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Latest SPN Headlines
COVID-19: Daily federal update includes up to 30,000 Canadian-made ventilators coming, April 7, 2020
The address from prime minister Justin Trudeau on April 7, 2020, is as follows: Stay home. If you have special skills, the federal government wants to hear from you. Full time jobs are available for reservists, and volunteers are being … Continue reading →
Sooke RCMP continues to fight crime during pandemic: Traffic stops lead to seizure of drugs, weapons and stolen property.
–Sooke RCMP media release Frontline officers in Sooke were busy conducting proactive patrols and traffic stops this past weekend, two stops resulted in the seizure of a significant cache of stolen property, weapons, counterfeit currency and drugs. Five people were … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Update from Sooke Mayor Maja Tait, April 6, 2020
Sooke mayor Maja Tait provided a live update to the residents of Sooke on April 6, 2020. Notable items: A special meeting was held to pass the budget, with the direction from COuncil to staff to cover only essential services … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Daily BC statistical update (26 new cases on Sun, 37 today), April 6, 2020
Remembering that there was no update on Sunday (April 5), here is Monday’s statistical update for B.C. There are 63 (26, Sat to Sun; 37 today) new confirmed cases in B.C. (up from 1,203 confirmed cases as of April 4, … Continue reading →
Editorial: There are no boundaries when it comes to COVID-19
By Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, B.C. When an outbreak hits a community, one of the most urgent things people want is information. This is human nature, as information allows us to protect ourselves, our families and our loved … Continue reading →
Sooke Bosley’s update: new temporary store hours
Sooke Bosley’s Store Update New Temporary Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm Free Contactless Deliveries: Sooke: Daily Mon – Sat East Sooke/Metchosin: Wednesday’s Shirley/Jordan River/Port Renfrew: Every 2nd Friday (April 10th & 24th this month) Local Pick Up … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Daily federal address, April 6, 2020
The Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) opens today (apply on Canada.ca). You can apply in one of two ways: Online Over the phone with an automated phone service: 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041 If you are born in January, February or March, you can … Continue reading →
BC Hydro providing bill credits, waiving charges for customers impacted by COVID-19
BC Hydro recently announced it is introducing a COVID-19 Relief Fund that will provide bill credits to its residential and small business customers hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this new program, residential customers that have lost their job … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Daily federal update, CERB application information, April 5, 2020
On the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, it will take 3 to 5 days if you have direct deposit set up; if you are applying to receive a cheque by mail, it can take up to 10 days. (See also the … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Federal support to those experiencing homelessness and women fleeing gender-based violence
The health and safety of all Canadians is the top priority for the Government of Canada, especially the uniquely vulnerable. That is why the Government is making investments in those who are most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic—those experiencing homelessness and … Continue reading →
Sooke teachers rockin’ it, so good, so nice, cause they got you!
Sooke teachers are getting into the rhythm with this message to their students and fellow colleagues: “We’re all in this together.” Rock on! Watch the original video on Youtube here. (Visited 622 times in total, with 6 visits today)
Someone turned the lights on! Crossing at Shell is now pedestrian controlled
We have heard from Mrs. Ellen Lewers that the newly marked crosswalk (2019) at the Shell gas station now has pedestrian controlled lights on it. That should help bring greater safety to those crossing here! (Visited 131 times in total, … Continue reading →
The show must go on! ARTiFACTS is full steam ahead, online
–Article submitted by Linda Gordon Artifacts Art Show is On! Due to closure of most places in Sooke, the Sixth Annual Artifacts Show traditionally held at the Sooke Region Museum was cancelled. However, it is NOW ON – online! Nine … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Daily provincial statistical update (29 new cases), April 4, 2020
Since yesterday’s report at 3 pm, there have been 29 new test positive cases in BC, for a new total of 1,203 confirmed cases as of April 4, 2020 704 recovered in BC 38 deaths in BC Cases by region: 554 … Continue reading →
Stick in the Mud still roasting, shipping everywhere
–Update from David Evans, Stick in the Mud owner SITM is still roasting fresh coffee and delivering throughout Sooke and Victoria and that we are shipping everywhere! W would absolutely LOVE to deliver to anyone who is self-isolating. We are … Continue reading →
Opportunist wearing surgical mask robs bank, West Shore RCMP seek public’s assistance
The West Shore RCMP is currently investigating a robbery that took place at Scotia bank located at unit 116-3004 Merchant Way in Langford. Investigators learned that a male suspect entered the bank brandishing a firearm and demanded money from the … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Daily federal address announces over $200M available to shelter the vulnerable, April 4, 2020
The federal government is working with all provincial governments to present the most recent information to Canadians. Our efforts to contain the spread of the virus still depend on the individual actions of all Canadians. Above all, stay home; that’s … Continue reading →
Small business owners devastated by COVID 19 crisis: 31% aren’t sure business will survive; 9% fear permanent closure
-Insights West release 65% of small business owners are ‘very worried’ about the negative financial impact overall—and specifically revenue (66%), financing (41%), ability to pay salaries (43%) and difficulty paying their rent/lease (38%) Only 55% think the emergency Federal aid … Continue reading →
Property Assessment Appeal Board extends appeal deadline to June 1, 2020
On March 26, 2020, the Government of British Columbia issued Ministerial Order 086 under the Emergency Program Act that provides a tribunal with the statutory power of decision to waive, suspend or extend a mandatory time period relating to the … Continue reading →
B.C. brings in more emergency supports for Indigenous students
Indigenous post-secondary students experiencing financial pressures will benefit from additional provincial emergency funding. Government is providing an additional $1.5 million to supplement the Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund, which assists Indigenous students who are experiencing an unexpected financial emergency that may … 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