ARCHIVE – SOOKE LOCAL NEWS – August & September 2016
Wednesday, September 28 ~ SOOKE. About half the homes in the Sooke area lost power yesterday September 27 for an hour or so. It was a bright sunny day, with seasonal temperatures and no rain.
For that day, some planned work was being done by BC Hydro in the 5900-block of Sea Lion Way. That took place from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
During that time, starting with another portion of Sea Lion Way at 11:22 am and then four other areas starting around 1:53 pm, about 6,748 primarily residential addresses in Sooke suddenly lost power for about an hour.
Areas affected included east and north of West Coast Road, in areas near Poirier Road and Goodridge Road, west of Berkely Road east of Erinan Drive, and north of Phillips Road in Sunriver. Reasons given were “trees on lines” or “other”.
Monday, September 26 ~ VICTORIA. Tonight it was announced that the Sooke Community Association won $15,000 from Fortis BC’s Community Giving grant program. They are one of three winners from across BC.
The announcement took place this evening at the 2016 Union of BC Municipalities convention in Victoria.
“I was very proud to nominate this deserving organization,” says District of Sooke Councillor Rick Kasper.
The Sooke Community Association (SCA) operates the Sooke Community Hall and the campground at Sooke Flats, among other projects in the Sooke community. They are mandated to “carry on such activities of a religious, patriotic, philanthropic, charitable, social, agricultural, or a sporting character, or otherwise for the benefit of the Sooke community.”
The association has over the years purchased additional lands, and currently owns and maintains all of the sports fields in our community as well as tennis courts, and the Sooke Flats recreational and camping area.
At the community, space is provided at no-cost or in a subsidized manner to senior-based non-profit groups, including Sooke Meals on Wheels Society, Contact Community Assistance Society, Sooke Harbourside Lions, Sooke Lions Club, SookeFood Bank Society, Sooke Senior Drop-in Centre and the New Horizons Contract Bridge Club, and that is just in the ‘downstairs’.
The Sooke Community Hall is an old building, and there has been some discussion by Sooke Council this year to explore options for renovating it. At the building various events are held, including fundraisers and craft fairs, and the annual Sooke Fall Fair. It is a venue for weddings, funerals, dances, fitness training, public forums, private events, and is designated as the main emergency response centre for the District of Sooke. The annual foot-traffic of users through the hall exceeds 33,000: 19,000 using the upstairs facilities, and 14,000 the lower level.
Monday, September 26 ~ SOOKE. Education celebration in Sooke! For 70 years there has been a high school in Sooke, and for 20 years that has been Edward Milne Community School!
A 20th anniversary celebration will be held on Thursday, October 13 at EMCS from 5 to 8 pm.
The evening celebration will start with a basketball game 5-5:30 pm, squaring off alumni to staff on the gym floor.
Then from 5:30 to 6:30 pm light appies will be served by EMCS Culinary Arts students as people mingle. A 90-ft legacy mural will be unveiled.
There will be presentations, a speech by SD62 Board Chair Bob Phillips and a blessing by T’Sou-ke Elder Shirley Alphonse. Also attending are long-time local community contributor Phoebe Dunbar and Del Clarke. The gathering will continue to 8 pm.
Monday, September 26 ~ SOOKE. Sooke Mayor and Councillors will be attending the week-long Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) in Victoria this week, September 26 to 30.
With a convention theme of ‘Stronger Together’, municipalities will engage in debate on over 177 resolutions. The five-day gathering of municipal leaders from around BC is being held at the Victoria Convention Centre.
Over various days, keynote addresses will be given by Premier Christy Clark, Leader of the Opposition John Horgan, and Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver.
Each year most resolutions explore various aspects of legislative; community safety; elections; transportation; taxation, finance and assessment; land use; community economic development; regional districts; health, environment; and land use; as well as some this year on issues around education and school bus transportation.
Saturday, September 24 ~ SOOKE. About 50 people came out to the Wadams Way Fun Run & Ride event this morning.
The 2km route to centre town areas and back started off from the Sooke Family Resource Society building at 6672 Wadams Way, after a chance for people to decorate their bicycles and strollers.
The event included an official opening of the John Phillips Memorial Park Loop Trail by Mayor Maja Tait.
That was followed by the 3rd Annual Wadams Way Market, enjoying reasonably good weather from 10 am to 2 pm. The event was organized and sponsored by the Sooke Family Resource Society. Co-sponsors were the Sooke Trail & Road Runners (STARR), Sooke Rotary, and the District of Sooke.
Photo by Ross Reid.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY. Friday, September 23 ~ SOOKE. Expect traffic delays at and around the intersection of Church Road & Throup Road starting Monday, September 26, 2016.That’s when construction starts for pedestrian improvements at that busy intersection that sees a lot of pedestrian and cyclist usage as well as vehicle traffic.
The work is expected to last approximately two weeks, wrapping up around Friday, October 7.
The District of Sooke says that the work being done includes:
– Extending a portion of culvert;
– Adding a manhole;
– Widening the road shoulder;
– Installing asphalt sidewalk on Church Road connecting to Throup Road.
There will be single lane alternating traffic Monday – Friday, between 9:30 am and 2:30 pm. Delays should be minimal but there are alternate routes available for those who would like to avoid the construction.
Friday, September 23 ~ WEST SHORE. This year’s team of 17 Tour de Rock riders will be on the west shore — including Sooke — on Wednesday October 5.
The 2016 Cops for Cancer fundraising cycling team will on October 5 cover 78 km from Duncan to Shawnigan Lake, Mill Bay, Sooke and Langford.
Details for October 5: Belmont Secondary – 3041 Langford Lake Rd, 11:39 am to 12:09 pm; Happy Valley Elementary – 3921 Happy Valley Rd, 12:15 to 12:30 pm; ride by EMCS high school – 6218 Sooke Rd, 13:12 to 13:13 pm; Sooke Elementary, 13:17 to 13:47; then ride back into Langford. The 1,000 km route will see the 17 riders visit in 27 communities on Vancouver Island, September 24 through October 7.
One of the riders this year is Elyse Patten of West Shore RCMP. There is no Sooke rider this year. www.tourderock.ca
Thursday, September 22 ~ SOOKE. Sooke RCMP are investigating five complaints of counterfeit currency received by local businesses in the past month. In each case, the counterfeit bills were $100 bills.
“The exact circumstances of the exchanges are not all known as the bills have been received in deposits at local banks. We expect more of these counterfeit bills to be passed in Sooke in the upcoming weeks,” says Sooke RCMP Detachment Commander S/Sgt Jeff McArthur.
According to McArthur, the bills are “easy to detect if inspected”. The bills replicated are the type in the new polymer series. The counterfeit detection section of the Bank of Canada website is a good resource to learn how to detect these bills: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention/
The Bank of Canada website says that security features are helpful only if you use them. To fight counterfeiting, the Bank offers free training materials to help the public, businesses, and police agencies use the security features in genuine bank notes. “If you know your notes, you’ll be able to detect a counterfeit at a glance and protect yourself from fraud.” Timely reporting helps police and prosecutors bring counterfeiters to justice.
Please contact the RCMP Sooke Detachment 250-642-5241 for assistance. Anyone having information about this offence should contact the Sooke RCMP or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Tuesday, September 20 ~ To/from SOOKE. You’ll want to pay a lot more attention to your driving skills through these rows of traffic cones on Hwy 14 (Sooke Road) on either side of West Shore Parkway. Especially at night.
The delineated lanes with traffic cones have been in place for a few weeks now, for daily driving challenges! No line-painting yet.
Yesterday and today work has been done on installing medians and preparing some directional signage at the future operational intersection of West Shore Parkway and Hwy 14.
Tuesday, September 20 ~ SOOKE & OTTER POINT. If pulling ivy from trees sounds like fun to you, then this Sunday, September 25 at Ed Macgregor Park you’ll have an opportunity to do just that!
The invasive species cleanup will take place from 9 am to 3 pm. Just come as you are (pruners and gloves provided), or bring equipment and gloves that you’re comfortable with. You can help out for an hour or two, or the full six hours.
Long pants, long sleeves and good foot wear are recommended as the ground is uneven. The organizers are also looking for a team of 4 to 6 people for the heavier task of removing the Daphne as this plant is toxic and will require special care.
The event is being organized by the Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society (JdFCTS) and the Greater Victoria Green Team, with some sponsorship support from the District of Sooke.
The Juan de Fuca Trails Society has organized invasive species cleanup events for years, at various locations. Working with the District of Sooke, JdFCTS has removed broom from Whiffin Spit for 10 years and will continue to do so as the seed bank will remain in the soil for decades, explains Rosemary Jorna, one of the JdFCTS organizers.
“Once an invasive species is well established it becomes a multi-year problem as the roots and seeds can re-establish themselves. In much of Ed Macgregor Park the ivy has smothered everything on the forest floor and has grown up into the tree canopy weakening the tree,competing for light and water,” says Jorna. The ivy grows year-round and can survive low light and low water conditions. The forest no longer has a chance at regenerating.
“Working with the District of Sooke and joined by the Greater Victoria Green Team we will make a start,” she says.
Tuesday, September 20 ~ SOOKE. Commuters and folks around town may have noticed yesterday that the Fire Danger Rating was posted as High for Sooke. Which seemed a bit odd, given the wet weather we’ve been having lately.
Today Sooke Interim Fire Chief Russ Cameron says: “Signs are being adjusted this morning to reflect the “Low” danger rating today. The rain over the last few days has significantly lowered our community risk.”
Open burning is still prohibited until October 1.
Monday, September 19 ~ SOOKE. Randall Garrison, MP is impressed with volunteering in Sooke.
During his brief speech at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Sooke Fall Fair on September 10, he said: “I thought I knew what volunteering was until I came to Sooke. And then I found it what it really was.”
“This is a community that is unbelievably devoted to volunteering,” said Garrison, who is in his second term as the Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke. Garrison was instrumental in having the riding renamed to include Sooke in the name: “People like to know where they’re voting,” he said at the time.
Garrison said that the Sooke Fall Fair always brings to mind the issue of food security, and that Sooke doesn’t get enough credit for innovation in this area including the work being done by Sooke Food CHI.
Garrison is now the NDP Critic for National Defence and for LGBTQ issues. In 2015 he was instrumental in fashioning the NDP’s response and critique of Bill C-51.
Sunday, September 18 ~ SOOKE. A medical doctor will be available at Edward Milne Community School one part-day per week, says Island Health. Dr Marni Brydon will also be available at the two other high schools in Sooke School District 62 (Belmont and Royal Bay).
A full wellness centre for youth opened at Belmont Secondary in Langford last week. On staff are the doctor, as well as nurses practitioners, public health nurses, counsellors and medical receptionist.
More on page 1 in the September 16, 2016 issue of West Shore Voice News.
Friday, September 16 ~ SOOKE. A high-impact, detailed session on electoral reform was delivered by Fair Vote Canada Vice-President David Merner on Thursday night, September 15 in Sooke.
Addressing a crowd of about 30 people in the theatre at EMCS school, Merner outlined the variations on proportional representation including single transferable vote and mixed member vote. There’s even a model that accommodates urban-rural mixes in large ridings.
Proportional representation is based on all votes contributing to who finally gets elected, sometimes being ranked in order by first, second and third choice. It would, in theory, force cooperation among elected leaders from a number of different parties.
However, some debate included a comment from the audience that cooperative politics may not produce the best policy results. He noted that the current first-past-the-post (winner take all) voting system produces governments that ultimately strive to please the electorate or they are ultimately voted out.
David Merner was the Liberal candidate in the federal election in 2015. His presentation last night included several references to how the Liberals would fair under proportional representation.
Another forum on electoral reform will be coming up on Saturday, September 24 at Belmont Secondary in Langford, sponsored by Alistair Macgregor, MP and Randall Garrison, MP (2 to 3:30 pm).
Thursday, September 15 ~ SOOKE. TELUS is sponsoring a free swim at SEAPARC Leisure Complex on Friday night, September 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Bring the whole family!
The whole Sooke community is invited to have a free swim courtesy of TELUS as part of their promotion of their new PureFibre network. And there will be free ice cream too! Info: www.telus.com/sooke
TELUS says that the new PureFibre name better reflects what they provide: 100% pure fibre, 100% of the time, direct to homes and businesses. “This means you can connect to our fastest and most reliable Internet (up to 150Mbps today), and our best Optik TV® experience.”
A fibre optic cable is made from flexible, transparent fibres of glass that are slightly thicker than a strand of hair. These fibres transmit data as pulses of light, which allows large amounts of information to be sent to your home or business at close to the speed of light.
Wednesday, September 14 ~ VICTORIA. As announced on May 4, the BC government is increasing the minimum wage in the province as of September 15, 2016.
The action will be taken in two stages beginning tomorrow, Thursday, September 15. The higher minimum wage is “to better reflect the province’s overall economic growth and ensure all workers benefit from BC’s thriving job market,” says a release today from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour.
The first increase – effective September 15 of this year – will be 40 cents and will bring the general minimum wage up to $10.85 per hour (and the liquor server minimum wage to $9.60). These new rates include the 10 cents scheduled for the 2015 Consumer Price Index (CPI), plus an additional 30 cents.
The second increase – effective September 15, 2017 – will be 30 cents plus an amount based on the 2016 CPI (currently estimated to be 10 cents) and will bring the general minimum wage rate to at least $11.25 (and the liquor server minimum wage to $10). The 2016 CPI will be available from Statistics Canada by March 2017.
The daily rate for live-in home support workers and live-in camp leaders, as well as the monthly rates for resident caretakers and farm worker piece rates (for harvesters of certain fruits and vegetables) will also increase proportionate to the general minimum hourly wage increases on the same dates.
A number of fact sheets for workers and employers have been updated to reflect the minimum wage increases, and are available on the Employment Standards Branch website, including:
* A Minimum Wage Factsheet available in six languages * Minimum Wage – Liquor Server * Commission Sales * Farm Labour Contractors (in 10 languages) * Farm Workers (in 10 languages) * Live-in Support Workers (in English and Filipino) * Guidelines for Motel and Campground Managers and Caretakers * Quick Reference Guide for Employers * Resident Caretakers * Restaurant Employees * Talent Agencies * Domestics Brochure * Guide to Employment Standards * Working in B.C. poster. The “Top 10 Things Employers Should Know” video, and the Interpretation
Guidelines Manual will also be updated Sept. 15, 2016.
For more information/resources for workers and employers in BC, visit the Employment Standards Branch website:
www.gov.bc.ca/EmploymentStandards/. Also see the May 4, 2016 minimum wage news release. | BC Jobs Plan | BC’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint | WorkBC
Monday, September 12 ~ SOOKE. Former Fire Chief Bill Stephenson passed away last night in hospital. Chief Stephenson was a well respected member of the fire department and within the community, having served the Sooke Fire Department for over 62 years. He retired from the Sooke Fire Department around 2009.
Sooke Fire Rescue Station #1 on Otter Point Road was named in honour of Fire Chief Stephenson and his contributions to the department.
“Chief Stephenson was a very special member of our community and he had a significant impact on the citizens of Sooke and specifically on the members of the Fire Department. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him,” said District of Sooke Mayor Maja Tait today.
Fire Chiefs have a wide impact on any community, reaching far beyond putting out fires. They have a broad impact on public safety and emergency preparedness. Today fire department rescue services including attending vehicle crash incidents and doing medical calls when BC Ambulance has not arrived yet or requires rescue-related assistance.
Flags were at half-mast today at Sooke municipal hall / Fire Hall, respecting the passing of former Fire Chief Bill Stephenson.
Monday, September 12 ~ SOOKE. The environmental initiatives of Zero Waste Sooke will be featured at the District of Sooke Committee of the Whole meeting tonight, 6 pm in Council Chambers.
Three active players from Zero Waste Sooke will make the presentation. Wendy O’Connor, Jo Phillips and Jeff Bateman will present a report based on an Open Space Symposium held by Zero Waste Sooke on April 17 at which about 50 people participated.
The group says that their priority recommendations to Council will be : a full-service waste recovery facility for Sooke; a local plastic bag reduction campaign led by a ban-the-bag initiative; and the installation of water fountains in key spots around town (including the town core at Evergreen mall, at John Phillips Memorial Park, Ed Macgregor Park, Sooke Flats campground, and Broomhill Park playground). Their full report is at www.zerowastesooke.ca
Friday, September 9 ~ SOOKE. Tomorrow is the first of two days of the 2016 Sooke Fall Fair. The 2016 Sooke Fall Fair is an agricultural showcase being held at Sooke Community Hall where preparations were very much underway today, both inside the hall and outside around the old community hall.
Displays of ribbon-winning produce and crafts will be open for public viewing on Saturday, September 10 from 1 to 6 pm. On Sunday, the main hall is open again 10 am to 5 pm.
The official opening ceremony with VIP speeches is at 2 pm on Saturday, September 10. Speakers include MLA John Horgan, MP Randall Garrison, Juan de Fuca Electorial Area Director Mike Hicks, and Sooke Mayor Maja Tait. Awards and recognition for various participants will be given out on Sunday, September 11 and 3:30 pm.
Family-fun events include pet parade, pony rides, pie-eating, Sookeini Race, tractor hay rides, music and food.
This year the Sooke Fall Fair recognizes the 2016 International Year of Pulses (peas, beans and lentils).
Catalog and details: www.sookefallfair.ca
Friday, September 9 ~ SOOKE [updated September 12]. There has been a 3-vehicle collision on Highway 14 (Sooke Road) this afternoon around 3pm, at Gillespie Road, east of Sooke. Four persons were taken to hospital. Damaged vehicles were removed and the road cleared by about 4:30 pm. Traffic backlog slowly cleared up to about 5:30 pm.
Traffic had been reduced to single lane alternating, with up to 30 minutes delay (last update on that was at 3:55 pm PDT). Reportedly traffic had been backed up as far toward Sooke as Saseenos Elementary School, and on the other side well into Langford.
“The Sooke Fire Department responded with eight personnel, two firetrucks and one traffic control vehicle,” says Sooke Interim Fire Chief Russ Cameron. The RCMP were first on the scene.
“Traffic was backed up for some distance with alternating traffic implemented when safe to do so,” says Chief Cameron. “Thanks goes out to the traveling public that were courteous and cooperative during this incident,” he says.
This is yet another traffic scenario on Highway 14 (Sooke Road) that demonstrates Sooke being a ‘one-road-in-one road-out’ community. Non-access to and from Sooke impacts people’s lives and the productivity of businesses on many levels.
Friday, September 9 ~ SHERINGHAM POINT [8:45 am]. The gate at the Sheringham Point Heritage Lighthouse site is currently closed today, as there are active bears at the site enjoying their breakfast at the apple tree.
Volunteers are monitoring the situation and will open the gate as soon as the bears vacate the site.
As always, when enjoying the passive park, please be aware that bears, cougars and other wild things are frequently present at the site. So please be careful and follow the simple rules at www.wildsafebc.com .
The non-profit organization Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society earlier this year achieved heritage status for the lighthouse. They are holding their AGM this weekend on Sunday, September 11 at SEAPARC, starting 2 pm. New members always welcome. www.sheringhamlighthouse.org
Thursday, September 8 ~ SOOKE. Progress continues with construction of the new stretch of sidewalk on West Coast Road just beyond Sooke town centre. Construction began right after Labour Day, extending the improved walkability from 6700-block West Coast Road where the Sooke main post office parking lot is, west over to Maple Avenue South.
The project was quoted at $73,900, according to the District of Sooke engineering department. While the project was mentioned at Sooke Council on August 29, no cost figures were given, or which part of the budget it was being paid from.
The new portion of sidewalk — less than 1 km in length — is costing approximately 10% more per sq m than the Grant Rd project. “That is due mostly to extra challenges related to working on the busy highway, such as extra traffic control, ease of access for machinery and trucks, and so on,” says Sooke engineering technologist Brian Derrick. “Being a raised sidewalk there is also slightly more base preparation necessary, which contributed to the slight increase in cost,” he told West Shore Voice News today.
“From a paving perspective, there aren’t really any specific challenges unique to the job. There is already a curb in place, with an existing gravel pathway on the sidewalk side, which makes it relatively simple to grade and prep the area for paving,” says Derrick.
From a drainage perspective, a long-standing issue is being addressed. There is a functional, but aging underground drainage system, with catch basins on the road side of the curb. In the past, water has been trapped on the sidewalk side of the curb, turning the gravel pathway into a small river. Construction this week will include using the grades of the new asphalt sidewalk to make sure that water makes it over the curb and into the catch basins.
Stretches of road construction are given priority based on a number of factors, such as direction from Mayor and Council, requests from the public, frequency of use, budgetary constraints, and relevance to the Official Community Plan (OCP). The section under construction this week seemed to surface out of nowhere. But apparently Sooke Council had expressed interest in pushing the sidewalk further down West Coast Road to connect to the Hope Centre and beyond, as it is a main thoroughfare for both pedestrians and motorists.
The District feels they are getting good value for the investment of taxpayer dollars, as there were few ancillary issues that need to be addressed. The project also fits within the OCP as a big step towards providing a pedestrian connection from town centre to the Whiffin Spit neighborhood and parks.
Perhaps this brings the District one step closer to installing traffic signals at West Coast Road and Maple Avenue South, something that has been on the books since at least 2008. Long traffic waits at that intersection, are made complex by left-turn traffic off Maple Avenue South to go eastbound onto West Coast Road, while vehicles may also be attempting to turn off of the lower oceanside portion of Maple Avenue South. Traffic flow can be heavy in both east and west directions on West Coast Road. School buses drop off children at the unsignalled West Coast Road and Maple intersection.
Tuesday, September 6 ~ Sooke. A 17-year-old passenger in a vehicle travelling on Highway 14 (Sooke Road) on Friday night, September 2 — who died in a crash that night at Sooke Road and Parklands (just east of the more populated Sooke area), is being grieved in the community of Sooke.
Carter Navarrete was a student at Edward Milne Community School in Sooke, dying just ahead of back-to-school.
Today Sooke Mayor Maja Tait, on behalf of Council, has extended sincere condolences to the families directly affected by the tragic motor vehicle incident. “Words cannot adequately express the grief and loss our community feels at this terrible time”, said Mayor Tait. “It will take time to get over the shock of losing someone so young with so much promise and my heart goes out to Carter’s parents and siblings”, added Mayor Tait.
Mayor and Council want to assure our community we are doing everything we can to address safety issues on Highway 14 and are in direct contact with the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We expect a preliminary report from the Ministry this October and will be sharing the results with the public shortly after staff receive it,” said Teresa Sullivan, Chief Administrative Officer, District of Sooke.
Carter was the only passenger. He had become trapped inside the vehicle. “Members of the Sooke Fire Department and BC Ambulance battled to save the passenger’s life, but sadly he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver was transported to hospital, with significant but non-life-threatening injuries,” says McArthur.
“The Sooke fire department wishes to express its condolences to the victims and families of this tragic motor vehicle incident,” says Russ Cameron, Interim Fire Chief, District of Sooke. The Sooke fire department responded to the incident and was on scene at 10:57 pm until 4:52 am on Saturday morning. “Resources were two trucks and 10 fire rescue members on scene,” says Cameron.
The cause of this accident is under investigation by Sooke Detachment RCMP, RCMP South Island Traffic Services, and the BC Coroner’s Service.
Tuesday, September 6 ~ Sooke. Electoral reform is something not everyone thinks about, but it affects everyone. Here are some in-person opportunities to hear the details (see four meeting dates below). After all, Canada may shift from first-past-the-post to some version of proportional representation before the next federal election. This is big.
- SEPT 7 – Alistair MacGregor, MP (Cowichan-Malahat-Langford) will host a town hall meeting on electoral reform on Wednesday, Sept 7 at Vancouver Island University, Cowichan Campus, 2011 University Way, in Duncan. Guest panelists will be Professor Mark Williams, VIU Political Studies Department and Terry Dance-Bennick, Fair Vote Canada. Starts 6 pm (to 7:30 pm).
- SEPT 15 – Fair Vote Canada Acting President David Merner will host a town hall on electoral reform in Sooke. That public meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept 15 at EMCS, 6218 Sooke Rd, 7 to 9 pm. The meeting is sponsored in part by Transition Sooke and will be moderated by Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.
- SEPT 24 – In the west shore on Saturday, Sept 24 MP’s Randall Garrison (Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke) and Alistair MacGregor (Cowichan-Malahat-Langford) will host a West Shore Town Hall about electoral reform. Guest speaker Terry Dance-Bennick of Fair Vote Canada. This meeting will be held at Belmont Secondary in Langford from 2 to 3:30 pm.
- SEPT 27 – A Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform will be held on Tuesday, Sept 27 in Victoria. Apparently there will be a rally shortly ahead of the meeting. Time and place tba.
Tuesday, September 6 ~ WEST SHORE. First day back to school in Sooke School District 62 (SD62) for public schools in Langford, Colwood and Sooke. Check www.sd62.bc.cafor details about schedules for each school.
About 300 more students are enrolled in SD62 schools this fall compared to last year’s start of the school year.
Issues about school bus fee refunds are being sorted out by SD62 senior staff and at the SD62 board level. Public input is invited at the Education Committee of the Whole (ECOW) meeting on Tuesday September 13 at the board office.
Because the BC Ministry of Education’s directive is that bus fees be covered for students that are attending in-catchment schools, some sorting needs to be done by SD62 — some students attend schools outside their catchment area in order to have access to certain classes or because the school(s) in their catchment area are full. A final decision on bus fee refunds is scheduled for the September 27 SD62 board meeting.
If all bus fees are refunded, the board projects at $115,000 shortfall in their budget. Because public school boards in BC must maintain balanced budget, the SD62 board would then need to take funds out of something else in the budget, said Bob Phillips, SD62 Chair, at the August 30 SD62 board meeting. He itemized the possibilities as an instructor salary, support staff hours, or an educational assistant.
Saturday, September 3 ~ SOOKE. Last night a 17-year-old teen from Sooke died in a car crash on Sooke Road (Hwy 14). He was a passenger in a vehicle that overturned. “It was a very tragic accident,” says Sooke RCMP Detachment Commander Jeff McArthur.
At 10:45 pm members of Sooke RCMP Detachment responded to a report of a single vehicle motor vehicle accident on Sooke Road at Parkland Road, says McArthur. The incident report includes that the red Acura car had left the roadway, overturned, and had come to rest upside-down in a wooded area near the roadway. The male driver was outside the vehicle and was injured.
There was one passenger, and that person was trapped inside the vehicle. “Members of the Sooke Fire Department and BC Ambulance battled to save the passenger’s life, but sadly he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver was transported to hospital, with significant but non-life-threatening injuries,” says McArthur.
The cause of this accident is under investigation by Sooke Detachment RCMP, RCMP South Island Traffic Services, and the BC Coroner’s Service.
The name of the deceased young man has not yet been released, or whether he was a student at the local Edward Milne Community School.
Friday, September 2 ~ LANGFORD. WestShore RCMP Detachment Commander S/Sgt Steve Wright has retired after 35 years service.
His last day was September 1 at the Westshore Detachment, after serving there 2.5 years. That was his sixth assignment in a 35-year career.
Steve and his wife Ailsa presently live in Sooke and plan to continue into retirement there.
See our feature about S/Sgt Wright’s years of service in Sooke (2009-2014) and his overall approach to policing: page 3 in the September 2, 2016 issue of West Shore Voice News.
Thursday, September 1 ~ SOOKE. Throughout the Coastal Fire Centre today, September 1, at noon, campfires and Category 3 open fires are once again be permitted.
In BC, each municipality with a fire department can designate their own prohibitions and timelines.
The campfire ban has been lifted in Sooke today and the fire danger rating is now set at Moderate, says Interim Fire Chief Russ Cameron.
Thursday, September 1 ~ SOOKE. The annual Sooke Fall Fair is coming up next weekend, September 10 & 11 at Sooke Community Hall. The agricultural fair is an opportunity to see ribbon-winning produce and hand made crafts. Many people have already submitted early entries to the various competition categories; the deadline for entries is Wednesday, September 7 (submit entry forms in the drop-box at Shoppers Drug Mart in Sooke by 5 pm).
The opening ceremony with VIP speeches will be at 2 pm on Saturday, September 10. Speakers include John Horgan, MLA; Randall Garrison, MP; Juan de Fuca Director Mike Hicks; and Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.
For kids and families there will be the popular pet parade and Sookeini Race. And there will be several pie-eating contests!
The Sooke Fall Fair organization operates year-round doing monthly markets and other fundraising activities to help support the free-admission fair every September.
This year’s theme is to support the United Nations International Year of Pulses. Pulses — beans, peas and lentils — are growing in importance as a world-wide food source and market-trade product. Pulses offer a low-cost option for protein in the human diet. They are easy to store and cook.
Wednesday, August 31 ~ A head-on motor vehicle accident (MVI) has occurred at the intersection of Gillespie Road and Highway 14 (Sooke Rd around 5100 block) mid-morning today, August 31. The road was closed to through-traffic (re-opening time not yet known).
“At this point in the investigation it appears a westbound vehicle crossed the center line and collided with vehicle that was eastbound,” says Sooke RCMP Detachment Commander Jeff McArthur.
“Both vehicles had only the driver as sole occupant, and both driver’s received, fortunately, only minor injuries. Alcohol, drugs, or anything criminal was not a factor in the incident,” says McArthur.
Sooke RCMP wish to remind the public that following very dry weather, that roads have become extremely slippery now after a bit of rain.
Tuesday, August 30 ~ WEST SHORE. Four more portable classrooms are being set up at Royal Bay Secondary School in Colwood, to accommodate a student increase. The new school opened in September 2015, and only one year later has surpassed its 800-student capacity.
Sooke School District (SD62) Superintendent Jim Cambridge explains that funding for schools is provided as increased enrolment is proven. In anticipation of student population growth, Royal Bay was constructed with an expansion in mind.
SD62 which delivers public education to families in the Langford, Colwood and Sooke areas will see about 300 to 500 more students per year over the next few years. This is largely due to a greater influx of residents to the west shore area where housing prices are lower compared to the core areas of Greater Victoria. In Colwood, the Royal Bay development will see 17,000 more people moving into the area by 2025.
At a board meeting tonight, SD62 Trustees and senior staff will grapple with the specifics and practical ramifications of changing from a fee-based school bus service, to one that is supported by BC Government funding. Of the $14.7 million that was announced by BC Education Minister Mike Bernier earlier this month, $358,365 is earmarked for SD62. The caveat is that there should be no bus fees for students attending schools in their catchment areas. But in SD62 due to high school cross-school course offerings and general overcrowding (about 22 to 23 of 26 schools are full), students are frequently not attending in their catchment area.
Most parents are expecting a bus fee refund in September, but SD62 said last week that any previously authorized automatic payments will be processed September 1, and that refunds will begin once funds are actually received from the BC Ministry of Education (likely toward the end of September or even into October).
Tuesday, August 30 ~ SOOKE. Enough had accumulated for the attention of Sooke Council that a Special Meeting was called for Monday night, August 29. It was a pretty full agenda, covering an upcoming community activity, another sidewalk installation, development permit procedures, collecting tax arrears from mobile home owners, and dealing with medical marijuana dispensary issues.
The Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS) got approval from Council for $300, as part of a $4,000 budget to put on their 2nd annual Wadams Way Fun Run & Ride on September 24. The event this year will be a collaboration with the District of Sooke to officially open the newly upgraded John Phillips Memorial Park Loop Trail. In her presentation, SFRS rep Nicky Logins indicated that SFRS aims to make this an ongoing activity, with more emphasis on fun and activity than the actual length of the runs as was the case in previous years. It is an opportunity for the organization to promote their services that support families.
A new stretch of paved sidewalk will soon be installed on West Coast Road between the Hope Centre (just west of the Main Sooke Post Office) west to Maple Avenue South. Anything west of that (toward the Prestige hotel), would present ditch-widening challenges, explained Rob Howat, Director of Development Services.
Several members of Council appreciated receiving in-depth information about the regulation of medical marijuana, as there is already a prominent medical marijuana retail outlet in Sooke town centre, ahead of legislation that the federal government is preparing to execute. The presentation was made by Sooke resident Ekaterina Karassev. Councillor Parkinson felt that until dispensaries are legal, that they shouldn’t be operating in the District of Sooke. Councillor Rick Kasper said he hopes the federal legislation (targeted for passing by Fall 2017) should come sooner than later. Councillor Kerrie Reay said she appreciated the presentation because “people have varying opinions” and the material presented was helpful to all. Mayor Maja Tait said the topic of medical marijuana dispensaries and related issues are likely to be discussed at the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention in Victoria toward the end of September.
Mayor Tait said she will deliver her summer report at the September 10 meeting of Sooke Council.
Councillor Rick Kasper — who has represented Sooke on the CRD board since December 2015 while Mayor Tait has been on maternity leave and then with the Mayor’s preference that Councillor Kasper to maintain continuity up to September 1, 2016 gave a verbal update on CRD issues.
- He itemized that he has attended 60 meetings at the CRD level (including the main board, hospital board, water board and SEAPARC). Kasper reported that the CRD gives formal recognition that their meetings are held on First Nations Territory, and asked Sooke Council to consider that, saying “it’s an acceptable practice”. Mayor Tait spoke in favour of it.
- Councillor Kasper also explored some of the issues surrounding the handling of biosolids in the waste management services provided on the Saanich Peninsula, including a pilot project where kitchen scraps are mixed to provide a soil product. But he added that it’s been difficult to deal with the product of that in an acceptable manner, especially where food is grown. Sooke currently transports biosolids from the waste treatment plant at Sooke Harbour, to the Hartland Landfill.
- Kasper reported that the CRD continues with its Regional Growth Strategy public input process, with more input still to come in what he described as a “public-heavy process”.
- And when it comes to Transportation grants from the federal government, Kasper briefly outlined what has been in the wider news stream — that the Greater Victoria area is very likely missing out on the level of grants being received by bigger cities, because the CRD is not recognized as a municipality. CRD Chair Barb Desjardins has pitched for CRD to be recognized among the larger metropolitan cities when it comes to the federal infrastructure grants.
Councillor Brenda Parkinson did not afterall give a report to pitch for attending the BC Communities in Bloom conference, where awards are give in out to winning participants from around the province. It turns out that the CiB conference timing would conflict with the UBCM convention that Parkinson had already planned to attend. All of Sooke Mayor and Council be attending UBCM Sept 26 to 30 in Victoria.
Council began tackling a hot taxation topic. Apparently 30 mobile home residents (previously 36) are behind on their property taxes, currently totalling to $48,952.90. It’s an amount worth chasing down. But due to a regulatory wrinkle, those property owners cannot see their properties sent to tax sale for collection of the arrears, as overall trailer park properties are owned as a conglomerate by usually one owner. Residents of mobile homes may be owners or tenants. Sooke Council began grappling with the various options that were presented to them in a report that had been based on figures prepared by Director of Financial Services Brent Blackhall. Likely many of those with mobile home tax arrears are in financial distress, with bigger issues at play. As a tax sale of a delinquent property is not possible under current BC legislation, In the past, the District of Sooke has attempted to seek other remedies. The options provided to Council in an executive summary from Sooke Chief Administrative Officer Teresa Sullivan provided a range of remedies from within the legislation:
- The District could seize and sell the mobile home owner’s goods and chattels in order to recover the taxes due. Mayor Tait expressed extreme discomfort with this option.
- Or, the District could register a lien on each of the delinquent mobile home owners’ properties. Financial Services Director Blackhall expressed how easily and quickly this could be done, suggesting this as a minimum action to be taken. Therefore, if any delinquent mobile home were to be sold ‘in the traditional way’, the District would be able to recoup the tax arrears.
- Or, the District could file a certificate in Supreme Court that could lead to garnishment and execution against real and personal property.
Council debate all this for a while, then decided to send it all back to staff. CAO Terera Sullivan heard the complexity of the discussion and offered to reflect of it in a followup report to Council.
On the matter of development permits, a report from staff suggested that developments of up to 25 housing units could be handled by staff without going before Council. That would be a way to expedite the business timeline for developers. Councillors Kasper, Pearson, Berger and others expressed concern about that not easily allowing for public input as part of the regular process. Sullivan assured Council that any phased project (several units built at at time, with more to follow with in the same project) would definitely come before Council. Pearson noted that providing affordable housing in Sooke is a high priority, given the low vacancy rates in nearby Victoria, sending people to the western communities for less costly housing options. The report was sent back to staff.
Considering the range of items handled, the 7 pm meeting adjourned rather early, at 8:40 pm.
Monday, August 29 ~ VANCOUVER ISLAND – Effective at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, campfires will once again be allowed throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, except on the southern third of Vancouver Island within the South Island Natural Resource District.
So that still doesn’t let the Greater Victoria area, Sooke to Port Renfrew and the southeast side of the island off the hook.
Earlier this month a ban on campfires and open burning was put into effect for all of Vancouver Island (except the fog zone), in effect to October 21.
To help protect public safety, campfires remain prohibited in areas south of Hindoo Creek (just north of Buckley Bay), and south of Strathcona Park and Nootka Sound. However, campfires are still permitted within the “Fog Zone” – a band of land two km wide that runs from Owen Point near Port Renfrew to the district boundary of Port Hardy.
The Lower Mainland and the northern two-thirds of Vancouver Island received rain over the weekend, and much of it fell in areas where the campfire ban is being lifted. More rain is in the forecast, so members of the public are encouraged to visit: www.bcwildfire.ca to get the latest information about open fire prohibitions in their area.
The existing Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions within the Coastal Fire Centre remain in place. Category 2 open fires are not permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdictional area. Category 3 open fires are only permitted within Haida Gwaii.
- A map showing all current prohibitions in the affected areas is online at: http://ow.ly/ns2Y303Hppw
- A poster explaining the different categories of open fires is online at: http://ow.ly/jdO5301kS32
The use of fireworks, firecrackers, sky lanterns, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description, or the use of binary exploding targets, is also prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdictional area.
Monday, August 29 ~ SOOKE. Summertime just couldn’t last long enough. Enough had accumulated for the attention of Sooke Council that a Special Meeting has been called for tonight, August 29 [7 pm, council chambers, webcast at www.sooke.ca ]
One item appears to have pushed the urgency of the agenda. A pitch from the Sooke Family Resource Society will ask Council for $300, as part of a $4,000 budget to put on the 2nd annual Wadams Way Fun Run & Ride on September 24. The event this year will be a collaboration with the District of Sooke to officially open the newly upgraded John Phillips Memorial Park Loop Trail.
Another item of prominence due to a highly visible medical marijuana dispensary in Sooke town centre, is a presentation on the regulation of medical marijuana dispensaries. A 262-page document is available online with the August 29 agenda. There are 34 licenced producers of medical marijuana products in Canada, with 19 of those in Ontario, eight in BC, two in Saskatchewan, one in each of Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick and PEI.
Tonight’s meeting will be a chance for Mayor and Council to give verbal reports about their summer. Councillor Rick Kasper — who sits on the CRD board representing the District of Sooke — will give a verbal update on CRD issues. Councillor Brenda Parkinson will give a report on the BC Communities in Bloom conference, where awards are give in out to winning participants from around the province.
Tonight Council will discuss a hot taxation topic. Apparently 36 mobile home residents are behind on their property taxes. Due to a regulatory wrinkle, those property owners cannot see their properties sent to tax sale for collection of the arrears, as the overall property is owned by one owner. Sooke Council will show their character in making a decision on this, as with this many properties owners in financial distress, obviously there are bigger issues at play. In the past, the District of Sooke has attempted to seek other remedies. The options provided to Council in an executive summary from Sooke Chief Administrative Officer Teresa Sullivan provide a range of remedies from BC Legislation. The District could seize and sell the mobile home owner’s goods and chattels in order to recover the taxes due. Or, the District could register a lien on each of the delinquent mobile home owners’ properties. Or, the District could file a certificate in Supreme Court that could lead to garnishment and execution against real and personal property.
The Public Hearing for 6038 Sooke Road as previously scheduled for tonight’s meeting will been cancelled for tonight. A portion of the property was being considered for operation of a licensed childcare facility.
Monday, August 29 ~ NATIONAL. Good news for Shoppers Drug Mart customers across Canada! The Shoppers Optimum Points system is working again!
About 60 TB of information representing about 30,000 points-transactions between Aug 5 and 15 needed to be manually re-input into the system over the past few weeks. That process continues for a few more days (about 2 MB of data is entered daily). Otherwise, all new transactions at the checkout are being properly recorded now.
But if your balance still seems out of whack still, you can phone the Shoppers Optimum information line at 1-800-746-7737 for specific details; have your Optimum Card number handy.
Friday, August 26 ~ SOOKE. Young entrepreneurs will get a chance to try their hand at a bit of local commerce at the Shop N Swap market tomorrow Saturday August 27 at Sooke Community Hall, 9:30 am to 2 pm.
The pop-up market has been organized by the Sooke Fall Fair.
Also tomorrow, anyone who has submitted an early entry to the main Sooke Fall Fair (being held September 10 & 11), can pick up their entry tags at Sooke Community Hall, 9:30-2.
The annual Sooke Fall Fair on the full weekend of September 10 & 11 will feature the usual range of fun family activities including pet parade, the Great Sookeini Race, pie-eating contests, and more.
Thursday, August 25, 2016 ~ SOOKE. It struck a wrong chord this spring when the District of Sooke decided to start charging hefty fees for providing printed copies of formal meeting agendas to the public, including media.
In a decision announced with a short simple statement on the www.sooke.ca website today, the municipality has reversed its decision. No reason or explanation was given for the change of heart.
Printed agendas for council and committee meetings will once again be available to the public at no cost — but only upon request.
A print copy will be available for viewing at the District office ahead of the meeting, once it’s been posted on the municipality’s website.
Agendas have for years been posted online. Meetings have been webcasted live for the last few years.
Thursday, August 25 ~ VANCOUVER ISLAND. High temperatures have prompted WorkSafeBC to issue a heat stress alert for Vancouver Island. WorkSafeBC said in a release today that with high temperatures forecast for much of Vancouver Island, employers and workers will have an increased risk of developing symptoms of heat stress and heat stroke.
Last year, 24 workers in BC lost days at work because of heat stress related injuries, four of which were on Vancouver Island. This is an increase from the historical average of 19 heat stress injuries in BC annually.
“In 2015, the majority of workers who suffered heat stress related injuries were in the construction sector, followed closely by primary resources and manufacturing,” says Mike Ross, WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Field Services Manager, Victoria. “We need to remember – everyone working in hot conditions is potentially at risk.”
Heat stress occurs when your internal temperature increases faster than the body can cool itself. Symptoms include excess sweating, dizziness and nausea. If not addressed quickly, additional symptoms such as heat cramps, or potentially lethal heat stroke can rapidly develop.
Prevention of Heat Stress:
• Drink plenty of water (one glass every 20 minutes)
• Wear light-coloured, loose fitting clothing made of breathable fabric
• Take rest breaks in a cool well ventilated area
• Do the hardest physical work during the coolest parts of the day
• Know your personal risk factors: medications, skin disorders, sleep deprivation, poor physical fitness, pre-existing medical conditions
• Know the signs and symptoms
WorkSafeBC requires employers to conduct heat stress assessments. As appropriate, employers must have a heat stress mitigation plan which provides education and training in recognizing the symptoms of heat stress and heat stroke. Workers are required to participate in monitoring conditions, and checking co-workers for symptoms.
Employers and workers can go to: Preventing Heat Stress at Work or contact the WorkSafeBC Prevention Line with questions or concerns: 1 888 621-7233.
Workers and employers can learn more about heat stress and sun safety at work on WorkSafeBC’s YouTube channel.
Thursday, August 25 ~ SOOKE / METCHOSIN. DriveBC reported yesterday that Highway 14 (Sooke Road) at Connie Rd was closed in both directions due to multi-vehicle incident around 4pm, but with single-lane alternating traffic loosening up around 4:45 pm to about 6 pm.
The impacted stretch of Sooke Road was from Gillespie Rd, east of Sooke to Kangaroo Road in Metchosin (2.7 km). [This was posted in real-time yesteday.]
“It was a 4-vehicle rear-end incident. One vehicle that was heading into Sooke stopped on Sooke Rd to turn left on to Connie Rd. It was rear-ended in the chain reaction. There were no injuries, and no passengers involved,” says Sooke Acting Fire Chief Matt Barney.
Two of the vehicles were driveable, and two required towing. Sooke Fire conducted traffic control and cleaned up debris and fluids until vehicles were towed from the scene.
Wednesday, August 24 ~ SOOKE. The highly popular annual Beach Art event is coming up on Saturday, September 3.
Come as you are, and create art using only what you find on the beach at Whiffin Spit. Registration starts at 11am, with judging starting at 2 pm. Winners to be announced at 3 pm that day.
Organized by the Sooke Community Arts Council, the event usually ran on the same weekend as the Sooke Fall Fair. But to avoid spreading volunteers too thin, Beach Art is being held this year on the Labour Day Weekend.
There’s no fee to participate. Cookies on sale will see all those proceeds go to the Sooke Food Bank. The concession will be operated by Sooke Harbourside Lions.
A fun activity to share with family and friends. Another way that art becomes entwined with community spirit in art-friendly Sooke.
Tuesday, August 23. The District of Sooke thanks the concerned citizen who returned a piece of public art to the Municipal Hall on Monday morning, August 22.
The “Mariner Man” statue, that stands watch over the public parking lot at Horne Road and Murray Road, had been damaged this past weekend. Mariner Man will be repaired and will return to his post shortly, peering out to sea over the Sooke Marine boardwalk and Rotary Pier.
Mariner Man was donated to the District of Sooke by the Sooke Regional Historical Society and was installed as public art as a part of the “Sooke Spirit Square Project” in 2009.
The Spirit Square project created a central outdoor, open space in Ed Macgregor Park that is accessible to all members of the community year-round and linked the park by sidewalks and trails to the Sooke Marine boardwalk [photo], Murray Road and West Coast Road.
Tuesday, August 23 ~ NATIONAL. Retail giant Shoppers Drug Mart (owned by Loblaw) continues to experience issues with its Optimum Points loyalty points system.Billions of individual customer transactions that have accumulated point-of-sale Optimum points are now being entered manually into a new computer system.
This message to customers is posted on the Shoppers Drug Mart website: “We are currently experiencing a service interruption that is impacting Optimum point balances. We apologize for the inconvenience. We are working to have this resolved as soon as possible and appreciate your patience during this time.”
From August 5 to 15, points from store transactions were not being updated properly. Starting August 16 points were not being seen by the main system. By August 19 the reason for the IT system failure was determined and now “progress is being made”, according to one company official. “We can see the balances, and totals will be rectified very soon, as points are entered into the system.”
In recent years, the Shoppers Optimum Points system has become an economy unto itself, upon which people may well depend upon to help stretch the grocery budget. When certain points levels are achieved, the points may be redeemed as a credit toward a next purchase. For example, redemption of 22,000 points produces a $30 discount on your next purchase; redemption of 38,000 points produces a $60 discount; 50,000 points produces $85 and 95,000 points produce a $170 discount on a purchase of that amount or more. Even just 8,000 points can be redeemed for $10, which for some families in hard times is a welcome bit of extra shopping-day support.
The problem seems to be a highly outdated computer system that became overwhelmed by the increasingly complex digital-coupon offering that was rolled out last year. Leaving customers without rectification of their points for now 18 days and counting, is likely not good news for individual stores. Customers may be postponing purchases until the computerized points tallying is functioning properly again.
One store manager (in Sooke) advises that customers hold onto their receipts, and check with the Shoppers Optimum support centre in Toronto to determine how things are lining up. The contact number of Shoppers Optimum is 1-800-746-7737.
Friday, August 19 ~ SOOKE. The temperature reached 33°C in Sooke yesterday and again today. In recent days NASA announced that July 2016 was the hottest July on record since 1880, and in fact was the hottest month ever since weather records have been recorded in the past 136 years.
The August 19 HOT DRY WEATHER issue of West Shore Voice News included an editorial on adjusting to environmental change.
Page 1 in this weekend’s issue includes a recap of BC NDP Leader John Horgan’s BBQ – a soft-launch of his campaign for the May 2017 provincial election in his home riding here in Langford-Juan de Fuca. The riding was formerly called just Juan de Fuca. The newly boundaried riding includes Langford, Highlands, Sooke, East Sooke, and the Juan de Fuca area up to Port Renfrew but no longer includes Metchosin.
Also, see page 3 for an article about the Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum Points computer system problems, and an article about the new owners at Peoples Drug Mart (Sooke).
Lots of events for August 20 and 21 are listed on page 4. Have a super weekend!
Wednesday, August 17 ~ VICTORIA. BC’s Liquor Distribution Branch reminds British Columbians and visitors that they should avoid any risky or dangerous physical activity when drinking alcohol and remember that spending time in the sun and on the water can accelerate intoxication.
In BC, 48 people die and 160 are hospitalized with injuries on average each year due to water activities and of those, 42% are alcohol-related. Half of these deaths and hospitalizations take place between June and August. As well, they note that alcohol is a contributing factor in 25% of all deaths involving injury in BC, with the highest number occurring in the months of July and August.
Driving any type of motor vehicle while intoxicated – whether on the road, on the water or on a trail – is illegal and can have deadly consequences. According to ICBC, nearly half of all of BC’s impaired driving fatalities happen during the summer months (June to September).
This month, BC Liquor Stores are reminding British Columbians that if your plans include drinking, they must not include driving. The campaign includes in-store decals and posters urging people to think before you drink and stay safe on the road.
Monday, August 15 ~ VICTORIA. The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a woman who died following a fall at the Sooke Potholes Regional Park on Saturday August 13, 2016. She was Alysha Buzzeo, age 28, of Sooke.
On the evening of August 13 Ms Buzzeo and her spouse were sitting on a rocky ledge, covered with dry grass and moss, overlooking the Sooke Potholes. “Ms Buzzeo got to her feet, lost her footing, and fell about 12 metres to the rocks below. She was deceased at the scene,” says the BC Coroner today.
The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death. The family of Ms. Buzzeo has been notified of her death.
Attending the accident scene on Saturday night were RCMP, BC Ambulance, and the Sooke Fire Dept assisted by the Metchosin Fire Department, says Sooke’s Interim Fire Chief Russ Cameron. Metchosin Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop explains that a trained four-person rope-climbing team was dispatched to the scene.
Sooke Fire Rescue received a rescue request at 8:20 pm that night, for a person who had fallen off a cliff near the upper parking lot at Sooke Potholes. “Upon arrival Fire Rescue was advised by RCMP and BC Ambulance service that the person had expired and no rescue was required or initiated,” says Cameron. “Sooke Fire Rescue stayed on scene until the arrival of the BC Coroners Service and until such time that we were directed to recover and remove the deceased.”
“Condolences go out to the family of the victim,” says Interim Chief Cameron. “Mayor and Council wish to offer their sincere condolences to the family of the deceased,” said Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.
The Sooke Potholes recreational wilderness park is owned by the Capital Regional District (CRD). This summer the camping facility there is being operated by T’Sou-ke Nation.
August 14, 2016 ~ SOOKE. Right down to the orange stripes on his brand new runners, John Horgan, MLA (Langford-Juan de Fuca) has begun the countdown to the NDP success that he’s counting on in the May 2017 provincial election.
The BC NDP Leader and Leader of the Official Opposition addressed a crowd of over 100 people at his annual summer BBQ in Sooke this afternoon. The weather was warm and bright with a light breeze, and the political enthusiasm was already starting to mount.
For Horgan, overall the reason people will want to vote NDP is because the BC NDP believes in “reducing barriers for people in this province, not creating more,” he told West Shore Voice News. Horgan says the BC Liberals in the last 15 years have been making it harder for working people to achieve educational and financial goals.
Horgan was first elected to the BC Legislature in 2005 when the riding was called Malahat-Juan de Fuca, and then in 2009 and again in 2013 when the riding was called simply Juan de Fuca. With the riding becoming Langford-Juan de Fuca for the 2017 election, Horgan loses a chunk of voters from the primarily rural Metchosin area.
Education was top of mind for Horgan today, given his long-standing belief that education is the great equalizer but also in the wake of the BC Liberals providing provincial funding to school boards across BC this past week, to help fund school bus fees for parents and families. Among those attending the BBQ today were SD62 School Board Chair Bob Philips and SD62 Trustee Neil Poirier, and District of Sooke Councillor Brenda Parkinson.
Sunday, August 14 ~ SOOKE. Last night there was a fatality at Sooke Potholes. Attending the scene were RCMP, BC Ambulance, and the Sooke Fire Dept assisted by the Metchosin Fire Department, says Sooke’s Interim Fire Chief Russ Cameron.
Sooke Fire Rescue received a request at 8:20 pm last night for a rescue of a person who had fallen off a cliff near the upper parking lot at Sooke Potholes. “Upon arrival Fire Rescue was advised by RCMP and BC Ambulance service that the person had expired and no rescue was required or initiated,” says Cameron. “Sooke Fire Rescue stayed on scene until the arrival of the BC Coroners Service and until such time that we were directed to recover and remove the deceased.”
Sooke RCMP are currently investigating the incident.
“Condolences go out to the family of the victim,” says Interim Chief Cameron. “Mayor and Council wish to offer their sincere condolences to the family of the deceased,” said Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.
So far, the person has not been identified. Neither is it known yet whether the person was local or a visitor or tourist.
The Sooke Potholes recreational wilderness park is owned by the Capital Regional District (CRD). This summer the camping facility there is being operated by T’Sou-ke Nation.
Friday, August 12 ~ SOOKE. Every year in August, local MLA John Horgan holds a summer community BBQ at Sooke Flats.This year the free burgers-and-hot dogs event is on Sunday, August 14 from 12 noon to 2 pm. Everyone is welcome.
The event is hosted by the newly named Langford-Juan de Fuca BC NDP Constituency Association, in response to the name-change of the riding in which Horgan will be running again in May 2017. The former Juan de Fuca riding is now called Langford-Juan de Fuca.
The BBQ is usually a good place to spot and chat with NDP politicians of many levels, and their long-time supporters. Usually some very nice salads and other foods are available along with the burgers and hot dogs. There is also MLA birthday cake to be enjoyed!
There is ample parking on the grounds of the Sooke River Campground (Sooke Flats).
Thursday, August 11 ~ SOOKE. Kelz Sweet & Savory Bake Shop is celebrating three years in business! This weekend owners Kelly and Yvonne are heading off to a family reunion. The shop will be closed August 12 to 15, opening again on Tuesday, August 16.
Kelz has become a solid business operation based on quality in-house bakery products, and hosting a comfy space for locals and tourists to pause for a tasty treat and coffee. Groups often book a few tables to hold meetings. The location in Cedar Grove Mall on West Coast Road in Sooke town centre (next to Peoples Drug Mart) is also a plus.
They bake a lot of cakes, especially for birthdays and weddings. Lately some Pokemon GO fans got a birthday cake featuring the little yellow virtual rodent called Pikachu.
Collectively, Kelly and Yvonne have 55 years experience in the baking and bakery retail industry.
Friday, August 5 ~ SOOKE. The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce will end its agreement with the District of Sooke. In a news release issued this afternoon, August 5, to Chamber members, the business community and Sooke taxpayers, Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce President Kerry Cavers said that directors present at the July 2016 board meeting voted to end the Community Service Agreement with the District of Sooke.
The Chamber wishes to focus on its four core purposes, which it lists as:
• To be a supportive resource for local businesses to achieve greater success;
• To foster positive business relationships with the community;
• To constructively influence public policy and governments in supporting free enterprise;
• To facilitate new economic development opportunities.
Over the last 3.5 years the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce says it has held their fee for service agreement with the District of Sooke to undertake economic development for Sooke. Each year the Chamber has received $28,150, roughly half of its budget, to:
• Identify, attract and pursue new economic ventures and business investment opportunities in the Sooke area, in order to broaden the commercial and industrial tax base of the district;
• actively promote the economic opportunity of the Sooke area in other regions in order to attract new investment;
• provide business information for the District to attract new economic development opportunities;
Consistent with the main principles above, the Chamber executed those activities, as budget dictated, which included but was not limited to the following:
• Provide information to potential investors and help match investors with local investment opportunities.
• Participate, as budget permits, in external and regional marketing initiatives to attract new business ventures and capital to the Sooke area, after receiving approval of the District.
• Provide a referral service to federal, provincial, and municipal officials and community organizations.
“In that time, the Chamber successfully implemented and developed many economic development initiatives including the Town Centre Design Guidelines, the Newcomer’s Club and the Resident Relocation package. We held a successful Economic Development Symposium last fall that brought many of the key stakeholders of the Sooke Region together and we have continued the collaborative discussions throughout this year,” says Cavers.
“However, in this process, it has become clear the Chamber is ill-equipped to be the lead driver of economic development in Sooke. In our research, we have found the average salary of an Economic Development Officer (EDO) to range from $65,000 to $100,000 per year for areas similar in size, economic maturity, and scope of need. They then have budgets ranging from $50,000 upwards of $250,000 per year to execute an economic development plan. As a group of volunteers with limited time and resources, the Chamber Board is not in a position to be the originator of a comprehensive economic development plan that sufficiently meets the needs of the rapidly developing Sooke Region,” says Cavers on behalf of her Board.
The new release continues: “While the Community Service Agreement was an adequate solution to address Sooke’s economic development requirements in a depressed economy, the Chamber Board of Directors believe it is time for the assistance of a dedicated professional or group that has the knowledge and expertise to justly guide and shape the development of our beloved town. Sooke is at a critical point in its growth and in order to successfully advance in a manner consistent with its small town charm and character the Chamber is proactively removing itself from this relationship with the District. Although the Chamber and its members have greatly benefited from this service agreement we feel ending it emphasizes our support of a complete economic development strategy. Effective immediately, the Chamber is ending its Community Service Agreement and requests the remaining funds from 2016 and 2017 be re-allocated towards membership with the South Island Prosperity Project (formally known as YYJ Prosperity project) and retaining the services of an EDO or Economic Development Consultant.”
“In its realignment of priorities, the Chamber will be cancelling its involvement with the following initiatives set to take place in the balance of this year: Sooke Sunday Car Lot, Chamber Golf Tournament, Sooke Santa Parade, and the Sooke Salmon Festival. The Board of Directors will use its best efforts to find other more appropriate groups to take over these events.”
“It is our intention that through this action the Chamber will become a better advocate and resource for our existing members and encourage greater involvement from the business community as a whole. It is our hope that terminating this fee for service agreement with the District helps the greater community of Sooke.”
“In the coming weeks we will be reaching out to our members to reconnect, listen, and learn,” says Cavers. In the meantime, the chamber welcomes suggestions on how they can best support the businesses of Sooke. Comments may be sent to President@SookeRegionChamber.com .
In an interview with West Shore Voice News on August 5, Sooke Mayor Maja Tait said it’s probably time for the municipality to hire its own Economic Development Officer. She chaired the District’s economic development committee during 2011-2012 and also the Promote Sooke Task Force 2013-2014. In 2013, regional economic development promotional responsibilities were shifted over to the Chamber for about $28,150 per year.
Thursday, August 4 ~ SOOKE. Art in the Park is coming up next weekend, for one full fun day on Saturday, August 13.
Lots of art and collectibles for sale, food on site, live music and entertainment, a magician on stage and a clown too! A balloon-master will be wandering about! Take part in a live paint-in!
It’s a celebration of arts and crafts, literary and performance arts. Fun for all ages! Live Paint-ins guided by local artist Linda Gordon will happen at 1pm and 3 pm (register from 12 to 12:30 pm at the Sooke Community Art Council’s Pavilion Tent).
The free-admission event is being organized by the Sooke Community Arts Council, as their annual summer outdoor festival. Join the fun from 10 am to 8 pm in Ed Macgregor Park, 6765 West Coast Road.
There is some parking available in the area near Ed Macgregor Park. Or park at SEAPARC Leisure Complex (2168 Phillips Rd) and take the shuttle bus, available every half-hour throughout the show time.
Sponsorship support by the District of Sooke, the BC Arts Council, and the Government of BC.
For more info, check out the Art in the Park Facebook page: Sooke Art in the Park and the www.sookecommunityarts.com website.
Wednesday, August 3 ~ SOOKE. District of Sooke Council met for a Special Council Meeting at 6 pm this evening, solely for the purpose of making official the appointment of Russ Cameron as the Interim Fire Chief with the Sooke Fire Department.
Russ Cameron (photo at left) will begin in the post on August 8, 2016 for a three-month period, while a national search is undertaken to find a new permanent fire chief for Sooke.
Cameron was Colwood’s longest serving Fire Chief (almost 25 years), retiring from that municipal fire department in 2013 (see more history in August 2 posting, below).
Tonight at the Sooke council meeting, Councillor Kevin Pearson had several questions about how to fully and proper honour the long service of the now-retired Sooke Fire Chief Steve Sorensen. Sorensen publicly announced his resignation on July 21.
Sooke Mayor and Council will hold a formal recognition ceremony for former Fire Chief Steve Sorensen (photo to left). Sorensen’s fellow firefighters will also be holding a celebration of some sort, with use of some or all of their annual $12,000 volunteer firefighting recognition funds. Mayor Maja Tait hopes to top that up with some funds from the Council Contingency part of the 2016 budget.
Councillor Kevin Pearson introduced the idea of issuing a ‘key to the city’ to retired Fire Chief Sorensen “for somebody in this line of work and things he has done over the last 36 years”. Continuing about giving out a key to the city, Councillor Pearson said: “We should do it sparingly, so it’s a special honour when it does come up.” Pearson hopes the Fire Commissioner of BC will be invited to the event. “It should be something very forma. It’s a very special occasion,” said Pearson at the council table tonight.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Teresa Sullivan also suggested to Council that a street could be named after the retiring fire chief.
Wednesday, August 3 ~ EAST SOOKE. There is a Boil Water Advisory in place by the CRD Integrated Water Services, that is only for residents on the Wilderness Mountain System (about 80 homes) and is not for every home or area in East Sooke.
The Boil Water Advisory was put into effect on July 28, in consultation with Island Health. Residents of the Wilderness Mountain Water System (about 80 home) should BOIL their drinking water until further notice (still in effect as of August 3).
Water samples indicate a presence of total coliform bacteria in the drinking water due to current high turbidity conditions in the water source, Wilfred Reservoir. CRD Staff are reviewing options for improving the system’s water quality both at the water treatment plant and within the distribution system.
The Boil Water Advisory will be removed when Island Health is satisfied that the drinking water no longer poses a health concern and issues an ‘ALL CLEAR’ notice at which time the customers of the Wilderness Mountain Water System will be notified as soon as possible.
During this Boil Water Advisory, household tap water may be disinfected by boiling it vigorously for 1 minute.
For information updates regarding this advisory, please visit www.crd.bc.ca and for more information on boil water advisories, see www.viha.ca/boilwater/
Tuesday, August 2 ~ SHIRLEY. A cheque for $3,000 was received by the Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society last week. Making the sizeable donation was TELUS, to recognize the outstanding volunteerism and contribution of long-time supporter, Society board member and TELUS retiree Bill Parkes. Parkes is a resident of Otter Point, a director of the Society, and has made several contributions through TELUS Community Programs in the past.
TELUS Community Affairs representative Ryan Hindley presented the cheque to Society Secretary-Treasurer Terri Alcock in Shirley, BC on July 28 (see photo), just down the street from the Sheringham Lighthouse site. The contribution was made possible through TELUS’ Charitable Giving Program, which supports TELUS volunteers and contributors, and the organizations they promote through time and donations.
“This is an important program that benefits communities, the region and the Province. The Society is grateful to TELUS management and employees for their dedication to BC Heritage and community-based organizations,” said Alcock. “We are very pleased that Bill Parkes, a TELUS retiree and valued Board member, has seen fit to contribute financially as well as all his volunteer work he does for the Society. His dedication resulted in TELUS matching Bill’s contribution.”
The Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society has been working since 2003 to save the land, lighthouse and public access to the light station at the end of Sheringham Point Road in Shirley. The site, now owned by the Society, has recently been designated a Canadian Heritage Site and is officially open to the public for the first time in the Lighthouse’s 105-year history.
The Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society has 310 volunteer members. Petitions and letters to save the Lighthouse have been signed by over 4,000 Canadians. The Society recognizes the historic and cultural value of lighthouses, lighthouse property, and other special foreshore locations. Their board and members work to ensure — through education, research, community action and consensus building, that the Sheringham Point Lighthouse, surrounding property and historic access routes remain accessible to the community and visitors now and in the future.
Tuesday, August 2 ~ SOOKE. The District of Sooke has announced the appointment of an Interim Fire Chief. Russ Cameron will begin August 8, 2016 as the Interim Fire Chief for a three-month period. That appointment is to be confirmed by resolution at a Special Council Meeting on Wednesday, August 3 (6pm, Sooke Council chambers).
Russ Cameron began firefighting at the age of 18 as a volunteer firefighter in Colwood. He continued as a volunteer in Colwood, while working as a crash and fire rescue specialist for the Ministry of Transportation at the Victoria Airport. He next took a career position with Colwood Fire Rescue, eventually advancing and serving as Colwood’s longest serving Fire Chief (almost 25 years). While holding the position of Fire Chief in Colwood, Russ became well known locally and across the province for his leadership, his commitment to the career staff and volunteers under his command, and his diligent efforts to advance community fire and safety awareness.
“Change is a normal and natural part of any organization, and after the well-deserved retirement of our previous long-term Fire Chief, it was important to have someone with considerable experience to guide the fire department during this transition,” says District of Sooke Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Teresa Sullivan. “The District is very fortunate that such a knowledgeable and highly respected person in the industry, such as Russ, was available. His demonstrated success as a Fire Chief in a composite fire department speaks for itself, and he will be invaluable in stabilizing the fire department in the interim and assisting with the hiring process for a new Fire Chief,” Sullivan said in a news release.
A surplus in the District budget for 2016 will accommodate the wage for the Interim Fire Chief, according to a report in the August 3, 2016 council meeting agenda.
Monday, August 1 ~ SOOKE. A yard sale in support of local pet support for families in need will be held on Saturday, August 6. It’s from 10 am to 4 pm at 2075 Otter Point Road (house next to Dumont Tire, in town center).
“We’ve got babies, four black ones with long hair and two seal point Siamese from an adorable mom,” says Margarita Dominguez of the Victoria Pet Food Bank & Feral Cat Rehabilitation Society (aka SAFARS).
“For the last two years, I have been trying to get her and finally the family’s grandma asked for my help. We already spayed the other mother they had and this will be Tou-tou’s last litter,” says Margarita. “The babies are adorable and I am in love with her. She is such a good mother! During our next kitty adoption day, we will be as well accepting applications for them.”
The SAFARS yard sale will support the ongoing vet bills for rescued animals, and for putting gas in the van to take te animals to and from their vet appointments. At the yard sale will be art frames, small and medium-size winter coats for dogs (too small for the big dogs at the downtown Victoria shelter that SAFARS supports), and many other items that you’d expect at a summer yard sale.
“The Portland Hotel Society (a new shelter on Johnson St in Victoria) asked us to provide food for them, which is great, we’re happy about it,” says Dominguez. “But this means more gas for the van, more food to find and more work for our volunteers.”
SAFARS is looking for dog beds, bowls, toys, leashes, collars, and food for the 10 dogs living in tent city. Those dogs are going to the new Portland Hotel Society.