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
Opening doors to trades training for youth, women
New funding is being invested in thousands of youth, women and under-represented groups to get the training and support they need for apprenticeships and employment in the skilled trades. Today, the province announced that $12.4 million will support seven new … Continue reading →
BC Liquor Stores to ditch plastic bags
The Government of British Columbia has selected Richmond-based Bulldog Bag Ltd. to provide paper bags to all 197 government-owned and operated BC Liquor Stores as part of a commitment to the environment and sustainable business practices. The Liquor Distribution Branch … Continue reading →
Sooke RCMP update to incident at EMCS, and plea for information
–Sooke RCMP media release The Sooke RCMP continue to investigate the report of threats at Edward Milne Community School. Original release “The male arrested on this matter has since been released from custody and the investigation is ongoing,” said Sooke RCMP … Continue reading →
BCAA Winter Driving Survey shows British Columbian drivers nervous about winter driving, but not preparing vehicles for bad road conditions
BCAA’s Winter Driving Survey released today shows that while a large percentage of British Columbians are nervous about driving in ice and snow, many are still not taking steps to prepare their vehicles for winter. The BCAA survey, conducted by … Continue reading →
Westshore’s mobile office pilot helps people work close to home, tackles traffic congestion
A new mobile office pilot program for government workers who live in the Westshore will help reduce congestion, get commuters out of gridlock and give people more time with their families. The floorplan design work is complete, the detailed design … Continue reading →
West Shore RCMP ask for help identifying poppy box thief
–West Shore RCMP media release The West Shore RCMP are currently investigating a report of a stolen poppy donation box from the Thrifty Foods located at 1495 Admirals Rd in View Royal. The theft took place on November 3rd at approximately … Continue reading →
How are you kind? UBCO researcher seeks to understand the good things that people do
World Kindness Day takes place on November 13. For some, it’s a time to focus on and promote the power of positivity. For others, it’s a day to celebrate the thoughtful acts performed by friends, family, neighbours and strangers. For … Continue reading →
Scam alert: Fake calls from police departments demanding bitcoin payment
The Saanich Police are warning residents of an aggressive new phone scam that is happening this week. In some cases, the scammers have changed their call display to show “Saanich Police Department” or display the SPD main phone number of … Continue reading →
Remembrance Day, 2019 (photos)
Photos by John Penner, Sooke … Continue reading →
Poll: Was the firing of Don Cherry the right thing to do?
The full quote: “You people love, you that come here, whatever it is, you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey. At least you can pay a couple of bucks for poppies or something like that. … Continue reading →
Sooke Folk Music Society presents Old Paint Duo Nov 16
–Submitted article The Sooke Folk Music Society is pleased to present Old Paint Duo as the feature act for our Coffee House Saturday, November 16, 2019. Old Paint Duo, comprised of Miriam Sonstenes and Jeff Dill, has been making acoustic … Continue reading →
Harmony Project Sooke raffles “The Maestro’s Doll House”
Submitted by Sheila Whincup Ever wonder what a maestro’s doll house might look like? Harmony Project Sooke is holding a raffle whose first prize is just that. The elaborate doll house, custom-made by a local artist, features a music room … Continue reading →
BC SPCA Wild ARC reports another successful season
–Photos and article from the BC SPCA The BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) has successfully reunited more than 100 baby animals with their wild moms including fledgling birds, deer fawns, raccoons, goslings, squirrels and rabbits during its … Continue reading →
The Sooke Community Choir presents: This Shining Night
This Shining Night is the title for The Sooke Community Choir’s 2019 winter concert series. The concert is a stunning collection of beautiful and inspirational music that spans the ages from Mozart to Pentatonix. Led by Artistic Director Bruce Ruddel, … Continue reading →
Intermission Film Series Presents Citizen Kane, and Orson Welles film – WEDNESDAY
Citizen Kane is coming to Sooke! Intermission Film Series is opening the 2019 program with a film requested by the audience: Orson Welles’s 1941 classic “Citizen Kane” Reviewed and analysed countless times, here are a few examples from over the … Continue reading →
Poll shows 9 in 10 BC residents support action to protect endangered old-growth forest
–Sierra Club BC (content and photo) Ninety-two percent of British Columbians support taking action to defend endangered old-growth forests, a new Research Co. poll has found. The poll, which was commissioned by Sierra Club BC, revealed 62 percent strongly support taking … Continue reading →
Public input sought to help B.C. prepare for climate change
The Province is looking for public input to help develop a new strategy that will better prepare B.C. communities for the impacts of climate change. People can share their thoughts until Jan. 10, 2020, through an online questionnaire, discussion forum … Continue reading →
Attend the Sooke Folk Music Society AGM, elections include two new roles
Notice: Annual General Meeting of the Sooke Folk Music Society. Please come and support your Folk Music Society. Public participation is welcomed and encouraged. AGM Details: Sunday, November 17, 2019, at 1:00 PM Holy Trinity Church 1962 Murray Rd. Sooke, B.C. V9Z … Continue reading →
Sparks fly: Lack of charging etiquette leads to conflict at the electric pump
BC Hydro finds almost a quarter of EV drivers surveyed have argued with a fellow EV driver at a public charging station, and almost one-third have witnessed such an argument. The survey¹ conducted for BC Hydro finds that while the … Continue reading →
Dear Caterina: How do you make an important decision?
Dear Caterina, How do you make an important decision? Signed, Unsure Dear Unsure: When you need to make an important decision, it comes with a certain amount of anxiety, and stress. The more you think about the what if’s…, 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