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Latest SPN Headlines
COVID-19: Daily Statistical update (22 new cases, 15 days after the start of Phase 2), June 2, 2020
Since the last report, there have been 22 new test-positive cases in B.C. Cases: Total confirmed cases in B.C. since the pandemic began: 2,623 Vancouver Coastal Health: 905 (up one) Fraser Health: 1,332 (up 21) Island Health: 127 (no change) … Continue reading →
Suspect goes into a rage after receiving a burger without mustard
On June 2nd, 2020 at approximately 9 p.m. the West Shore RCMP received a complaint from the staff at Wendy’s located at 1800 Island Hwy in Colwood. The staff at this location called police when a suspect began violently smashing … Continue reading →
Province buys second hotel in Victoria to house the vulnerable
The Province has purchased Paul’s Motor Inn, located at 1900 Douglas St., to provide more temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness in Victoria. The B.C. government provided approximately $15 million to purchase the building. This follows the purchase of Victoria’s … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Daily Statistical update (4 new cases), June 2, 2020
Since the last report, there have been 4 new test-positive cases in B.C. Cases: Total confirmed cases in B.C. since the pandemic began: 2,601 Vancouver Coastal Health: 904 Fraser Health: 1,311 Island Health: 127 (no change) Interior Health: 195 Northern … Continue reading →
COVID-19 Daily federal update sees Canadian PM struggle with Canada/US relations
The planned address Boldly fighting hiccups, Trudeau began by acknowledging that racism is an issue, particularly for those who don’t understand the experience. He noted that the $2.2B announced for municipalities was insufficient and that more solutions are being sought. … Continue reading →
Sooke Market has farmer-only opening, June 6
“It will not be a full market, but we are really excited to be taking the first step toward a normal market season for Sooke” says market manager, Teresa Willman. The BC Centre for Disease Control considers farmers markets an … Continue reading →
Minimum wage increase takes effect, June 1
To support B.C.’s lowest paid workers, the general hourly minimum wage is increasing to $14.60, and the minimum wage rates for liquor servers, resident caretakers and live-in camp leaders are also increasing, effective Monday, June 1, 2020. In 2018, to … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Federal Address announces $2.2B for municipalities, June 1, 2020
Trudeau began his address recognizing that anti-black racism is real here in Canada. Over the weekends, Canadians sent a message that this racism and racism in any form will not be tolerated in this country. He also acknowledged the role … Continue reading →
Benefits payments for eligible Canadians to continue until Fall 2020
The CRA has extended benefit payments until the end of September for those who are unable to file their 2019 tax return on time. For individuals who already receive the Canada child benefit, the GST/HST credit, or both, their estimated … Continue reading →
Sooke kids can now get their game on at local parks, effective June 1
–District of Sooke media release; SPN file photo by Gregory Varano The District of Sooke recognizes the importance of play and has re-opened municipal playgrounds, effective today, June 1, 2020. Play structures have been closed since March 25, 2020, in … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Daily Statistical update (24 new cases over two days), June 1, 2020
Since the last report, there have been 24 new test-positive cases (9 May 31, 15 June 1) in B.C. Cases: Total confirmed cases in B.C. since the pandemic began: 2,597 Vancouver Coastal Health: 904 Fraser Health: 1,307 Island Health: 127 … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Daily Statistical update (11 new cases), May 30, 2020
Since the last report, there have been 11 new test-positive cases in B.C. Cases: Total confirmed cases in B.C. since the pandemic began: 2,573 Vancouver Coastal Health: 902 Fraser Health: 1,285 Island Health: 127 (no change) Interior Health: 195 Northern … Continue reading →
District of Sooke Municipal Hall re-opens on June 1
–District of Sooke media release Stringent return-to-work pandemic safety guidelines for District of Sooke employees were approved by Sooke council this week as the Municipal Hall reopens to some staff who have been working from home offices since mid-March. The … Continue reading →
Found drugs turned over to West Shore police, witnesses sought
On May 29th, 2020, the West Shore RCMP received a report of a suspicious occurrence. A member of the public called police to report they had found a bag full of drugs while they were out for a walk. The … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Daily Statistical update (4 new cases), May 29, 2020
Since the last report, there have been 4 new test-positive cases in B.C. Cases: Total confirmed cases in B.C. since the pandemic began: 2,562 Vancouver Coastal Health: 900 Fraser Health: 1,277 Island Health: 127 (no change) Interior Health: 195 Northern … Continue reading →
Victims of violence can now prematurely terminate rental agreements
Changes to B.C.’s tenancy law will provide greater protection to renters who are experiencing violence inside or outside of their homes by allowing them to end their tenancy early. There are existing provisions under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) that … Continue reading →
Premiers’ Performance: COVID-19 responses prompt massive increases in approval for most, but not all
Provincial leaders across the country have had one priority over the past three months: dealing with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus far, the reaction of their constituents has been positive – albeit to varying degrees. Horgan and Ford … Continue reading →
Going to court? They are getting ready to receive you.
Working with the judiciary and other justice and public safety-sector stakeholders, the provincial government is moving to safely support increased in-person hearings. “COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges for court users and justice sector partners,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “Working … Continue reading →
West Shore RCMP targeting speeders throughout the West Shore
Over the past couple of weeks, the West Shore RCMP Municipal Traffic Unit has worked with ICBC to target speeders on the West Shore. “You may have seen our Traffic Section conducting targeted speed enforcement in high traffic areas,” said … Continue reading →
COVID-19: Daily Statistical update (9 new cases), May 28, 2020
Since the last report, there have been 9 new test-positive cases in B.C. Cases: Total confirmed cases in B.C. since the pandemic began: 2,558 Vancouver Coastal Health: 899 Fraser Health: 1,274 Island Health: 127 (no change) Interior Health: 195 Northern … 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