BREAKING NEWS ARCHIVE: Nov.09 in Sooke, BC Back to current Breaking News
News & Business
November 2009
See: MapleLine e-bulletins
Nov.30. Financial plans and development goals were the key components of the displays and presentations at the District of Sooke's town hall meeting Monday night. The four-hour Nov.30 event (4-8 pm), held at the spacious Sooke Community Hall, was an informal opportunity for Sooke residents to talk to Council and staff and learn more about current municipal projects and initiatives. Public input was invited as to priorities -- sidewalks and some aspects of town centre development were among the top picks. A new plan for Waterview Street (a roadway with commercial/residential development proposed for town centre down to the waterfront) was introduced. A strong emphasis on inviting developers to build in Sooke was apparent in the staff presentations. Full story and photos to come.
Nov.28.The Sooke Park-and-Ride shelters will by mid-December feature the green, blue and white colours of BC Transit's new promotional theme (already on the newest buses). Public input is requested for proposed BC Transit fare rate increases that would take effect April 1, 2010; comments should be submitted by Dec.14, 2009 (by phone, email, letter or online survey); the Victoria Regional Transit Commission will meet in Jan. 2010 to decide on the proposed fare adjustments. See: BC Transit rate increase news release.
Nov.27. Eco-fashion show held Friday night, Nov.27 at Sooke Harbour House delivered an economical and enviro-friendly style to a festive event. Story.
Nov.25 & 26; update Nov.28. H1N1 vaccination clinics in Sooke Nov.25 & 26 at EMCS, 6218 Sooke Rd, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The shots are available to anyone. The federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq received the shot on Nov.27 and encouraged everyone to get the vaccine. Local info: VIHA website
Nov.26.The local Sooke BizNet networking group heard a presentation about land acquisition investments at their meeting (held at Sooke Ocean Resort).
Nov.25. The Sooke Food CHI organization held its AGM Wed. evening, Nov.25, at Sooke Harbour House, co-chaired by Jessica Boquist and Phoebe Dunbar. Most of the 2008-2009 board is moving on and four new board members were introduced and accepted by acclamation. The group's core membership is comprised of local farmers and food-market organizers. Story.
Nov.25. At the final organizing meeting of the Sooke Spirit Fest committee (chaired by Sooke Harbour Chamber president Gwen Fisher) held Nov.25 evening, parade coordinator Rick Armour said in the hopes of good weather: "it never rains on my parade". The parade can accept more floats and the sailpast can accept more boats. Many helping hands are still required for the Sat. Dec. 5 event. www.sookespiritfest.com
Nov.25. The BC Real Estate Association (BCREA) has released its Nov.09 newsletter online with an article to its members about adhering to ethics in the real estate industry. "In the business of real estate, which is based frequently on relationships of trust and cooperation, the need to practice honestly and ethically is extremely important," it says in the monthly newsletter. Read the article.
Nov.24. The
Sooke Community Art Council's 7th Annual Christmas Art Show & Sale
opened today for a month-long run at Little Vienna Bakery on West Coast Road.
Story.
Nov.24. On Nov.24, National Housing Day (an opportunity to showcase best practices that help improve housing affordability), the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) called for entries to their 2010 housing awards program. News release.
Nov.24. A new ATM machine was installed at the RBC branch in Sooke.
Nov.23. The 5th draft of the Sooke Official Community Plan will be reviewed by District of Sooke Council tonight, says Councillor Dave Bennett. Also, awarding of a $46,400 environmental assessment review contract for the public boat launch will be discussed. A $183,000 2-year road maintenance contract extension request for 2009-2010 will be addressed. Second reading for rezoning of 2205 Tara Place as multi-family residential is also on the agenda. 7 pm. District of Sooke Municipal Hall. See: AGENDA Nov.23/09
Nov.23. District of Sooke Councillor Herb Haldane spoke to members of the Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce about growth and expansion of Sooke, at the Chamber's Nov.23 breakfast meeting. Story.
Nov.19. All BC residents are eligible to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine, effective November 20, 2009. See: Vancouver Island Health Authority | See: summary of H1N1 current info (Nov.19)
Nov.16.
Mayor Janet Evans hosted the Towns for Tomorrow ceremony this morning
(Nov.16) in the pouring rain at the corner of Eustace Road and Otter Point Road to
officially open the Sooke Town Centre Accessible Sidewalk project.
Construction of sidewalks and associated road improvements on Shields, Eustace, Anna Marie and Church
Road was completed toward the end of summer, but schedules for the Hon. Bill Bennett, Minister of Community and Rural Development
to attend the event necessitated delay of the official launch.
Full
story and photos.
Nov.13. A very windy day in Sooke.
Nov.11. Remembrance Day.
Nov.10. The District of Sooke is looking to receive comments and suggestions from members of the public, as input for the Nov.30 Town Hall meeting at Sooke Community Hall, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. (to include presentations and an opportunity to talk to Council and staff on current municipal projects).
Nov.10.
Sooke emergency crew cleans up after a two-car collision (which occurred
approx. 8:30 am) on Otter Point Road near the corner of Sooke Road. The
accident caused a brief traffic backup onto Sooke Road. Apparently there
were no serious injuries.
Nov.9. Construction of a Spirit Square with performance stage area is underway at Ed Macgregor Park (Nov.4 to Dec.18). The public is asked to exercise caution when accessing the marine boardwalk via the park. See District news release.
Nov.6. There were seven award winners at the Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce annual dinner event held at Community Hall, but the turnout was lower than in recent years. Story and photos.
Nov.6-9. Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, arrived in Victoria on Nov.6 for the start of a 4-day visit to BC. They stayed at Government House.
Nov.5 & 6. High-risk candidates for the H1N1 vaccine were received at a clinic held at EMCS.
Nov.2. The average house price in Sooke last month was $403,190, down from $415,900 in September, reports the Victoria Real Estate Board; the 6-month average house price was $408,470 in October. Condo prices also relaxed a bit -- from $196,267 in September to $182,450 in October. In the overall Greater Victoria area, the number of sales was at its highest level for the month of October since 1992. Inventory of properties for sale in Greater Victoria (3,219 at Oct.31/09) is down 31% from one year ago.
ARCHIVE NOVEMBER 2009: click here
ARCHIVE OCTOBER 2009: click here
ARCHIVE SEPTEMBER 2009: click here
Send comments and news releases to: editor@maplelinemagazine.com
Arts & Community Events
Dec. 2009
Events Hotlist:
Sooke Spirit Festival
- Sat. Dec.5 ~ 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
A day of festivities
on Sat. Dec.5
in Sooke town centre, including
activities
and refreshments in the town centre area (in stores and outdoors)
parade
(2:30 pm)
a
tree lightup ceremony at Evergreen Centre
(4:30 pm with Mayor Janet Evans) and Sooke Community Choir
lighted sailpast
(5:00 pm) along the harbour. Lots of lights and carollers. Free songbook
will be distributed in town centre. Stroll along the lighted-up Ed
Macgregor walkway. In the morning and early afternoon kids can meet Father Christmas at the Reading Room Cafe. Organized by the Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce
and its many volunteers.
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.
See the
Festival of Trees in the SEAPARC lobby.
Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra ~ . Sat. Dec.5. 7:30 pm. Bach Christmas Oratorio. At the Sooke Community Theatre (EMCS Auditorium. Tickets: 250-642-2849 or at the door. www.sookephil.ca
District of Sooke 10th Anniversary. Mon. Dec.7. 7:00 pm. 10th anniversary celebration of the incorporation of the District of Sooke. Location: District of Sooke Council Chamber, 2205 Otter Point Rd. RSVP: 250-642-1634
Sooke Literacy Project Book Drive. Dec.8 & 9. Collecting books for redistribution within Sooke through their Book Bin project. Books can be dropped off on Dec.8 & 9 at CASA, Holy Trinity Church, or any of the elementary, middle or highschools in Sooke. www.sookeliteracy.ca
Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce - Annual General Meeting (AGM). Thurs. Dec.10. 4:00 pm. AGM including bylaw amendments and election of two new Directors to the board (nominations closed November 27). At Sooke Ocean Resort, 6669 Horne Rd. All Chamber members welcome.
Journalism
Workshop Training Series.
The third workshop of this 9-month program will be held Thurs. Dec.10 (7:00 to 9:30 pm) at The Reading Room Cafe, 6660 Sooke Rd. Pre-registration required ($599.95+gst for remainder of academic year). This month -- news writing about health issues. Month-by-month fee for this journalism training program available through to June 2010 -- late registrations accepted up to Jan.18, 2010. Suitable for anyone over age 17 who wants to build a portfolio in CP Style, get articles published, and receive a completion certificate. See more information and registration form.
Canadian Authors Association (CAA) - 89th annual conference ~ CanWrite! 2010 - Victoria. Early bird deadline, Dec.15, 2009. Applying Technology to Writing - June 24 to 27, 2010. Harbour Towers Hotel, Victoria, BC. Early bird registration deadline Tues. Dec.15, 2009. Members $255, potential members $295. Registration form and info.
Coffee and music with Gord Phillips at Serious Coffee, 6661 Sooke Road. now Thurs. Dec.17. 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Coffee-house atmosphere for this local singer-songwriter's performance at the Serious Coffee shop in Sooke.
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. Dec.23 session tba.
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): click here
ARCHIVE (July to Sept.09): click here
ARCHIVE (Oct-Nov.09):
Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce - accepting nominations for Directors on their board (two positions), open to November 27. Contact the Chamber office 250-642-6112.
Sooke Harbour House ECO FASHION SHOW as part of "Christmas in November Art and Craft Show" - Nov.27. Sooke Harbour House presents a special Eco 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. Story.
Sooke Harbour Chamber of Commerce - regular monthly Directors Meeting - Tues. Dec.1. 12 noon at Village Food Markets upstairs meeting room. If wanting lunch ($10), RSVP by noon on Mon. Nov.30.
Christmas Art Show & Sale - Members Party Dec.1. 7 pm. Members' party Dec.1 at Little Vienna Bakery; tickets $15. Contact Marion for tickets: 250-642-6411. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: artworks for sale (by members of the Sooke Community Arts Council) at Little Vienna Bakery, during store hours Nov.24-Dec.24. Story.
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 weekly Sooke Rotary lunch meeting, Village Food Markets upstairs meeting room.
Vancouver Island Regional Library (SOOKE) strategic planning process - Thurs. Dec. 3. ~ 7 pm. A public meeting for input to a common vision for the public, library board and staff. In the upstairs meeting room at Village Food Markets. For info contact Rusi Jokhi at 250-642-3022.
Full Oct-Nov. archive to come.
Sooke Leaders
Holiday Greetings
Visit: Bi-weekly Sooke ENews
Health, Food & Environment
Winter 2009
Getting involved.
Awareness Film Night - Wed. Dec. 16. ~ 7 pm. Admission by donation to watch the American 2009 film Rethink Afghanistan. Followed by discussion. With Dr. Keith Martin, MP who will take part in the followup discussion. At EMCS, 6218 Sooke Rd.
The Birds of Esquimalt Lagoon - Wed. Dec. 16. ~ 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Free public info session on wildlife refuge areas with Canadian Wildlife Service staff and a slide show presentation by bird expert Ann Nightingale. In the Mews Conference Centre, Room 110, Royal Roads Univ., 2005 Sooke Rd. Refreshments. www.elsi.ca
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Holiday season Drop-In Yoga sessions at 5 and 7 pm on Tuesday nights in December. Also - Reiki sessions by donation for the month of December. Call Kathryn at 250-642-4372. www.yogakat.ca
ARCHIVE (October-November 2009)
H1N1 flu shots in Sooke. Nov.25 & 26 at EMCS (dates subject to change). Local story about availability of H1H1 flu shots in Sooke and natural ways to boost immunity. Background on H1N1 vaccination decisions (MapleLine story). Regional H1N1 updates and info: VIHA website.
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 was held Nov.5 at CASA. AGM was held Nov.25 at Sooke Harbour House.
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 (summer-fall 2009): click here