Breaking news: May 2012
Breaking news **Sooke & area**
May 18. 2012 Property Tax information will be released by the District of Sooke as soon as next week, to every household, business, and other taxpayers. "Council delivers on promise to freeze taxes and improve downtown" is a key header in the lengthy text-heavy document, claiming "no increase to residential tax rate, decrease in business tax rate, and more sidewalks and completed roundabout construction". May 18. There was a vehicle collision incident on Hwy 14 at Humpback Road this morning at 8:14 am (near the 4-lane section). "There were four vehicles involved and one person (a child) had to be extricated," says Sooke Fire Rescue Chief Steve Sorensen. Three people including a child were taken to hospital. Langford firefighters arrived at the scene to find one car in a ditch down an embankment and two other cars heavily damaged. Traffic is being diverted at Kangaroo Road and Happy Valley Road. More info to come. See high-frequency crash zone info in May 18th Sooke Voice News, pg.3. May 18. District of Sooke essentially implodes on itself to criticize a deal made by its own Council (in 2008-2011 term of office) with the Prestige Hotel. Story on page 1, May 18th Sooke Voice News. May 18. The 36 condos in Mariner's Village Phase 2 will be available for pre-sale starting some time in June, says developer Mike Barrie. Construction to begin in August. Phase 2 includes commercial development toward retail and professional space opening in 2014, including a medical clinic with four new doctors and an additional bank that does not already have a presence in Sooke. www.marinersvillage.ca May. 17. The submission date for adjudication to this year's Sooke Fine Arts Show has been extended to midnight Friday, June 8. For artists requiring high-quality digital images of their artwork, Sooke Fine Arts Society is offering an in-house photo shoot (May 26, 9:30-4:30, at SEAPARC) and assistance with their submission to the Sooke Fine Arts Show. For a $10 flat fee – up to three pieces – artists can have their artwork photographed and uploaded for submission into this year’s Show. www.sookefinearts.com
May 17. Retiring from Edward Milne Community School tomorrow is Anne Bell, who has been the office manager at the only in-Sooke high school for 14 years. Bell -- who is known to many Sooke families as the one who manages attendance records and much more -- began her 39-year school office career in 1973 at Metchosin/Hans Hobbs School, then working at John Stubbs and Journey Middle School before arriving at EMCS in 1998. She received a cake at lunch today with the inscription "Goodbye tension, hello pension!" Moving up to EMCS office manager is Lisa Haug, who moves into that role on May 22, after the long weekend. May 17. At 12:50 pm today, a van turned in front of a motorcycle on West Coast Rd at John Muir School. The motorcycle hit the van. The driver was taken to hospital with back and shoulder pain. "The van driver is okay," said Fire Rescue Service Chief Steve Sorensen. May 16. An agreement between the District of Sooke and the Prestige Hotel chain regarding the $15 million* oceanfront Sooke hotel built in 2009-2011 (soft-opened April 2011 and officially opened June 2011) has come under some scrutiny. Apparently $660,00 in Development Cost Charges (that were to be paid by Prestige) were instead accounted for in the way of $300,000 in annual conference bookings by the District. "We have handed it to our lawyers for advice," said Mayor Wendal Milne, adding that "interest would be attached to late payments" and that "our first obligation is to protect the District". The issue was brought up at Council by Sooke resident Gail Hall, during a public question period; the item was not on the formal agenda. Current Councillors Herb Haldane, Bev Berger and Maja Tait were also on the 2008-2011 Council that approved the deal. [* = $15 million has been confirmed with Prestige Hotels as the amount it cost to build the hotel.] May 16. The third annual BC Beef Day Barbecue on the back lawns of Victoria's Parliament Buildings will be held today Wed. May 16 (12 noon) to celebrate BC ranchers and reveal what is "Behind the Beef". Barbecue champion chef Brian Misko of the House of Q, will be preparing BC beef. Agriculture Minister Don McRae, BC Cattlemen's Association president Judy Guichon, and ranchers will be in attendance.
May 16. Tonight, Wed. May 16, the Sooke Economic
Development Commission will hold its monthly working-style meeting
(7 pm, Council Chambers), chaired by Councillor Maja Tait. The
agenda at www.sooke.ca includes
presentations from BC Adventure College and the Sooke Triathlon Society.
Service agreement info and member group reports are to be received from
May 15. Last night's District of Sooke Regular Council meeting ran til 10:15 pm, long for handling several zoning applications and variances. Based on good will wanting to avoid a presumed legal battle, Council voted to sell a chunk of park land for $11,000 that the Land Use Committee (LUC) had indicated was worth more about $125,000. LUC chair Councillor Kevin Pearson voiced his displeasure at the low-cost sale. May 14. EPCOR has released its 2011 performance highlights report to the District of Sooke. As part of the 5-year Operations and Maintenance contract that began Oct.1, 2011 "extensive performance targets have been defined for water quality, environment, people, safety and customer service". Among other work done, over 3,000 water quality tests were done in 2011 on over 30 parameters. EPCOR reports that it has been "working to minimize odour issues with neighbours living near the treatment plant and pump stations."
May 14.
May 13. On Monday night, May 14, will be the next regular meeting of the District of Sooke Council, 7 pm in Council chambers. Agenda at www.sooke.ca . May 13. The weather was unexpectedly warm and sunny today, with a light breeze, perfect for Mother's Day. See two editorials about mothers in Sooke Voice News - May 4 and May 11.
May 12. The waterfront Smokin' Tuna Cafe in East Sooke is open again for another May to October season, and expects to have a busy Mother's Day on May 13. May 11. "All the commercial space will be at street level," says Mariner's Village developer Mike Barrie. Another 36 condos at the waterfront development will also be streetside, above the retail and professional space. Condo pre-sales begins in June, with construction (both commercial and residential) starting in August. [Summarized from a front page story in the May 11th edition of Sooke Voice News.] May 9. While five other provinces in Canada have their Family Day (a statutory holiday) on the third weekend in February, BC could be different, with its first Family Day on the second Monday in February. It’s up to public opinion, says the Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government, in a news release yesterday. “Celebrating Family Day will be a great chance for families to spend quality time together starting February 2013 -- and British Columbians now have the opportunity to tell government which day will work best for them,” says the release. Government will begin a citizen engagement process with the public, and consult with worker groups, employers, the tourism industry and the broader business sector in an attempt to “ensure all potential economic and social benefits are taken into account before finalizing a February date for the new holiday”. The third Monday in February is already a statutory holiday in five other Canadian provinces and in the USA as President's Day. By having it on the second Monday, the provincial government says that in BC people would be able to “enjoy not only ski hills, but also parks and other local attractions throughout the Province without other long-weekend traffic”. The consultation process from May 8 to 22 is an opportunity for input at http://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcfamilyday/ or on Facebook or Twitter using: #mybcfd . With the addition of Family Day in 2013, BC will have 10 statutory holidays. May 9. The community of Otter Point is reviewing its Official Community Plan and needs to update its records of the early history of the area. Past and present residents of Otter Point, as well as others who have an interest in the history of the community, are invited to a workshop on Tues. May 22 (1:30-4:30 pm) to review the historical information already collected and help us with new, incomplete or incorrect information. Meeting location: Juan de Fuca Planning Office, #2 – 6868 West Coast Rd, Sooke. Coordinators are Arnie Campbell and Elida Peers, Sooke Region Historian. May 9. The government will increase its financial contribution to BC Ferries by $79.5 million to reduce the pressure for higher fares, it was announced today by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, also saying that BC Ferries will need to find efficiencies to reduce operating costs. "There will be significant adjustments to service levels, and discussions with communities about trade-offs among service adjustments, fare increases and potential community contributions, the release said. In addition, government will seek public input to develop strategies to support a vision for connecting coastal communities. As published in the May 11th edition of Sooke Voice News. May 8. This evening about 35 members of the Sooke area came out to hear and respond to a presentation by the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) and the District of Sooke regarding the process for how Sooke will get a new library. VIRL has a 20-year program to update and/or build anew the library facility in 38 communities on the island. Sooke is at the top of their list (other than a rebuild already in the works in Nanaimo). While a specific date was not given by the presenters, a public RFP process will be released in the relatively near future, so that construction companies, builders and developers might bid on the opportunity to build the next library. See front page story in Sooke Voice News May 11th edition.
May 6. BC NDP Leader Adrian Dix had one of his first federal TV interviews today on CTV's Question Period. Dix said about the Kitimat pipeline that "all the environmental risk us borne by the people of BC and none by the oil industry". Dix said that if the NDP forms the BC government after the May 2013 provincial election, that BC will be "active on the national stage and positive in our contribution". May. 6. The first day of business of the TD Bank in Sooke will be Monday, May 7. Story on pg.3 in May 4, Sooke Voice News. May 6. The District of Sooke Finance & Administration Committee is set to discuss a variety of items at its May 7 meeting (7 pm, Council Chambers), including reports on Municipal Insurance vs. Private, Budgeting Software, Development Cost Charges reporting under section 933 of the Local Government Act (see Annual Municipal Report Timeline). The engineering dept will report on the Road Maintenance Contract. Corporate Services will report on Conference bookings and an amendment to the Partnering Agreement with the Prestige hotel. Agenda at www.sooke.ca May 6. Cutbacks in the funding for post-traumatic stress disorder and related health concerns of returning war veterans is a great disappointment and of great concern, said Randall Garrison, MP, Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca earlier this week. On the CTV Quesiton Period news feature today, Chris Alexander, MP, Ajax-Pickering (Ontario) said that 326 mental health case workers continue in their jobs, each with a patient case load of about 40 vets; Alexander worked for 18 years as a member of the Canadian Foreign Services. His first posting was at the Canadian Embassy in Russia, and by 2003, he became Canada’s first resident Ambassador in Kabul, Afghanistan. He said on TV today that in Canada it's most unfortunate that 19 men and one woman have killed themselves upon return from active service. May 6. Yesterday at the Sooke Rotary Spring Fair at SEAPARC in Sooke, John Horgan, MLA and Energy Critic for the BC Official Opposition said that everyone he spoke to around the 70-booth display area was concerned about increasing hydro rates and smart meters. Horgan has been asking in the BC Legislature that the smart meter installation program be referred over to the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) so that the public has a fair and open opportunity to air their view and debate the merits of the new technology near their homes. May 5. The opening ceremony of the Sooke Rotary Spring Fair and Auction today at SEAPARC featured brief commentaries by Sooke Mayor Wendal Milne, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area director Mike Hicks, Juan de Fuca MLA John Horgan and Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca MP Randall Garrison. Milne welcomed everyone and wished the Rotary best of luck in the day's activities. Hicks noted former Mayor Janet Evans' absence on the stage and said, "I hope more women will be running for politics in Canada." Horgan noted it was his 7th time at the opening of the Sooke Rotary annual event: "My wife and I buy tomato plants, and that for us marks the start of spring." Garrison said it is Sooke's volunteerism and "service before self" that is "really alive in this community". Deb Johnston, who is this year's Sooke Rotary president, said "the face of Rotary has changed", adding that "We are making change in the lives of Sooke people." On behalf of Rotary District Governor David Stocks, Johnston said that with the money donated to local Rotary fundraisers that "you help somebody somewhere", with reference to the international activities of the Rotary organization.
May 5. Sooke Fire Rescue Service will be setting some fires in the old house on Sooke street-side at Mariner's Village in Sooke town centre. The house has been donated by Mariners Village for this training opportunity; the structure will *not* be burned to the ground, but small contained fires will be started and extinguished within various rooms, to provide a training 'classroom' for participants of the Fire Prevention Officers Association of BC (FPOABC) training session during the May 7-11 convention being held at the Prestige Hotel in Sooke.
May 4. The last penny was struck today by the Hon. Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, and Shelly Glover, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, at the Royal Canadian Mint’s high-speed manufacturing facility in Winnipeg. “For over a hundred years, the penny played an important role in Canada’s coinage system,” said Flaherty. “Although the cost of producing the penny now outweighs its value to Canadian consumers and businesses, it has had a long history that is worthy of recognition.” The last penny struck for Canadian circulation will be entrusted to the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada in Ottawa, as a permanent reminder of its contributions to Canada’s economy and history. May 4. Many businesses in Sooke are in preparation mode for tomorrow's Sooke Rotary Spring Fair and Auction which serves as the community's largest annual business trade show. The popular event is open to the public with free admission from 10 am to 5 pm, at SEAPARC Leisure Centre. May 3. Canada's Finance Minister Jim Flaherty warns that Europe's financial troubles could bring us all down. Link to article by Hon. Jim Flaherty. Flaherty is the longest-serving finance minister in the G7. May 2. The new Sooke Branch of the TD Bank will open May 7 with full services 8 am to 6 pm. Regular business hours are Mon-Wed. 8 am to 6 pm, Thurs & Fri 8 am-8 pm, Saturdays 8-4, and Sundays 11-4. This morning sidewalk concrete was being poured outside the building, so the work continues for Monday's soft opening. The official grand opening is being planned for Sat. June 23 (details to come). The manager at the new Sooke branch is York Langerfeld. May 2. Housing prices have gone back up again in Sooke now that the active spring market is upon us. The average MLS house sale price in April was $423,447 which far exceeds the 6-month average of $387,602. Townhomes sold on average at $309,200 in Sooke last month. Manufactured homes averaged $77,500 (the 6-month average of $142,500 shows a wide variation in pricing for that property type). Residential lots sold on average at $191,000 in April in Sooke compared to $380,000 in Victoria and $634,333 in Saanich West. May. 1. The next meeting of the Sooke Community Arts Council will be tonight, Tuesday, May 1 at 7 pm at Sooke Harbour House in the GARDEN ROOM. The group just completed their most recent event, the 6th annual Family Arts Fair that was held Sat. Apr.28. May. 1. Much of Sooke's business community is gearing up for this weekend's Sooke Rotary Spring Fair and Auction. Over 100 business booths, community group displays, silent auction during the day; then dinner and live auction in the evening. It all happens at SEAPARC Leisure Complex, Sat. May. 5. Apr.30. District of Sooke Council has called a Special Council Meeting for Tuesday, May 1 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers. The agenda at www.sooke.ca includes consideration of the Fire Protection Services Bylaw 292-3; amendment of existing water tenure from "private moorage and floatplane" to "group moorage" for 1573 Dufour Road; the 2012 RCMP contract; and provision of sewer service to T'Sou-ke Nation reserve lands (letter of intent). Apr.30. The Sooke Country Market will commence its 19th year of selling produce and crafts outdoors on Saturdays. The market is held at the corner of Otter Point Rd and Eustace Road, starting this Saturday, May 5.
Apr.27. The installation of smart meters was a hot topic at the
District of Sooke Council meeting earlier this week (Apr.23), leading to
a "we support the moratorium against smart meters" resolution.
Apr. 27. Amendments to the School Act introduced yesterday will support BC's Education Plan by removing barriers to personalized learning and allowing greater flexibility and choice in terms of where, when and how students learn. Bill 36, the School Amendment Act 2012, gives students and families increased choice in educational programs by extending the ability to take a mix of online and traditional school courses to students in kindergarten through Grade 9 (currently, only students in grades 10 to 12 have this option). Other changes to the School Act will eliminate the Standard School Calendar to enable boards of education and education authorities to offer more creative scheduling options that better meet the needs of their students. The Ministry of Education will continue to set a minimum number of instructional hours. |
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Volunteer firefighters work on a hot Saturday afternoon blaze (April 14, 2012) at a trailer park on West Coast Road where an old run-down shed caught on fire. PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2012 SOOKE VOICE NEWS. Editor's Note: We are committed to serving the Sooke community with quality news coverage. We appreciate the support we receive from many businesses and community leaders. See events page for current activities. |
May 17. Sooke Voice News has learned
that Ms. Roberta Kubik, principal at Edward Milne Community School in
Sooke, has been appointed to the position of Assistant Superintendent of
the Sooke School District #62. She will commence her position
at the administrative office effective August 1, 2012. She will of
course preside at the 2012 EMCS grad ceremony on June 10.
Finance Minister Kevin Falcon has introduced
legislation to meet the BC government's commitment to return to the
Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on April 1, 2013.
May.12. Craft show organizer Ettie Catto has
taken craft shows to a new level, with a top-notch
May 12. A new tradition for Mother's Day
-- brunch at the Mix by Ric's restaurant in the Prestige Hotel.
The four-hour buffet Sun.May13 (10 am to 2 pm) will include carving
station, omelette station, dessert buffet, seafood tower, coffee and
tea. $32.95 per person. Entertainment by Cynthia Davis Jazz Band, 11 am
- 3 pm. Reservations 778-425-2529. Ad on page 4 in
May 7. Today was the opening day at the new Sooke
branch of the TD Bank. About 25 new personal banking accounts
were opened by 1 pm, says Branch Manager York Langerfeld. All the
employees at the branch were previously commuting to jobs beyond Sooke;
the branch now saves about 48 hours of highway time per day (14
employees would have previously travelled about 1.5 hours each way).
Many residents and business owners came to see the new branch and wish
the new staff well in their new branch. In addition to the indoor ATMs,
the branch has a drive-through ATM behind the building at 6670 Sooke
Road in town centre. See front page article about "big four" banks of
Sooke, in
Sooke
is now one of 38 municipalities in supporting the resolution that came out of
the latest Union of BC Municipalities convention. Sooke made its
decision after hearing a BC Hydro presentation and the public response
to that presentation. (See article on
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