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. Subscribe!
Sooke Traffic
Latest SPN Headlines
2022 Municipal Election Information
UPDATED: Now includes JdF voting locations, see bottom of article. Note: Most of the information provided below comes from the Civic Info website. Feel free to GOOGLE the candidates to find out more. Candidates are invited to email Britt Santowski … Continue reading →
Square Dancing returns to Sooke!
After many years’ absence of Square Dancing in Sooke, in the fall of 2019 a pilot project initiated by the Sooke Region Volunteer Centre started teaching Square Dancing at the Sooke Dance studio. It was popular enough that in … Continue reading →
Sooke Chamber hosts election candidate platform to introduce 25+ candidates to the community
September 20, 2022 Vote 2022: Mayoral Candidates Conversation; Councillor Candidate Platforms EMCS 6218 Sooke Rd, in-person event (and later available on video) Saturday, October 1, 2022, 2:00pm to 4:00pm (doors open at 1:45) Free, Registration Required (com/Sooke2022) Sooke, BC: The … Continue reading →
Tied to inflation, minumum wage jumps to $15.65 starting June 1
On June 1, 2022, B.C.’s lowest-paid workers will get a pay boost, with the general minimum wage increasing from $15.20 to $15.65 an hour. The Province is following through on a 2020 commitment to increase the minimum wage to $15 an … Continue reading →
Almost 7 people die each day in BC from toxic drug poisioning
At least 207 British Columbians were lost to toxic illicit drugs in January 2022, according to preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service. “The new year has started with the loss of 207 more British Columbians to the toxic … Continue reading →
Expect traffic delays on northbound Malahat, in the week of March 14
–Traffic Advisory Travellers are advised that resurfacing of the northbound lane of the Malahat section of Highway 1 between Finlayson Arm Road and Tunnel Hill is rescheduled for the week of March 14. The work was slated to start overnight … Continue reading →
Driver of a green mini cooper sought in road rage incident, TCH at WestShore Parkway
West Shore RCMP is seeking public assistance in a road rage incident that ended with an alleged assault. On March 3, 2022, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the West Shore RCMP received a complaint from a motorist reporting they had just … Continue reading →
“Goodness me, get a hobby!” and “Give your head a shake.” BC Premier’s message to the convoy protesters
Just FYI, SPN fully endorsed the following message. I was asked a few times about a so-called “trucker convoy” – here’s my response 👇 pic.twitter.com/N5EEnZdwpd — John Horgan (@jjhorgan) March 11, 2022
Continue reading →288 new BC COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths, 368 (down) hospitalized, and 46 (down) in ICU: March 11
As of Friday, March 11, 2022, 90.7% (4,522,145) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.6% (4,318,406) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.4% (4,327,290) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Two years of COVID: Vast majorities say the pandemic has pulled Canadians apart, brought out the worst in people
Two years. Of illness and recovery. Of death and loss. Of scientific breakthroughs at breakneck speed. Of moments of unexpected kindness. Of anxiety and hope. Of solidarity and empathy, but lately, anger too. How do Canadians sum up the more … Continue reading →
Drunk driving dumdum crashes into truck towing another dumdum’s impounded car
West Shore RCMP apprehended two unrelated impaired drivers in just over an hour of each other on a Friday night. Just after 11:00 p.m. on February 25, 2022, the West Shore RCMP received a report of possible impaired driver in … Continue reading →
Nanaimo couple out thousands in Lotto scam
The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating a scam in which a Nanaimo couple lost almost $400,000 in a Readers Digest Sweep Stakes Mega Millions lotto scam. The scam started in early 2021 when the couple, who are both in their late … Continue reading →
BC Transit lifts mask mandate
BC Transit, in alignment with the recent announcement by the Provincial Health Officer, is adjusting its face coverings policy and they are no longer mandatory on board buses. The organization supports riders who choose to continue wearing a face covering … Continue reading →
Dumdum driver clocks in at 142 km/hr in an 80 zone on Sooke Rd in Metchosin
On March 10, 2022, West Shore RCMP Traffic Services was conducting speed enforcement in the 3400 Block of Sooke Road in Metchosin. During the course of this targeted enforcement, a vehicle was observed travelling eastbound at a high rate of … Continue reading →
Thank the vaccinated! B.C. starts lifting COVID-19 restrictions
As people in B.C. continue to step up and become vaccinated in record numbers, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have decreased, leading the provincial health officer to lift additional public health orders. As of Friday, March 11, 2022, B.C.’s indoor mask … Continue reading →
336 new BC COVID-19 cases, 4 deaths, 388 (down) hospitalized, and 52 (down) in ICU: March 10
As of Thursday, March 10, 2022, 90.7% (4,521,678) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.6% (4,316,745) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.3% (4,326,900) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
274 new BC COVID-19 cases, 14 deaths, 405 (down) hospitalized, and 58 (down) in ICU: March 9, 2022
As of Wednesday, March 9, 2022, 90.7% (4,521,087) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.6% (4,315,064) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.3% (4,326,413) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Expert panel urges safer supply, evidence-based system of care to reduce deaths from illicit drugs
A panel of subject-matter experts convened by the BC Coroners Service is calling for increased access to a safer supply of drugs and creation of an evidence-based continuum of care to better support substance users and reduce the number of illicit … Continue reading →
New Indigenous-focused graduation requirement a powerful commitment to a more inclusive and equitable K-12 education system
(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is celebrating the March 4th announcement by the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the BC Ministry of Education introducing a new Indigenous-focused graduation requirement … Continue reading →
254 new BC COVID-19 cases, 1 death, 419 (down) hospitalized, and 63 (same) in ICU: March 8, 2022
As of Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 90.7% (4,520,355) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.5% (4,312,590) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.3% (4,325,764) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Why gasoline prices have soared to record highs
David Detomasi, Queen’s University, Ontario Canadians are finally returning to the office after two years of pandemic restrictions, and they’re are making March Break and summer travel plans. They are also being confronted by record-high gasoline prices at the pumps, … Continue reading →
Short closures planned on Malahat near Tunnel Hill to clear debris
A series of short closures and delays on the Malahat (Highway 1) between Finlayson Arm Road and Tunnel Hill are planned for March 9 to 12, 2022. A total of eight closures of as long as 15 minutes each on March 9 and … Continue reading →
997 new BC COVID-19 cases, 11 deaths, 449 (down) hospitalized, and 63 (down) in ICU: March 5-7, 2022 (3 days)
As of Monday, March 7, 2022, 90.7% (4,520,196) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.5% (4,311,761) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.3% (4,325,628) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Canada to ship millions of COVID rapid tests country-wide, free of charge.
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, welcomed the Royal Assent in Parliament of Bill C-10 – An Act respecting certain measures related to COVID-19. This bill provides Health Canada with $2.5 billion in funding and the statutory authority to … Continue reading →
Rapid tests for people 60+ at pharmacies
Starting March 7, 2022, rapid antigen test kits will be available through community pharmacies to people aged 60 and older. Eligible individuals can pick up one kit containing five tests every 28 days from participating pharmacies at no cost. Individuals … Continue reading →
340 new BC COVID-19 cases, 8 deaths, 484 (down) hospitalized, and 69 (down) in ICU: March 4, 2022
VICTORIA – As of Friday, March 4, 2022, 90.7% (4,518,800) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.4% (4,305,507) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.3% (4,324,618) of eligible people … Continue reading →
391 new BC COVID-19 cases, 13 deaths, 511 (down) hospitalized, and 79 (up) in ICU: March 3, 2022
As of Thursday, March 3, 2022, 90.6% (4,517,958) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.3% (4,303,614) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.3% (4,323,865) of eligible people 12 and … Continue reading →
442 new BC COVID-19 cases, 10 deaths, 517 (down) hospitalized, and 73 (down) in ICU: March 2, 2022
As of Wednesday, March 2, 2022, 90.6% (4,517,602) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.3% (4,302,285) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.3% (4,323,606) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
New protein-based vaccine, Nuvaxovid, soon available in BC
Novavax’s Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available in B.C. The Novavax Nuvaxoid COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for use on February 17, 2022. The vaccine is available to people age 18 and older. It is a two-dose vaccine. A limited number of … Continue reading →
Rapid Antigen Tests free for BC residents over 70; pickup at local pharmacies
Rapid antigen testing kits are free for residents of B.C. 70 years and older who have a Personal Health Number (PHN). If you’re under the age of 70, kits will be available soon. 1 kit contains 5 individual tests You are allowed … Continue reading →
Audit finds BC Housing’s COVID-19 property purchases met required approvals, policies
BC Housing’s purchases of nine properties for temporary housing in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency met all procedural requirements and were completed within the government’s approved budget, the Office of the Auditor General of B.C. reports. The audit … Continue reading →
466 new BC COVID-19 cases, no deaths, 523 (down) hospitalized, and 83 (down) in ICU: March 1, 2022
As of Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 90.6% (4,516,750) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.3% (4,300,859) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.3% (4,322,900) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
974 new BC COVID-19 cases, 22 deaths, 549 (down) hospitalized, and 85 (down) in ICU: Feb 26-28, 2022
As of Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, 90.6% (4,516,465) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.3% (4,299,888) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.3% (4,322,690) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
Sooke Secret Garden Tour resumes next spring, 2023
from PxHere The Sooke Philharmonic Society announces our wonderful Sooke Secret Garden Tour has been postponed until next Spring 2023. We are busy preparing for an exciting tour event to celebrate the Sooke Philharmonic’s 25th Anniversary. We are hopeful that … Continue reading →
583 new BC COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths, 599 (down) hospitalized, and 96 (down) in ICU: Feb 25, 2022
As of Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, 90.6% (4,514,727) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.1% (4,289,963) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.2% (4,321,476) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
UBCIC Stands with Family of Monica Jack as her Murderer Appeals Conviction
((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – February 24, 2022) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) strongly and vehemently opposes Garry Taylor Handlen’s appeal of his conviction for the 1978 rape and murder of twelve-year old Monica … Continue reading →
T’Sou-ke Nation expands oyster production and sales, nationally and internationally
The T’Sou-ke Nation is one of the 52 initiatives to receive funding from through the Pacific Integrated Commercials Fisheries Initiative (PICFI), delivered by the federal Fisheries, Oceans, and Canadian Coast Guard. The investments total $11.8 million and support First Nations … Continue reading →
597 new BC COVID-19 cases, 9 deaths, 612(down) hospitalized, and 102 (down) in ICU: Feb 24, 2022
As of Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, 90.6% (4,513,956) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.0% (4,287,016) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.2% (4,320,890) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
799 new BC COVID-19 cases, 1 death, 653 (down) hospitalized, and 108 (same) in ICU: Feb 23, 2022
As of Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, 90.5% (4,513,284) of eligible people five and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 86.0% (4,284,366) have received their second dose. In addition, 93.2% (4,320,374) of eligible people 12 … Continue reading →
COVID-19 rapid tests for people 70+ to be available at pharmacies
People aged 70 years and older will soon have access to rapid antigen tests through community pharmacies at no cost. This week, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the BC Pharmacy Association, is shipping COVID-19 rapid tests to community … 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.
For local businesses: If you are a business and would like to advertise with us (and enjoy 40,000+ views a month), look at our advertising page for details. Contact us for more information.
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