Various reports   |       Last update: March 3, 2010

Link: O|Zone celebration venue during the 2010 Olympics, February 12-28, 2010

March 3, 2010. The heady excitement is over, but the important results are just beginning. Tourism exposure for Sooke due to the District of Sooke's display among the BC Streets presentations at the O|Zone (Winter Olympics celebration venue), is expected to bring visitors to Sooke from the BC Mainland in particular, and from locations abroad. This according to Mayor Janet Evans who was in Vancouver for 15 days during the February 12 to 28, 2010 Olympic event.  "By Day 5 we hit our expectations of 100,000 people coming through. Whether they stayed two minutes or 10, they got a feeling of what Sooke is all about -- the environment and eco-tourism aspects," said Mayor Evans once back on the island.

"I'm hoping the money was well spent on the people we reached," she said. About $70,000 was spent on the presentation ($25,000 from Council and $15,000 from EDC, with the rest coming from sponsors), the Mayor explained. "It's hard to gauge the results exactly," said Evans, but I expect there are already increased bookings at B&B's. The Sooke Tourism Association (SRTA) can talk to their membership about keeping us informed."

"The bills are still coming in for supporting the volunteers with ferry fares and other reimbursements," said the Mayor. "I've never been prouder of the volunteers in the community who built, trucked-over and manned the display. Everybody was phenomenal, putting in extra time."  MM

Feb.27-28, 2010. Sooke Ocean Resort was at the Ozone! Captain Ralph Hull and sushi chef Kari Osselton met a lot of people and talked it up about Sooke. And they will come to Sooke!  [Photo of the display setup in Richmond, by Kari Osselton]

Feb.26, 2010. Today is Sooke Day at the Olympics O|Zone venue in Richmond, BC. A Mayor's Reception hosted by Janet Evans will greet invited guests as well as volunteers who have helped with the display. Today a large wire-frame salmon can be adorned with 'fish scales' made of felt, by each person visiting the exhibit; that aspect of the display was artistically directed by art consultant Evonne Black and Councillor Sheila Beech. The interactive display reached its target of 100,000 visitors by Day 5 (of the Feb.12-28 venue action), according to Evan Parliament, Chief Admin Officer, District of Sooke. Samples of smoked salmon courtesy of E-Fish-Ent will be distributed to visitors. Eco-tourism and the visual arts have been the primary thrust of the presentation, in the District's work to put Sooke on the tourism map; a website devoted to this effort was launched by the District at www.sooke2010.com . The O|Zone venue has been attracting 20,000 to 25,000 visitors per day. "Kids love the fish, the whale and the water in our display. It's interactive," said Parliament. ~ Mary P. Brooke

Feb.24, 2010. Event report from the O|Zone~ by Kel Phair.  Sixty acres of Richmond was definitely the place to be at the Olympics in 2010.  Click here to read the full story: "Sooke goes away…. to be at home".

Feb.22, 2010. The visit of four members of the Sooke Spirit of BC Committee to Vancouver took place last Sunday, and we had the opportunity of visiting the O|Zone in Richmond. We were proud of the presentation put together by Sooke, and felt that situated as it was alongside the Tofino presentation, it made a wonderful showcase for the west coast of Vancouver Island, and it was great to see some of our familiar volunteer faces like Anne Boquist, smiling a welcome to the booth visitors. They were beautiful displays, really attractive to the eye of the beholder and we felt sure that the presentation would attract much positive attention to our area. On top of that, an important bonus point, we think, is the proximity of Sooke-Port Renfrew to Victoria; such quick access to such spectacular beauty. Congrats to all! ~  Liz Johnson and Elida Peers, Sooke Spirit of BC Committee, Feb. 21, 2010

Event report from the O|Zone -- by Sean Smith (UVic Student volunteer).  To come.

Heresay from the O|Zone.  An anonymous local source wishes to tell Sooke that our community's display is considered the best at the venue!

The Sooke exhibit was displayed at the Sooke Fire Hall on February 6, prior to relocation to Richmond, BC. The display will be reassembled for display at the May 1, 2010 Sooke Rotary event being held at SEAPARC in Sooke.

How the Olympics changed Canada. Commentary by Karen Laharty, March 2010.

Tourists will soon starting coming to Sooke for the literary-related events being planned by the Sooke Literary Association. Story Feb22/10. |  Story Mar.3/10. 

New Sooke Community Development Association started in January, aiming to respond to the District of Sooke on various items related to property developing including zoning and development cost charges.

Article about Sooke and Greater Victoria real estate trends for 2010. Increased sales expected leading up to mid-year, then a sag is likely as the 12% HST (starting July 1, 2010) puts additional financial burdens on home buyers.