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News & Business

October 2009

See: MapleLine e-bulletins

Oct. 31. Sooke was a 'happenin' town" on Saturday night, as families took to the streets for trick or treating. There was a haunted house community event at the Sooke Fire Hall.

Oct. 31. The pre-dawn skies opened with rain onto the crowd of about 300 people who gathered to see the Olympic Torch lit at the Sooke Fire Hall and then be relayed up Otter Point Road down to Derbend Road (opposite EMCS). Story.

Oct. 26. The recently approved Prestige Hotel & Conference Centre and municipal boat launch partnering project on West Coast Road will begin construction immediately, with an anticipated opening in Spring 2011, it was announced by the District of Sooke today. Mariners Village (a 12-acre waterfront mixed use development with up to 475 condos and townhomes, 10,000 sq.m. of commercial space, and a 170-slip marina) is expected to commence Phase One of its development in Spring 2010, giving a kickstart to Sooke Town Centre.

Oct. 22. Driving with cell phone in hand has been banned in BC, effective Jan.1, 2010 (fines will begin Feb.1/10).

Oct. 20. The District of Sooke held a public hearing on Tuesday evening (Oct.20) at Council chambers, about rezoning the property on West Coast Road to allow for construction of the proposed Prestige Hotel. Generally, most speakers (public, business and some councillors) were not so keen on the what the architect described as the "Island Colonial" design of the building. Then opinion split in two camps -- those who welcome the presumed additional spinoff business that a large hotel would generate (including a strong thrust from the Sooke Economic Development Commission), and those who oppose the development because it has what seems like some contrived business arrangements (between developer and District) and some realistic concerns about having enough parking, giving first priority to the hotel over use of the 19 boat trailer parking spots, and whether this is the best use of waterfront land for the community. Some speakers were forthright in suggesting that the District was 'giving away' too much. For Mayor Evans -- who clearly is excited about the prospect of expanded commercial activity in Sooke -- proceeding with a hotel would be a large feather in her cap. Finance Director Dave Devana said residential property taxes would go up approximately $16 per household per year (for each 2011 and 2012). Then the commercial revenue splitting with the hotel would in theory mean no further residential tax increases related to the land deal for the hotel. Judithe Ann Gatto (a Sooke resident for 33 years) said Sooke "can't afford taxes to pay for someone else to build a hotel". Brian MacNeill, also a long-time Sooke resident, outlined three reasons to oppose the hotel venture: "it's a poor economic investment, the District is offering too much, and the architecture does not fit into our west coast environment." Council passed a motion that the rezoning of the property go for 3rd reading at the next regular Council meeting. Visit www.sooke.ca for official documentation. Previous article on Sooke Prestige Hotel. Read some viewpoints from local residents.

Oct. 19. An accident occurred in the afternoon on Sooke Road near Gillespie Road requiring extensive cleanup and road closure for several hours. No injuries were reported. Northbound traffic to Sooke was re-routed through Kangaroo Road / East Sooke Road / Gillespie Road. Southbound access to Victoria from Sooke was re-routed through Gillespie Road. Some areas of East Sooke were without power until midnight.

Oct. 13. Sooke's first 2009 fall day with 'wintery' cold winds.

Oct. 10-12. The ferry traffic usually peaks on Thanksgiving weekend, made worse this year by one boat down (The Spirit of Vancouver) for unexpected repairs. At Swartz Bay on Monday afternoon (Oct.12) there was a three-ferry wait for cars departing Victoria for the mainland, and a 1- to 2-ferry wait for walk-on passengers.

Oct. 9. US President Barack Obama was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize today, October 9/09, for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples". Obama saw the recognition as "an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people of all nations." (See The New York Times).

Oct. 6. There is a remaining option to cancel the BC government's plans to implement the HST tax next year, and that would be for a non-confidence vote (regarding the federal government's vote on providing a $1.6 billion payment to BC for implementing the HST) by the federal NDP led by Jack Layton in the House of Commons in the next few weeks or months. That would bring down the government and a federal election would be called. Ongoing HST story.

Oct. 5. The District of Sooke Council received for consideration the initial proposal from Prestige Sooke Holdings Ltd. for the development of their property for a hotel/conference centre in Sooke. See Oct.5/09 Committee of the Whole agenda and Special Council Meeting agenda. This was the preliminary consideration by Council of the development applications; the meeting was well attended by about 40 members of the public and media. A meeting for public input will be held Tues. Oct.20, following the required notice to the public which will be published next week. Adjacent property owners have been consulted by the District. The public will have an opportunity to submit written comments or make their views known at the upcoming public hearing and meetings. The hotel plan includes 122 guest rooms, conference room capacity for 400 delegates, gym, pool, spa, restaurant and lounge, and marina. The District would own and manage the public boat launch. There would be 19 boat parking stalls alongside the hotel. Under the partnership proposal, the district would pay Prestige Sooke Holdings $300,000 a year for five years for use of the conference centre for 12 days each month; the municipality plans to make the conference centre space available to non-profit groups. Additional story.

Oct. 2. The federal NDPs will likely continue to prop up the Conservatives and keep the prevailing government in power, with a new plank that sees the government considering parental leave benefits for self-employed Canadians. A bill allowing self-employed parents to take time off to care for their infant children has long been an NDP proposal. Apparently the bill (technically an amendment to the EI employment benefits program) will be introduced before Parliament's Christmas break. Full story.

ARCHIVE SEPTEMBER 2009:

Sept.29-30. A tsunami warning was initially issued on the evening of Sept.29 for the West coast of North America (due to an earthquake in the south Pacific) but was later downgraded and then rescinded. See external links: North County Times and Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Sept.27-28. A North America-wide cat show was held in Sooke. See event story.

Sept.26. One of three unoccupied houses on the property of the proposed 122-room new hotel on West Coast Road was used for a Sooke Fire Department training event today, September 26. Under the direction of Fire Chief Steve Sorensen, the controlled burn exercise began around 9:30 am and the ashes were finally doused (the house gone save for a brick chimney) around 2:45 pm. Read more. [Another burn took place on Sept. 27.]

Sept.19. Reportedly 19 anti-HST rallies were held throughout the province today, one behind the legislature in Victoria and the main one in Vancouver co-hosted by former Premier Bill Vander Zalm and NDP Leader Carole James. MapleLine's ongoing HST report.

Sept.17. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, speaking in New York this evening, said that "the first recession of the 21st century" has been weathered well by Canada and that our country is "emerging from the global recession in a strong position". "Canada got it right," he said. Three of North America's 10 largest banks are Canadian; none of Canada's banks required bailouts in this recession, he said. He called the global recovery "fragile" and that no country is fully through it. "We must not waver in our focus on the economy," said Harper, saying Canada would continue its "prudent but not overly heavy-handed" approach to management of the financial system. He stated that 80% of the government stimulus package funding had been issued by June 2009 and that the stimulus funding assistance would continue only 2 years from its original start date, a time when he expects the economy to have substantially recovered. Canada's "tax freedom day" occurs 20 days earlier than when the Progressive Conservatives came to power in 1993, Harper said to the audience of about 300 US and Canadian business representatives (televised by CBC-TV).

Sept.15. The District of Sooke approved in principle a partnering agreement with Prestige Sooke Holdings Ltd. at the regular meeting of Council on Sept.14. There will now be room for public input about design, cost and suitability for the community of Sooke. The hotel deal will collectively bring approximately $925,000 to the District through building permits, rezoning fees, development cost charges ($200,000 of which is for construction of a public boat launch) and annual sewer generation fees. The deal includes provision (by the developer) for either a land-based trail or a boardwalk along (or on) the water. The District will be given 12 free days of use of the hotel, per month, for five years, to provide conference space for local non-profit organizations. Additional story.

Sept.14. The District of Sooke's new Municipal Engineer, appointed tonight at the regular meeting of Council, is Elisabeth Nelson.

Sept.5. The top catch at the Vancouver Island Salmon Classic Derby in Sooke (Sept.4-5) was a 40.6 lb. chinook salmon. Top prize a the sold-out event was $100,000, won by Dave Cowell, who also took 2nd prize of $50,000 for a 37.8 lb. chinook. Third prize went to Trevor Zboyovski for a 37.2 chinook catch. See results: www.salmonclassic.ca.

Sept.3. Construction of a hotel and conference centre with 122 hotel guest rooms (and capacity for 400 delegates to gather at conferences and events) could begin this fall in Sooke if the District of Sooke Council approves a new partnering agreement between the municipality and Prestige Sooke Holdings Ltd., at the Sept.14 regular meeting of Council. The Kelowna-based development company (owned by Joe K. Huber) is expected to provide $200,000 toward development of a public boat launch and pier on District-owned property adjacent to the site. Additional story.

Sept.1. The BC provincial budget increases personal income tax exemptions for 2010 but also increases MSP premiums (at a rate of 6% per year for the next three years) in an effort to deal with an 18% increase in the health budget over the next three years. To fight the H1N1 flu will cost $80 million. The health and education ministries saw the fewest budget cuts.

Send comments and news releases to: editor@maplelinemagazine.com

Arts & Community Events

Fall/Winter 2009

Oct.-Dec. Events Hotlist:

Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra - Fri. Oct.30 - 8 pm. The fall 2009 season of the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra begins in Sooke with A Celebration of Young Artists -- first concert of the season, at the Sooke Community Theatre (EMCS), Fri. Oct.30, 8 pm; info: 250-642-2849.

Halloween Spooky Swim - Fri. Oct.30 - 6 to 7:45 pm families, 8 to 9:30 pm teen. The SEAPARC huanted house is back and spookier than ever. Scary swim followed by tour of the haunted hallways with tour guides. Regular admission.

Safe Halloween Costume Party - Sat. Oct. 31 - 5 to 9 pm. Free haunted house with inflatables and face painting. Wear your costume! At Sooke Fire Hall, 2005 Otter Point Rd. Donations gratefully accepted.

Olympic Torch Relay through Sooke - Sat. Oct.31 - 7 am to 8 am. Olympic Torch relay celebration event in Sooke, starts 7 am at the Sooke Fire Hall on Otter Point Road, Sat. Oct.31 including O Canada to be sung by Ethan Swinburnson and a brief speech by Mayor Janet Evans after receiving a tree as a gift from youth sports reps. See torch route map. See official announcement memo including torch route viewing locations. The torch was first lit on Oct.22 for its journey across Canada. On Oct.31 it will travel through Sooke starting at 7:19 am, to Derbend Road where there will be a cheering presentation by community groups who are invited to gather there, including the SD62 youth choir singing their Spirit song. The torch then goes down Lazzar to the reserve for a T'Sou-ke traditional welcome and blessing, and then is to leave from Derbend at 7:59 am. At 8:00 am breakfast will be served at EMCS (in tents outside below the overhang). A concert will be presented from the rear door of the Community Theatre stage to viewers outside. Performers are: youth pop band Cole Grifter; Ekoos Ensemble; Sooke Folksingers; Sooke River Bluegrass; Sooke Pipes and Drums; Francophone troubadour Rejean Bussieres; and accordionist Karl Mosig. The Sooke Spirit Committee will be running buses 5:30 am from Port Renfrew and 6:15 am from East Sooke, which will shuttle from downtown Sooke to the breakfast once the road is open again. Also: See article from Aug.-Oct.09 MapleLine print edition (updated Oct.21).

Business Recognition Awards - nominations accepted to 4 pm, Oct.31. Nominations being accepted by the Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce for "Sooke's Finest" awards to be presented at their Annual Awards Banquet and Silent Auction, Friday, November 6, 2009, being held at Sooke Community Hall. Click here to download the nomination form: 2009 Awards Nomination Form. Event tickets ($40 for one, $35 for 2nd ticket] on sale through the Chamber office at 2070 Phillips Road.

All Art Planning Meeting - Tues. Nov.10 - 7 pm - Planning for next year's Art Show 2010 and Sooke Studio Tour for at at literary readings. At the Reading Room Cafe in Evergreen Mall. Info: 250-642-6745.

Journalism Workshop Training Series.

The second workshop of this program will be held Thurs. Nov.12 (7:00 to 9:30 pm) at SEAPARC, 2168 Phillips Rd. Pre-registration required ($59 per month for youth or $95 per month for adult). Guest speaker on Nov.12 will be Dr. Keith Martin, MP to discuss how the media covers politics. Month-by-month fee for this journalism training program is available through to June 2010 -- late registrants accepted up to Jan.18, 2010 . Suitable for anyone wanting to build a portfolio, get articles published, and receive a completion certificate. See more information and registration form.

Christmas Craft Fair - Nov. 20 to 22. At Sooke Community Hall, Friday, Sat. and Sun. (Nov.20-22).

Christmas Art Show & Sale - Nov. 24 to Dec.24. At Little Vienna Bakery, during store hours Nov.24-Dec.24. Displayed works of members of the Sooke Community Arts Council.

Free Fire and Life Safety training. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes depending on topic. Offered by the Sooke Fire Dept. to area residents and businesses on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Topic for the Wed. Nov.25 session tba.

Sooke Harbour House FASHION SHOW as part of "Christmas in November Art and Craft Show" - Nov.27. Sooke Harbour House presents a special Fashion Show as part of their Christmas in November Art and Craft show. Fri.Nov.27. Featuring second-hand garments, artists created apparel, and recycled material clothing. Sale proceeds to Transition House. Cover charge $10. More info.

COMING EVENTS - DECEMBER 2009:

Career Training Venture - Dec. 2. A presentation about MapleLine's new journalism training program. A presentation to the Sooke Rotary Club membership, by Mary P. Brooke, publisher/editor of MapleLine Magazine. At 12 noon on Wed. Dec.2. At the Sooke Rotary lunch meeting, Village Food Markets upstairs eeting room.

Sooke Spirit Festival - Dec.5. A day of festivities on Sat. Dec.5 including a parade, activities in the town centre area, and a festive sailpast in the harbour at night. Organized by the Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce. The District of Sooke will award a trophy for the best float that exudes community spirit. MapleLine Magazine will award 1st and 2nd prize for the best "event photos" (submission deadline Dec.23) - prizes from The Edge Restaurant and The Stick Coffee House. More info to come.

Sooke Harbour House seasonal hours to Dec.24. Sooke Harbour House is on "winter hours" Oct. 6 through to Dec. 24 (restaurant closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays), heading back to regular hours for the Christmas-through-New Year's period.

ARCHIVE (Oct.09):

Sooke Canada Day Society - AGM in Oct.09 . Volunteer directors are needed to sign up for the Board of Directors of the Sooke Canada Day Society, before their AGM at the end of October 2009. The group meets for 2 hours per month leading up each year to the July 1st event held at Sooke Flats. Contact Judithe Ann Gatto, President, 250-642-4572.

Sooke Volunteer Awards. Nominations to recognize local volunteers -- being accepted by the District of Sooke up to Oct.31, 2009.

Child Car Seat installation clinics. Offered by the Sooke Fire Department starting Oct.2009 (dates tba). Meanwhile, appointments may be booked for car seat installation services.

ARCHIVE (July to Sept.09):

Sooke Fall Fair. Sept. 12 & 13, 2009. 96th annual Sooke Fall Fair was held at Sooke Community Hall on Shields Rd.

Subaru Sooke International Triathlon. Sept. 13, 2009. Cyclists and 21K runners 21K. Road detours all day for local traffic.

BEACH ART at Whiffen Spit - Sat. Sept. 12, 2009. Participants created beach art from beach collectibles. Prizes were awarded. Hosted by the Sooke Community Arts Council.

Town Hall meeting with Dr. Keith Martin, MP. Sept.10, 2009. Issues for Parliament to address this fall. 7:00 pm at Gordon United Church, 935 Goldstream Ave.

Professional Arts Alliance gathered artists and supporters of the arts community in the Greater Victoria area on Sept.9/09 for a public event outside the BC Arts Council office (Blanshard & Johnson St., Victoria), at 11:50 am. Based on the theme of "a world without art is grey". More info: Professional Arts Alliance of Greater Victoria.

ART IN THE PARK had another successful year as an art show and sale, Aug.15 &16. Presented by the Sooke Community Arts Council .

SOOKE SALMON ENHANCEMENT SOCIETY - fishing derby. Aug. 1 & 2, 2009. See winners.

SOOKE FINE ARTS SHOW [23rd year]. July 25 to Aug.3. On display were 350 fine art pieces. Over $11,000 in prizes awarded (in sponsored categories) on opening night, to 16 artists from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Health, Food & Environment

Fall 2009

Getting involved.

An allotment garden is being launched on Phillips Road near Sunriver Estates. Organized by Sooke Food CHI, the food growing project will allot parcels of land of 200 to 400 square meters, possibly with tool shed and shelter. Membership fee applies. Meeting Thurs. Nov.5 at 6:30 pm. Locatin: CASA, 2145 Townsend Rd., Sooke.

on Food CHI is looking for more people to join their board of directors. Those int

Sooke Region Food CHI is looking for more people to join their board of directors. Those interested in increasing the region's food security, are invited to apply for the volunteer post(s) prior to the Nov.25 AGM. Contact jessicaboquist@gmail.com

Canadian Natural Health Collective is seeking supporters (health food store owners, natural health product manufacturers, natural health practitioners, and concerned individuals), to attend a court hearing (to fill the audience) in Calgary during Nov.2 to 20, at 9:30 am each day. Contact for more info: info@cnhc.ca or visit www.cnhc.ca/campaign4.html .

New Food Security Gateway web portal - a resource for creating healthy eating environments and food secure communities in BC. Launched on the 28th annual World Food Day, October 16, 2009.

ARCHIVE:

Sooke Country Market (held on Saturdays)10 am to 2 pm) in Sooke, officially wrapped up Sept.26 but will try to continue until Thanksgiving weekend (Oct.10), weather permitting. On Otter Point Road at Eustace Rd.

Sooke Food CHI General Meeting. Mon. Oct.5. New round of activities to be discussed. 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Village Food Markets upstairs meeting room.

Grand opening for new local food store. Sat. Oct.3. 7 pm. Farmer's Daughter Food Market in Sooke (across from Home Hardware). Story in Times Colonist.

Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). Sept.28 to Oct.2. Municipal representatives from around the province had the opportunity to learn about the District of Sooke's exciting new green and economic development incentives (from the Town Centre Plan) at the UBCM convention in Vancouver. District news release.

Electricity is cleaner for heating -- but can we afford it? The latest BC Hydro rate increase that came into effect in April 2009 will start to bite hard for consumers as winter approaches. The BC Utilities Commission might be pitched to enforce the installation of smart meters in all electrically-heated homes and offer a low rate for power consumed in the overnight period. See consumer cost analysis and suggestions as published in the Times Colonist, September 30 and October 7.

Fruit Tree Project. The Sooke area has a Fruit Tree Project courtesy of the Sooke Food Community Health Initiative. Homeowners get free labour for picking fruit from trees on their property (produce that might otherwise be wasted if unpicked). Harvested fruit is divided among the property owner, the volunteers, and local non-profit agencies focussed on distributing food to area residents. More info: jordan.marr@gmail.com

House Burn Training. Sat. Sept.26 and Sun. Sept.27. The Sooke Fire Dept. trained some of their on staff and volunteer personnel during a controlled house burn exercise on vacant land in the West Coast Road area (location of the proposed new 122-room hotel). Smoke blew out over the habour. Photos and story.

Sooke Food CHI at the Fall Fair. The Sooke Food CHI booth on Saturday at the Sooke Fall Fair (Sept.12) was a big success! Lots of visitors saw the wonderful display.

Marine Centre. The Sooke Economic Development Commission discussed the possibility of a local Marine/Nature Centre at their meeting, Aug.12, District of Sooke Municipal Hall. www.sooke.ca

Health Care Facilities. MapleLine Magazine continued in its May-July issue, providing further insight into the lack of a full-time medical clinic for Sooke residents and tourists/visitors. The idea of a clinic within Ayre Manor is apparently unattractive to the physicians who would need to make a large financial commitment. Lately there has been some buzz about a clinic perhaps being built as part of the new Mariner's Village development in Sooke town centre. Readers may submit their comments about medical services for posting on the medical clinic page.

ShoreLine Cleanup. The District of Sooke supported a Shoreline Cleanup held Sun. May 24. Volunteers picked up refuse and debris at low tide. www.vanaqua.org/cleanup/home.php