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
Sooke sets by-election date for September 28, 2019
At a Special Council meeting held on July 15, 2019, the District of Sooke has set the by-election for September 28, 2019. This by-election is to fill the council vacancy left by Brenda Parkinson, who died in late June. Carolyn … Continue reading →
Suspicious death investigation continues in Metchosin
West Shore RCMP and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) continue to investigate the suspicious death of 60-year-old Martin Payne. Mr. Payne was discovered deceased by West Shore RCMP on July 12, 2019, at his home in the … Continue reading →
Gallery: Sooke Car Show
Here is a small selection of a photo gallery from Derek Lewers. To see his full gallery online, click here. If you wish to obtain a copy of a photo for only $0.25 each, please visit the full gallery and … Continue reading →
Free business networking opportunity at Coast Capital, Thursday July 18
There’s a FREE business mixer at Coast Capital this Thursday, July 18. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the event is open to all business owners in Sooke. It’s a great way to meet and mingle, and to get your … Continue reading →
And just like that, the tall trees at Evergreen are gone
Getting ready for the in-town Tim Hortons. Related … Continue reading →
Traffic light outage wreaks havoc on Hwy 1 at McKenzie, mid morning July 15, 2019
The most bottled-up intersection on Vancouver Island (and possibly beyond) got a bit more plugged up this morning. According to Mainroad, the traffic lights went out on Highway 1 at McKenzie Ave in Victoria, in the mid-morning of July 15, … Continue reading →
DriveSmartBC: Think Ahead!
–Constable Tim Schewe The rain is pounding down outside this morning as I sit looking out my livingroom window with tablet and coffee in hand. I’m warm and dry enjoying the idea that being retired means I am no longer … Continue reading →
Canadians in Chronic Pain: Cost, access to treatment pose significant barriers for those suffering the most
One-in-five report living with significant chronic pain, most say they’d be better off if care more affordable For many Canadians, the activities and experiences that many of us take for granted are significantly hindered by something unseen by the naked … Continue reading →
Future trade deals must give priority to people and planet over corporations: Report
With ratification of NAFTA 2.0 still up in the air in the U.S. and Canada, a new international report contrasts the deeply flawed agreement with proposals for a more progressive and truly fair trade regime. Beyond NAFTA 2.0: A Trade … Continue reading →
Wild Wise went to elementary school; here’s their student reach report
– Samantha Webb, Wild Wise Sooke With the start of summer comes the end of the school year. This past school year, Wild Wise Sooke started an in-school wildlife educational program and were fortunate to reach approximately 600 students over … Continue reading →
Female assaulted on Galloping Goose trail
On July 9th 2019, the West Shore RCMP received a report of a sexual assault. A 16-year old female victim reported she was walking on the galloping goose trail at approximately 1:00pm near Sooke Rd and Happy Valley Rd in … Continue reading →
Struggling with addiction? This comprehensive Beyond Addiction program facilitates the shift
Beyond Addiction Nine Day Immersion course in beautiful Sooke BC on Vancouver Island July 20th – July 28th, 2019 Join Sat Charan Simran Kaur, Fateh Bir Kaur, and Siri Amir Kaur for this amazing immersion experience held in the sacred … Continue reading →
Consumer usage of major social media platforms continues to grow, despite privacy concerns around targeted advertising and news feeds
Despite data breaches and privacy concerns, social media’s reach and popularity across Canada have become seemingly ubiquitous, with several platforms experiencing continued growth on weekly usage. At the same time, some platforms are slowing or seeing a reverse in usage … Continue reading →
Suspicious death in Metchosin
–West Shore RCMP On July 12, 2019 the West Shore RCMP discovered an adult male deceased in a residence in Metchosin. West Shore investigators located the deceased man while following up on a report he was missing from work. The … Continue reading →
University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre report calls for a minimum of thirty per cent old-growth protection across B.C
A new report prepared by the University of Victoria’s Environmental Law Centre (ELC) for Sierra Club BC calls for thirty per cent base level protection of old-growth ecosystems and intact forests across the province as part of the provincial government’s amendments … Continue reading →
Sooke Music Festival 2019: Still rockin’ the community, bigger and better than ever!
What started out as a whim has led to 4 years of music making history in the community of Sooke, BC. Festival founders Jill Shultz, Jerry Peregudow and Peter Jonassen are proud to say that this FREE family friendly event … Continue reading →
Bicycle theft victim in Victoria undertakes research, organizes arrest
–VicPD A suspect in a break and enter is in custody and the rightful owner has been reunited with her bicycle after she found it for sale on a local website. On July 3rd, a caller reported that her bicycle … Continue reading →
Saanich home gets in the way of a moving vehicle, driver refuses breath test
Saanich Police responded to a single vehicle crash in the 5400 block of Fowler Road on July 9th. The call came from a homeowner who said that a car had just crashed into their front sunroom/living room. When police arrived … Continue reading →
Fall Fair Raffle tickets for sale at the Sooke Car Show, Sunday
The Sooke Car Show – Shop and Swap happens this Sunday, July 14, 2019, in Sooke. Visit their website here. SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2019, 9 – 2 PM SOOKE River Campground 2259 Phillips Rd Vendors & Food Trucks Lots of … Continue reading →
CRD seek more federal funding for continuing their abandoned boats program
The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has announced it will seek additional federal funding for the removal of derelict vessels from capital region waterways. The Board also agreed to write a letter to Transportation Minister Marc Garneau to advocate that … 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