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2,275 new BC COVID-19 cases, 6 deaths, 646 (up) hospitalized, and 95 (down) in ICU: Jan 14, 2022
As of Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, 89.0% (4,436,446) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83.3% (4,152,386) have received their second dose. In addition, 92.3% (4,278,594) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Latest epidemiological modelling for BC (if you’ve never watched one of these, this is a good one to start with)
We appear to be leveling off, infection-wise. That said, the Omicron virus is still plentiful throughout BC. Since hospitalizations always follow several weeks behind infection rates, those numbers are still expected to go up. Hospitalizations are expected to peak … Continue reading →
Boosters available for pregnant women
While it is recommended people get their booster six months after their second dose to ensure longer-lasting protection, it is important for pregnant people to receive their booster during pregnancy to ensure optimal protection for them and their baby. People … Continue reading →
2,554 new BC COVID-19 cases, 7 deaths, 534 (up) hospitalized, and 102 (same) in ICU: Jan 13, 2022
As of Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, 88.9% (4,433,294) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83.3% (4,150,713) have received their second dose. In addition, 92.3% (4,277,097) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Grant now available to business ordered closed for public health measures
Businesses can now apply for the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant, a new program the Province has fast-tracked to support B.C. businesses ordered to temporarily close their doors due to recent public-health measures. Businesses that were ordered to fully close on … Continue reading →
Rainfall warning for West Vancouver Island continues until Thursday morning
Issued by Environment Canada A strong southwest flow has developed resulting in an atmospheric river embedded with a series of systems aimed towards the south coast. Heavy rain will continue through today and ease early Thursday morning. 90 mm of … Continue reading →
2,239 new BC COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths, 500 (up) hospitalized, and 102 (up) in ICU: Jan 12, 2022
As of Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, 88.9% (4,429,847) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83.2% (4,148,538) have received their second dose. In addition, 92.2% (4,275,308) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
FNLC Optimistic that Agreements-in-Principle First Real Step in Reforming Discriminatory First Nations Child and Family Services System
(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) After more than thirty years of advocacy and litigation, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) welcomed last week’s announcement that there has been an Agreement in Principle reached to reform Canada’s First Nations child and family services program, … Continue reading →
2,239 new BC COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths, 469 (up) hospitalized, and 97 (up) in ICU: Jan 11, 2022
As of Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, 88.8% (4,426,451) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83.2% (4,146,540) have received their second dose. In addition, 92.2% (4,273,371) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Heavy rainfall warning continues through to Thursday morning
-Environment Canada There is a rainfall warning in effect for West Vancouver Island, with heavy rain expected through to Thursday morning. Rainfall amounts: 125 to 150 mm of rain. Timespan: Late this morning to Thursday morning. Locations: West Vancouver Island. … Continue reading →
Agreements-in-Principle reached on compensation and long-term reform of First Nations child and family services and Jordan’s Principle
SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada OTTAWA, TRADITIONAL ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, ON, Jan. 4, 2022 /CNW/ – The Government of Canada is pleased to announce that Agreements-in-Principle have been reached on a global resolution related to compensation for those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of First Nations child and family … Continue reading →
Sooke Region Chamber unveils the Hidden Treasures website, where visitors can win a $200 shopping spree while promoting the “shop local” message
–Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce media release The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce has just unveiled a Hidden Treasures website as a part of a campaign to encourage local and near-local residents to explore the many hidden treasures available right … Continue reading →
Heavy rainfall warning, West Vancouver Island (rainfall alerts elsewhere on Vancouver Island)
A rainfall warning is in effect for West Vancouver Island, heavy rain is expected. Time frame: Late Tuesday morning through until early Thursday morning. Locations: West Vancouver Island. Hazard: 125 to 175 mm of rain. Rising freezing levels with melting … Continue reading →
6,966 new BC COVID-19 cases, 7 deaths, 431 (up) hospitalized, and 95 (up) in ICU: Jan 10, 2022 (3 days)
As of Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, 88.7% (4,423,328) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83.2% (4,145,023) have received their second dose. In addition, 92.2% (4,271,751) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs were paid an average of $10.9 million in 2020, higher than in 2019
Canadian CEO pay hits second-highest level in history: report Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs from the S&P/TSX Composite recorded their second-best year ever for compensation in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report by the Canadian Centre for … Continue reading →
Sorry for silence, I caught COVID
Dear SPN readers, Sorry for the silence on Friday, I was hit by symptoms and just took to bed. Today, I got my rapid testing kit (and contrary to rumour, rapid tests are available to anyone showing symptoms), did the … Continue reading →
3,144 new BC COVID-19 cases, 9 deaths, 349 (up) hospitalized, and 93 (up) in ICU: Jan 6, 2022
As of Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, 88.5% (4,410,494) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83.1% (4,142,030) have received their second dose. In addition, 92.1% (4,269,410) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Capitol Attack Anniversary: Majority of Canadians & Americans say January 6 riot was ‘domestic terrorism’
January 6, 2022 – In the year since supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C last Jan. 6, many, including the FBI director, have classified the events as an act of domestic terror. Now, a new … Continue reading →
“addy” enables Sooke residents to invest in Sooke while supporting Sooke Shelter
SPN does not provide financial advice. The following is for your information only. Before investing, we urge you to get advice from an appropriate professional. -SPN –Submitted by Stephen Jagger This Friday, January 7 at 9 AM Pacific, Vancouver-based technology … Continue reading →
3,223 new BC COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths, 324 (up) hospitalized, and 90 (up) in ICU: Jan 6, 2022
As of Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, 88.4% (4,406,651) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83.1% (4,140,207) have received a second dose. In addition, 92.1% (4,267,843) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Snow storm of Jan 6, 2022, running updates
The following is information from throughout the day. Please check back for updates. Visit SPN Traffic page and SPN Weather page for live-streamed updates. Evening: Note there’s a wind warning for the northeast part of Vancouver Island. In other areas, … Continue reading →
Province responds to reports of healthcare workers being harrassed, not by anti-vaxxers but those who want their booster
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, have issued the following statement: “B.C.’s health-care workers are doing an exceptional job under the most challenging of … Continue reading →
3,798 new BC COVID-19 cases, no deaths, 317 hospitalized, and 83 in ICU: Jan 5, 2022
As of Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, 88.3% (4,402,649) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83.0% (4,138,255) have received their second dose. In addition, 92.0% (4,266,177) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Expect anywhere from 10cm to 25cm overnight: Winter storm warning
The following comes from Environment Canada. Note that West Vancouver Island is bracing for about 10cm of snow, and Inland and East Vancouver Island can get as much as 25cm. Where she lands in Sooke, nobody knows… Heavy snow this … Continue reading →
2,542 new BC COVID-19 cases, 4 deaths, 298 hospitalized, and 86 in ICU: Jan 4, 2022
As of Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, 88.3% (4,399,771) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 83% (4,136,540) have received their second dose. In addition, 92% (4,264,858) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs were paid an average of $10.9 million in 2020, higher than in 2019
Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs from the S&P/TSX Composite recorded their second-best year ever for compensation in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). The report, Another Year in Paradise: CEO … Continue reading →
Collision on Sooke Rd claims the life of 18-year-old driver
West Shore RCMP and the BC Coroner Service are investigating after a collision between two vehicles resulted in the death of one 18-year-old driver. On January 3, 2022, at approximately 6:00 p.m., West Shore RCMP responded to Sooke Rd near … Continue reading →
Winter snow storm warning (10-20cm), Wednesday night and Thursday
There’s a winter storm watch in effect for the Greater Victoria region, calling for the possibility of 10 to 20 cm of snow Wednesday night and Thursday. Timespan: Wednesday evening to midday Thursday. Locations: Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria, Fraser Valley, Howe … Continue reading →
New bus route goes from East Sooke to Sooke, once every few hours
With information from BC Transit BC Transit is announcing a number of service changes in the Victoria Regional Transit System effective January 3, 2022. The changes include the introduction of the new route 64 that provides weekday service between East Sooke … Continue reading →
“The virus has changed and is spreading rapidly” – Dr. Bonnie Henry
“The virus has changed and is spreading rapidly.” That was how the provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, began today’s update, noting that 80% of all new cases are the Omicron variant (except in the North, for now). Vaccinations help … Continue reading →
Sooke included in snow warning: January 4, 2021
There’s a possibility of heavy convective snow flurries causing a sudden reduction in visibility through today. Locations: Fanny Bay to Duncan, Gibsons to Earls Cove, Port Alberni, Lake Cowichan, Port Renfrew, Sooke, Jordan River, Highway 4 – Coombs to Port … Continue reading →
Lifelong learning in Sooke kicks off 2022 with a free Zoom Welcome Session, Jan 11
Sooke Region Lifelong Learning will soon be starting up again. Jan 11th is the “ZOOM Welcome” with presenters introducing their programs and registered participants. Come and spend an hour with your Sooke Region Lifelong Learning Committee and meet the presenters … Continue reading →
9,932 new BC COVID-19 cases, Jan 3, 2022 (3 days)
Over a three-day period, B.C. is reporting 9,332 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 264,181 cases in the province: Dec. 31, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022: 4,033 new cases Jan. 1-2, 2022: 3,069 new cases Jan. 2-3, 2022: … Continue reading →
Wind warning in effect for Greater Victoria
There’s a wind warning in effect for Greater Victoria. An extended period of strong winds are expected late this evening through Sunday night. Winds: Southeast winds 70 km/h gusting to 90. Location: Southern sections of Metro Vancouver near the water, Greater … Continue reading →
The nanoparticles in mRNA vaccines are nothing to fear: We interact with many useful, tiny particles every day
Keroles Riad, Concordia University and Sylvie Ouellette, Concordia University Let’s be honest: there are many ways in which size matters, and for some purposes small is beautiful. However, sometimes very small things, like nanoparticles, are misunderstood. In recent months, many … Continue reading →
New study reveals intensified housing inequality in Canada from 1981 to 2016
Yushu Zhu, Simon Fraser University Driven by the neoliberal*Link added by SPN belief in the superiority of the free market, the housing policy in Canada has shifted from a welfare-oriented policy to a market-oriented one over the past four decades, … Continue reading →
Police investigate death of woman in Langford, man currently in custody
West Shore, Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit 2022-01-01 13:28 PST File # VIIMCU File: 2021-20384 The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) is investigating after the discovery of a deceased woman in Langford. On December 31 2021 just … Continue reading →
Happy New Year: 2022
To all the regular (being regular is good) and sporadic readers of SPN, thanks for the 6th year! Ready for lucky seven in 2022? Bring it on!
Continue reading →SD62 Communications: Details on the phased restart of school (January 10 for most students)
Correspondence from SD62, dated December 31, 2021 Dear Parents/Guardians, On Wednesday, we shared an announcement from Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry and Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside that will see a delay in students returning to school until Monday, … Continue reading →
3,795 new BC COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths, Dec 31, 2021
As of Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, 88.1% (4,392,141) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 82.9% (4,133,438) have received their second dose. In addition, 92% (4,262,385) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
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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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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