grant program. Details of the grant submission process, which is open from Oct. 11 to Nov. 18, 2019, … Continue reading →
British Columbians’ fueling habits driving EV charging misconceptions
A new BC Hydro report finds the way British Columbians fuel their gas-powered vehicles may be driving misconceptions about EV charging and preventing some from making the switch to one. The report entitled, ‘Old habits drive hard: How British Columbians’ fueling … Continue reading →
Wildlife in Focus from Wild Wise Sooke: River Otter
The following poster was created by Ella MacQuisten for Wild Wise Sooke. Click on the poster to see the original, larger sized work. For your reading convenience, the text is printed out below. River Otter Lutra Canadensis BC Conservation Data … Continue reading →
Dear Caterina: What can I do to make my marriage better?
Dear Caterina, What can I do to make my marriage better? Signed, Married for better Dear Married, Often work with couples to help them reconnect with themselves, and with their partner. One of the tasks I give them to do … Continue reading →
DriveSmartBC: Driving with vision obstructed
–Constable Tim Schewe I carry a handicap parking permit. When I was first issued this permit an outline of my responsibilities said that I was to remove it from the rear view mirror while driving “…as it is against the … Continue reading →
Candidate conversation hosted in Sooke remarkably civilized
On the evening of Friday, October 11th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce and the Sooke Multi-Belief Initiative co-hosted a Conversation with the Candidates at the Edward Milne Community School Theatre. Well over 200 people … Continue reading →
Sooke Philharmonic announces first concert of its 22nd season, Celebrating the Concerto
The Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) launches its 2019-2020 concert season with an exciting musical program, Celebrating the Concerto, Sunday, October 27 at 2:30 PM. See the full poster below. Celebrating the Concerto begins with Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No.104 (London), the … Continue reading →
ABOUT US
Sooke PocketNews is your only Sooke daily online community resource. Real news, no paper.
For local readers: SPN provides up-to-the-minute information on local traffic issues, weather, and dining options. We even offer a daily/weekly/monthly horrorscope (err… horoscope). We will be adding new features, and responding continually to community wants and needs. To add your opinion(s), contact us and tell us what you are thinking! To support us, tell local businesses that you get your community news from PocketNews.
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On supporting local: Sooke PocketNews encourages readers to access their news from multiple sources. We are fortunate to have a number of independent publications, most notably The Rural Observer and Sooke Scoop (among others). Each provides a different focus, a different angle, and a different perspective. We also advocate buying locally first. We offer first advertising opportunities to local businesses. However, maintaining this site is a full-time job (and then some). Because those pesky high-maintenance humans producing the content, maintaining the site and promoting content still need to eat and find shelter from the February rain, we do consider out-of-town sponsors who serve the good people of Sooke.
Ultimately, SPN is here for you. We aspire to fulfil your electronic curiosity about the events in our community.
Britt’s doing a fabulous job! Very difficult work, extremely long hours… and she has to put herself out there to “those unforgiving critics”. It’s not easy… but I can always count on SPN to do it right!
So awesome!! Keep up the great work 🙂
Awesome work!!!
You rock!!!!!
Best page yet for local info