Letters to the Editor and Comments on the articles

Recent Letters

All letters to the editor can be read by clicking on the link above. The remainder of the page is dedicated to comments, of which we received hundreds. Comments are collected from both our Facebook page as well as from the articles themselves. Want to write us a letter? Use the Contact page to reach us! We would love to hear from you!

Recent Comments

  • From Kees Wiedeman Kenbeek on Sooke Harbour House sells for $5.6M in court-ordered sale

    We have made a reservation and made a deposit. Due to corona we had to cancel and were told by mail there would be a refund. We would hav been ther for the third time, visiting from the Netherlands. Sofar no refund and no answer on our mails.

    2020/07/05 at 11:48 am

  • From Ellen Price on Sooke Harbour House sells for $5.6M in court-ordered sale

    What are the new purchaser’s plans? Will they be honouring existing commitments for events where substantial deposits have been made?

    2020/06/26 at 10:31 am

  • From J Andrews on Province transitions COVID-19 border screening to federal government

    Maybe the province should be stopping Americans from coming into BC so they can “travel to Alaska”?! How is that even allowed with borders being closed?! They are obviously touring BC as they have been seen in Banff and Port Renfrew. If Americans want to got to Alaska fly there….from America, Unbelievable, stupidity.

    2020/06/25 at 9:24 am

  • From Sande on Province transitions COVID-19 border screening to federal government

    Once out of Provincial hands, I suspect we will see a rise in cases as the Feds are not likely to monitor this.

    2020/06/21 at 2:43 pm

  • From A.Reader on COVID-19: Daily federal address includes mention of possible CERB extension, June 15, 2020

    I read that the Sooke District is going to levy one of the highest late interest rates for late tax payments. 10% !.Was that debated at council?Does the high rate represent a lack of feelings for those not working or trouble meeting their commitments due to the pandemic? Could it be that the administration; enjoying their continued salaries, is too far removed from the reality of those in the hardship of lost employment or business? Remember the first word from the District at the covid outbreak was Taxes will still be due July 2 nd.

    2020/06/15 at 8:51 pm

  • From Paula Johanson on Whale wave in Sooke made a great splash!

    So many waves and honks came from people cheering our demonstration as they passed. It was good to recognise on World Oceans Day that working for Climate Justice means working for Social Justice. Thank you to friends for gathering with careful physical distancing at our event during this pandemic.

    2020/06/11 at 9:10 am

  • From Sande on Whale wave in Sooke made a great splash!

    Cudos & bravo for those who showed their conviction and supported “our oceans & planet matters “!

    2020/06/10 at 8:18 am

  • From Mary L Livingstone on One Earth - One Ocean Press Release

    We’ll be watching for photos of this event, and will be there with you in spirit, Good Sooke People … thanks for the concept, Deb!

    2020/06/07 at 1:35 pm

  • From Bryson on Provincial state of emergency extended in COVID-19 response

    Can a self made government, BC NDP- stay in power, by continuing to declare a state of emergency? Has the province of BC every had more than 200 covid 19 patients in the hospital?

    2020/05/29 at 3:48 pm

  • From A. Reader on Close to 600 jobs in B.C.’s agricultural sector

    It would be of great service to those of us who pay the taxes,fees and try to understand the tremendous amount of bureaucratic fluff that comes from the district office if they could find the time to update us on the current finances of the Sooke District. Where are we with revenues and expenditures?
    Does anyone in the district staff care that business and residents need to know where we are financially? The district of Sooke has no money of their own they only have what is in our and their personal wallets.
    Why do I feel like a mushroom?
    What about a comparison between same period 2019 to 2020? Would that be too much to ask? Responsible financial reporting demands a minimum of monthly transparent financial reports.What is our percentage of wage cost to revenue compared to the best run municipality?
    I am sure Mayor and Council would demand these financial reports as a minimum before making future financial decisions. So simple question; Where are the reports.

    2020/05/29 at 9:37 am

  • From Roin Bilinsky on Premiers of B.C., Manitoba and Yukon collectively support national sick-leave program

    I agree with a universal sick leave program. All too often I have seen people go to work ill as they are unwilling or unable to see a loss in pay by staying home. This results in the ill person contaminating others in the workplace. Hopefully employers in turn will take to initiative to send sick people home. Finally, advertisers need to tone down their ads saying “take this medicine and you will feel better to do all the things you want to do”, (i.e. go to work, visit friends, socialize etc. etc.)

    2020/05/27 at 9:56 am

  • From Chris Hyde on Address from Sooke Mayor Maja Tait

    I like what you and the other Councillors are doing, Maja.

    Keep up the good work.

    2020/05/26 at 6:02 am

  • From Thomas Kowalchuk on Angus Reid Poll: Canadians want US border to stay closed, reluctant to welcome interprovincial visitors

    What is with the picture — racist and stupid to say the least — unreal — that’s something that Trump would put out.

    2020/05/22 at 6:28 pm

  • From Roy on West Shore Police Service Dog Erik helps catch suspect in Sooke

    Great work !!

    2020/05/22 at 5:36 pm

  • From Susan B on Take a trip down memory lane: Colwood to Jordan River in 1966

    So completely devastating to see what this province has allowed to have happen to the forests in a relatively short period of time.

    2020/05/19 at 9:32 am

  • From D Barratt on Take a trip down memory lane: Colwood to Jordan River in 1966

    The road looks to be in better shape than it is now.

    2020/05/19 at 8:01 am

  • From David on Take a trip down memory lane: Colwood to Jordan River in 1966

    Cows!

    2020/05/18 at 9:29 pm

  • From Roy on Province buys Comfort Inn Hotel to provide homes for vulnerable people in Victoria

    liquor store underneath may not be good.

    2020/05/15 at 2:40 pm

  • From Ellen Lewers on Remembering former Sooke Councillor Sheila Beech

    A wonderful woman. Talented,dedicated and a tremendous asset to our community.
    Her beautiful feltwork has been sold around the world. She will be missed.

    2020/05/15 at 5:48 am

  • From veronica diment on Mayor’s May 11 Public Address: Many updates, plus request to stop harassing SEAPARC shelter residents

    Here in Sooke the haters are crawling out from the slime to attack the vulnerable. Ignorant of the reality behind why homelessness is an issue worldwide, they unleash their extremely negative idea of commentary. Those of us who do not agree with this kind of dangerous anti-social behaviour need to step up and show our support for the Shelter at Seaparc. We need to thank and honour workers and volunteers. Understanding and compassion of the issues help to provide real solutions. Driving around spewing out hate does not.

    2020/05/12 at 1:21 pm

  • From Britt Santowski on Sooke Lions show support for healthcare workers

    Thanks for those corrections, I’ll note them in the main article so that they are reflected there. And, thanks for everything the various Lions clubs of Sooke do for our community! -Britt/SPN

    2020/05/10 at 12:16 pm

  • From Stephen J Lawrence on Sooke Lions show support for healthcare workers

    Thanks for the great coverage guys. However a few corrections are required. There are now 3 Lions Clubs in Sooke; The newest is the Lions Club of Sooke District Lioness they join The Sooke Harbourside Lions and The Sooke Lions Club.
    The event on Friday was organized by the Lions Club of Sooke District Lioness, Jackie Lawrence is the president of the new club which became a Lions Club in March of this year. The 3 clubs all support various causes within the community and through Lions International they meet separately and all hols various fundraising and community support events. They also work together frequently on bigger projects such as Canada Day, The RCMP Musical Ride, Tyhe Santa Parade and others. All were eager to say thanks to those who are serving our community so couragely and tirelessly during this pandemic crisis.

    2020/05/10 at 9:04 am

  • From Phil B on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

    KMK, haven’t you seen Red Dawn??? The Ruskies could invade at any moment 🙂

    2020/05/06 at 7:59 pm

  • From KMK on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

    Yes, I’ve googled it many times and do understand exactly what assault rifles are. In my case, facts are more important than your opinion.

    Funny you haven’t explained your need to own one.

    2020/05/05 at 9:41 pm

    • From John Rambo on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

      No. You don’t understand what “assault rifles” are because if you did, you would understand that they have been banned in Canada for decades. If you are talking about “assault style weapons” then again, you obviously have no idea what you’re talking about because that term is about as meaningless as “racing style cars.”

      The facts are that these “assault weapons” as they are continuously called by ignoramuses like yourself, are semi-automatic firearms with 5 round limits like many, many other firearms. They just make simpletons scared because they look scary.

      My need to own one is none of your concern anymore than your need to own a giant dildo shaped like a dolphin. As long as I am following the law, what I do or what I own is my business. But, to indulge your unimaginative mind…

      I don’t NEED one anymore than you need to drink alcohol, smoke pot, or own a TV. Your subjective judgement of what I do or don’t need is irrelevant. That said, there are many out there who enjoy using their legal firearms for things like target shooting, competition shooting (which has a 100 year history in Canada, and in some cases hunting (although you already couldn’t hunt with a prohibited firearm).

      So your parroted talking points once again make you look like a complete fool. What matters are, as you say… facts.

      The fact is that legal firearms owners and their firearms are not responsible for the the tragedies that have happened. The firearms that were banned were done so based on incorrect information and are statistically proven to not make Canadians safer by banning them. Firearms owners are already heavily regulated and subject to additional laws and conditions that you are not. No AR-15’s have been used in mass shootings in Canada. Automatic weapons have been banned in Canada for decades. “Assault Rifles” are not legal in Canada. You can’t hunt with a restricted firearm (and there are additional hunting regulations that prohibit certain firearms being used for ethical reasons).

      Stop being a slave to fear and emotion. Go out and get your PAL and RPAL (you don’t have to get a gun) and you will educate yourself on the subject. Or, for the love of cheese and crackers, at least educate yourself.

      2020/05/06 at 10:51 pm

  • From KMK on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

    Wow. During this time of Canadians suffering and/or dying all around us of a brutal virus we are attempting to control through “togetherness” in staying apart, it’s unbelievable that anyone is putting energy into defending the use of assault rifles. (Not all guns, as was implied.) Sad as it is, you still have your right to go out and kill helpless animals, so please calm down! No one wants or needs your closed-minded anger spewing onto them for speaking their own truth.

    Regardless of the means in which the assault rifle ban was implemented, or my personal opinion of our current Prime Minister, I am thrilled, relieved and proud of our country for having the courage and common sense to expediently rid ourselves of these horrific weapons.

    I agree that anyone who thinks their right to own an assault rifle is more important than the safety of our citizens should consider moving to the US and joining the red hats where I’m sure they’ll feel right at home.

    2020/05/05 at 11:53 am

    • From John Rambo on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

      Wow, during a time when Canadians are being asked to stay inside, people like KMK still can’t find the time to Google what an assault rifle is.

      So instead of taking time to educate themselves, they decided to comment using the typical ignorant nonsense using terms and assertions that make them look like a moron.

      Assault rifles have been banned in Canada for decades. But, of course this doesn’t matter because emotion is more important than facts.

      2020/05/05 at 5:00 pm

  • From Patricia on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

    Why on earth would you as a person want an assault rifle? They are designed to kill a lot of people fast.

    Comparing the death rate from COVID-19 to gun deaths is not a valid comparison. You’re using it to back up your rant. I’ll be emailing my MP to congratulate them on this decision.

    I hope you can rethink your illogic. Otherwise, consider moving elsewhere.

    2020/05/05 at 9:20 am

    • From John Rambo on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

      It must be strange to live a life in which you are mentally only able to use objects in the way they may have originally been designed. It must be even more strange to be so completely incapable of imagination that you can’t even consider the possibility that there may be uses beyond “killing a lot of people fast.”

      See, the thing is… your argument is idiotic to say the least. How about you post your hobby here and I’ll tell you how stupid and unnecessary it is. If you try to explain, I’ll call into question your sanity and dick size.

      As for being “designed to kill a lot of people fast” you obviously have zero understanding of firearms. Perhaps all your firearms knowledge comes form movies like Rambo where soldiers stand in the open and fire machine guns randomly as the enemy runs at them without regard.

      It drives me absolutely nuts to hear the squawking of the same parroted nonsense. The sheer ignorance is astounding.

      I hope YOU rethink what you call logic. Or, at the very least try using Google once and while before you spout off random nonsense you have no clue about.

      2020/05/05 at 10:47 am

  • From Jan Todd on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

    It needed to be done, and it was done. Instead of whining, perhaps you should consider moving south of the border, where weapons designed to kill PEOPLE are legal.

    2020/05/04 at 8:54 pm

  • From J Astra on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

    I think the families of all the loved ones brutally murdered in NS by a gunman toting this completely unnecessary weapon is the bigger story. You should be ashamed of yourself to even argue this ban of ridiculous weapons. I for one am glad this decision did not pause for even one day in bureaucratic hold ups. Move to the States and your next letter you write should be of apology to the families of the murdered Nova Scotians.

    2020/05/04 at 1:40 pm

    • From John Rambo on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

      Awww… that is sweet. You used an emotional argument in an attempt to make him feel so bad that he is guilted into changing his mind. No, of course you wouldn’t use evidence, logic, reason or a better argument… nah, just nonsense assertions and opinions.

      “Won’t someone think of the families!?”

      You should be ashamed that you are so ignorant of the subject to which you’re speaking, yet you still feel as though you should be taken seriously by anyone. Interesting.

      2020/05/05 at 10:51 am

    • From David Mallett on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

      Totally agree. I am ashamed to see such a tiattribe. I totally agree with the ban on assult guns and demand a letter of apology!

      2020/05/05 at 12:37 am

    • From You're wrong. on Letter: Canadians should be outraged that one person can arbitrarily change Canadian gun laws

      The only apology owed to the families of those that died in Nova Scotia should be by the Prime Minister himself for standing on their graves to push through an irrelevant dictator-style ban. They were brutally murdered, no doubt. By ILLEGALLY acquired guns. Smuggled into the country somewhere across our 8,891 km of undefended border, shared with the most gun-laden country in society. That is by far and away the situation with ALL gun crime in Canada. Legally licensed gun owners are statistically some of the LEAST likely people in the country to commit gun crimes. So tell me then….how exactly does a ban on all of the legal firearms owned by our licensed and background-checked firearms owners, do ANYTHING to stop crime?

      I’ll answer for you: it doesn’t. All it does is help stupid emotional people like yourself find a reason to vote Liberal.

      2020/05/04 at 11:45 pm

  • From Helen on Sooke parks to re-open, May 1st at 4:00 pm

    That is fantastic news.
    The golf course also opened this weekend, I believe.
    Could the tennis courts maybe next?

    2020/05/02 at 9:35 pm

  • From Randy on Weekly message from the Sooke mayor, includes SEAPARC and Library information

    don’t u think it is about time that Island Health, or whoever has the say, starts allowing the water filling machines in the stores, Like Village & Western, to fill our large water containers. It would not be hard to keep the procedure safe. Unnecessary issue for people on water wells & C-Pap machine users +++

    2020/05/02 at 9:04 am

  • From Tracey on Sooke parks to re-open, May 1st at 4:00 pm

    Has there been any news on Sooke potholes and the camp ground opening?

    2020/05/02 at 7:41 am

  • From veronica on Prime Minister announces ban on assault-style firearms

    I just heard comments from couple of shoppers at the grocery store that this decision would be the political end for Trudeau. People, this is not a ban on guns, only military assault weapons.I can assure you that he will get voted for by all those who know hee has finally made the decision that makes us a more civilised and responsible country. NRA gun culture is not responsible sustenance hunting.

    2020/05/02 at 3:32 am

    • From Kimberly on Prime Minister announces ban on assault-style firearms

      Absolutely agree. I’m very happy about this policy. It was one of the planks of the PM’s election campaign. No one needs these types of weapons.

      2020/05/02 at 6:17 pm

  • From DR DAVID LINTERN on Pay parking in effect at Sooke Potholes starting May 1

    I don’t agree with paying for parking in a public park as is now proposed for the Sooke Potholes. We already own the park, why should we have to pay to park in it ? The fee may start as a fairly low amount but I bet it will increase over time.
    This is the wrong time to start adding extra fees when many people have a had drastic reductions in income due to Covid 19.
    What portion of fees will be spent patrolling the parking lots ?
    In my opinion parking in public parks (and at hospitals) should be free .

    David Lintern

    2020/05/01 at 11:35 am

    • From J Astra on Pay parking in effect at Sooke Potholes starting May 1

      How do you think these parks are maintained? These fees go towards maintenance, and infrastructure. We are privileged to have the use of these parks, and the small cost of unlimited parking for $20 at 2 parks is minimal. Nothing is “free”. And FYI these fees have always been in place, at both Thetis and Sooke Potholes, this is not new.

      2020/05/01 at 11:59 am

  • From Joanne King on COVID-19: Daily Statistical update (25 new cases), April 30, 2020

    I’m trying to understand why beauty salons are to be opening shortly when they continue to be new cases .I as a hair salon owner and operator certainly miss my clients and very much want to accommodate but only when sage to do so .

    2020/05/01 at 11:24 am

  • From Kelli on Sooke parks to re-open, May 1st at 4:00 pm

    It is wonderful news that some parks are now being opened up. People are being asked to keep dogs leashed to preserve newly nesting birds. Hopefully folks will honor that to keep other wildlife safe and other pets safe that love the area. Please take out what excrement your dog deposits on your walk. Bagging and leaving it on the trail is not being a responsible human.

    2020/05/01 at 2:36 am

  • From Dave on Sooke parks to re-open, May 1st at 4:00 pm

    That is great news! It’s needed for our mental and physical health!

    2020/04/30 at 10:13 pm

  • From Thomas Kowalchuk on Sooke parks to re-open, May 1st at 4:00 pm

    YAHOOOOOOO !!!!

    2020/04/30 at 5:25 pm

  • From Cheryl on Drug dealer calls police after drugs are stolen

    You just can’t fix stupid.

    2020/04/29 at 10:10 pm

  • From Thomas on SEAPARC to open DeMamiel Creek Golf Course, Friday

    So why is Whiffinspit closed ??? — Just does not make sense.

    2020/04/29 at 6:31 pm

  • From Brycen on Is train travel to resume on Vancouver Island? The assessment is now published

    what’s wrong with you people, are you not going to leave any money for the next generations. Vancouver Island doesn’t have the population base to support, bus transit- let alone rail system. In fact we are so insignificant 24 mayors penned a letter requesting BC government shutdown travel to the island. Remember governments don’t generate revenue, they have access to your wallet.

    2020/04/29 at 5:11 am

    • From Roy on Is train travel to resume on Vancouver Island? The assessment is now published

      The idea of rail from Shawnigan to victoria was needed for developers to satisfy the transportation portion of their large development plans. the idea of a ferry from royal bay to victoria to allow the construction of a 7k plus community there is doing the same now. reality is not required in approving development plans. a dream does work though.

      2020/04/29 at 7:48 am

  • From Linda Ford on Is train travel to resume on Vancouver Island? The assessment is now published

    absolutely.

    2020/04/28 at 10:24 pm

  • From Gale Shepard on Is train travel to resume on Vancouver Island? The assessment is now published

    Wow that’s a lot of dough!

    2020/04/28 at 10:08 pm

  • From Sande on Is train travel to resume on Vancouver Island? The assessment is now published

    Yes, go for it. Go Vancouver Island. Travel Canada

    2020/04/28 at 8:28 pm

  • From Murray Lambert on Sooke’s Steve Sorensen announced as recipient of 2020 BC Achievement Community Award

    Well done Steve a incredible achievement one that you are very deserving of.
    Not only is your time with SFRS something worthy of this award but also Steve your time where our community here in Sooke was always a priority. You were always helping others and making Sooke a better place for all.
    Way to go Steve well deserved and a respected member of the Sooke community.

    2020/04/27 at 3:12 pm

  • From Helene Harrison on Please don't consume or inject Lysol

    Here’s some information which is not fake msm bs:

    Cheers

    2020/04/26 at 12:58 am

  • From Phil on SEAPARC to house 45 of Sooke's homeless, both inside and outside the facility

    This is a great opportunity to finally get a tent city established in Sooke. Topaz park in Victoria will not be able to hold a candle to where the rainforest meets the sea. Say goodbye to the Stan Jones ballpark…

    2020/04/23 at 10:49 am

    • From drew johnston on SEAPARC to house 45 of Sooke's homeless, both inside and outside the facility

      I don’t believe that Sooke residents want to see a tent city established here. I think the intent of those who work in the homeless sector is to avoid tent cities by stabilizing their living situation by trying to get them into mental health and addictions programs and a stable living arrangemnent.

      2020/04/27 at 7:47 am

  • From Vivi Curutchet on Letter: Sooke medical clinic continues full range of service, balances cautious optimism with continued vigilance

    Thanks!

    2020/04/23 at 9:46 am

  • From Joanne on Letter: Please stay away from Ella Beach

    I agree .I go late evening to avoid people and with my bright headlight to view the cans and garbage left behind was so upsetting ,leave the damn beach the way you find it , geesh!

    2020/04/22 at 11:59 am

  • From Sharon Bedrich on Weekly address from Sooke mayor Maja Tait

    On moving 40 homeless people into our community will they all be tested for the virus before they are allowed to move in and mingle in our community

    2020/04/22 at 7:12 am

  • From Sande on Weekly address from Sooke mayor Maja Tait

    Thank you Maja. Thank you for your leadership.We in Sooke have a great deal to be thankful for.

    2020/04/21 at 5:09 pm
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