Testimonials

West Shore Voice News appreciates our growing number of keen & attentive readers! You keep on reading, subscribing and advertising. Here are some of the reasons why:

[Click here to see a separate page with the comments from readers and supporters from our 10-Year Milestone issue in February 2018]

“Thank you for helping the public understand the well-hidden land zoning shelter requirement from the BC-SPCA/CRD mandatory monopoly that is hurting animals and the small animal rescue groups! Another brilliant edition of West Shore Voice News (September 21 issue), bravo!” ~ Feral Cat Rehabilitation Center (Sept 2018)
“You’re the one to watch for first-hand knowledge (about local elections).” ~ Cendra Beaton, candidate for SD62 Trustee (Sept 2018)
“After ‘lo these many years, you are taking flight with advertisers. Proof that persistence, good journalism and professionalism pays off in the long run.” ~ Jeff Bateman, Transition Sooke, & Sooke council candidate Fall 2018 (Sept 2018)
“I have always appreciated the quality of writing and the work you put into the many years of producing West Shore Voice News.” ~ Loretta Deutscher, Sooke (August 2018)
“Thank you — this is a great service for you to provide (news bursts with emerging breaking news, by email to subscribers) — much appreciated. Thanks for keeping us up to date with important news around the country and province.” ~ a subscriber on Vancouver Island (June 2018)
Regarding the West Shore Voice News June 1, 2018 editorial Another health trend, this time in teen contraception – “Liked your article on birth control. Very comprehensive.” ~ Jo Phillips, Sooke | “Excellent editorial, Mary.” ~ Eric Anderson (aka Hum), Sooke
“Great edition this week!” ~ a few long time readers said this in email about our May 4, 2018 Emergency Preparedness issue. Thanks guys!
“I really enjoyed your article on Dave Barrett last week (page 4 in March 9th WSV). I have a friend in his 50’s who has no idea where all the good things we have in BC have come from. I shall be giving him that copy! If it weren’t for Dave Barrett and the NDP, BC would be a very different place to live.” ~ Bill Wilson, Sooke (March 2018)
“Just wanted to let you know that I totally agree with you regarding your editorial called “No place for blind belief or vigilante justice in #MeToo”. I do believe that the #MeToo movement is very important, however it also appears to me that all that needs to happen in the current environment is for someone to get accused, and their reputation is basically ruined, without any facts. Some men are pigs and are indeed guilty, however it seems to me that there are others that have been unfairly targeted. Glad you had the guts to write this, as it is not the ‘politically correct’ opinion to have.” ~ Tom Myrick, Sooke (Feb 2018)
“West Shore Voice News (and its previous iterations of MapleLine Magazine and Sooke Voice News) have helped spur many thought-provoking discussions in the Sooke community over the past 10 years. Political issues have been a mainstay of this publication, and the editorial pieces provide perspective and in-depth analysis of government matters. Thank you for your dedication over the past decade.” ~ Mayor Maja Tait, District of Sooke (Feb 2018)
“Over the years I had the great pleasure to observe how the paper that some men called ‘little’, valiantly rose like a flamboyant star or flag. In the name of all the women who lack confidence to fight for equality, thank you! Your magnificent writing skills, your vision, your wit, and your artistic touch make your paper a weekly treasure which we are all lucky to have. So, due to its richness, like French perfume, it can only come in tiny quantities. One of my university professors used to say that ‘it is more difficult to write a small note than to write a letter’.” ~ Margarita Dominguez, animal rights activist, Sooke (Feb 2018)
“Ten years! Many congratulations on a really great job!” ~ Jan & John Krottner, Pilgrim Coffee House, Colwood (Feb 2018)
“Congrats for 10 years of informative news served with colorful creative presentations! You are a survivor… good luck for another 10!” ~ Shirley Lowe, long-time subscriber, Sooke (Feb 2018)
Summarizing several subscribers who received our summary email bulletins about the Tsunami Warning in the wee hours of Tuesday January 23: “Thank you for providing that coverage and letting us know. We didn’t have any other information or know where to go for more details about the situation.” ~ Various West Shore Voice News readers (January 23, 2018)
“On behalf of the entire District, thank you for all the work you do in our community!” [following front page coverage of the BC Government’s school funding announcement in Langford] ~ Ravi Parmar, Chair, SD62 Board of Education (Jan 2018)
“Thanks for the excellent Site C re-cap and information. After all these years reading stuff about it, I finally understand it by reading your material.” [posted December 11, 2017 on the BC page of www.westshorevoicenews.com and sent directly to paying digital subscribers] ~ Michael on Vancouver Island (Dec 2017)
“Your column on Site C was exceptional and reflects a ton of research and a ton of discipline in the writing [posted December 11, 2017 on the BC page of www.westshorevoicenews.com and sent directly to paying digital subscribers]. I was always opposed to Site C as a poor ‘financial decision’ for BC residential ratepayers who will now basically subsidize cheap power for corporations that evade taxes. The real unrecognized ‘losers’ are the poorer BC families who will face increased hydro rates which is far different from our generally well-off seniors (68% of BC seniors have do debt and get free ferry rides). I digress: well written!!!! ~ Bob Phillips, Otter Point (Dec 2017)
“Thank you for your coverage of our Xmas Tree Fundraiser last year. The article did help, I had several customers mention it.” ~ Debbie Lodewijk, Westshore Centre for Learning & Training [advertising the Xmas Tree Sale again this year] Nov 2017
“Thank you for your wit, wonderful writing skills and love of animals. Your editorial is brilliant!!! Writing masterpieces only comes from the heart and is not a five-minutes thought. It is compilation of facts, feelings and passion.” [re page 2, November 17, 2017 West Shore Voice News]~ Margarita Dominguez, animal rescue organizer (Nov 2017)
“Your paper has a very nice feel to it, with a very professional presentation and professional handling of your ad sales. The turnout was excellent (at my Emily Carr talk and exhibit) and I know it was because of your involvement. Thank you for doing what you do. It does make a difference.” ~ Molly Raher Newman, theatre professional (Nov 2017)
“We’d like to thank West Shore Voice, our media partner on Vancouver Island, for their support in promoting this year’s #SmallBizSaturday being held on October 21st!” ~ Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) (Oct 2017)
“I like the broad sweep of your newspaper. The editorials are thoughtful. And overall your publication is even better than it was a year ago!” ~ Mark Ziegler, Sooke (Sept 2017)
“Wow, that’s exactly what I was thinking!” (re Sept 8, 2017 editorial “On this one, Trudeau has it all wrong” about the federal proposed small business tax changes) ~ long-time successful small business owner in Sooke, name withheld by request, (Sept 2017)
“Excellent editorial re the tax gouge of the wrong people (Sept 8, 2017 issue)! Most distressingly, as you said, it shows an ignorance of a dynamic sector of the economy – and, in some cases, like yours, the contribution to civil society.” ~ Eric Anderson (aka Hum), Sooke (Sept 2017)
“Great issue, good write-up on Stew Young’s business vision (August 18th Mid-August issue). Langford should be proud of his accomplishments and encouraging business partnerships in the “neighbourhood”. Well done!! A great newspaper!!” ~ Melanie Davis, Expedia CruiseShipsCentres, Langford (Aug 2017)
“Will keep on reading.” | “I’ll read on.” ~ These are just a few of the comments rolling in regarding our August 2017 office shift to Langford and expanding our news coverage footprint to exploring more communities on the west side of Vancouver Island. (Aug 2017)
“Johnny come lately Christy Clark, I love it.” ~ Neil Poirier (June 2017), re the June 23 post-election-saga editorial “BC Liberals not backing down” in June 23, 2017 West Shore Voice News
“I’d rather be reading WSV than sit out in the sun. The paper is just that good!” ~ Daniel Gilbey, Sooke (May 2017)
“The writing in West Shore Voice News is always easy to read, and really gets to the point. People are noticing.” ~ Ravi Parmar, SD62 School Board Trustee (April 2017)
“Thanks Mary for the highlights of Seedy Saturday in your March 3rd ‘Early Spring 2’ issue! And your editorial focus on the importance of food. Spring is indeed around the corner!” ~ Anita Wasiuta, Sooke Food CHI {March 2017)
“Just read your December 30, 2016 Year End Issue. Wow, best editor and publisher on the west coast and beyond!” ~ a reader in Colwood (Dec 2016)
“Thank you for yet another year of interesting, informative articles and solid reporting.” ~ Mark Ziegler, Sooke (Dec 2016)
“Nice mention of the Orca Monitoring Project going on at the Lighthouse (page 5, December 16, 2016 issue). Thank you West Shore VOICE for your coverage of the project.” ~ Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society (Dec 2016)
“What a great publication. I thoroughly enjoyed looking through it (December 9, 2016 issue).” ~ Patricia Willms, Canadian Blood Services, Victoria region (Dec 2016)
“Thanks for your December 2, 2016 ‘Christmas time Fun’ issue. Good reading, a chock-full edition!” ~ Michael, Otter Point (Dec 2016)
“With the August 5 ‘painted rocks’ issue you have “rocked it out of sight”! This edition captures the readers with hard news and reminds them your writing style is in tune with the needs of Sooke.” ~ Dan Gilbey, Sooke (Aug 2016)
“What would I highlight about West Shore Voice News as a business? Creativity and excellent writing skills. The editor’s wit. A small independent newspaper that covers national, provincial and local issues.” ~ Margarita Dominguez (in nominating West Shore Voice News for Communities in Bloom recognition), July 2016
“Wow, Mary! Your editorial is bang on!” (re political correctness & local politics in Sooke, in July 8, 2016 West Shore Voice News, pg 2). ~ Neil Poirier, Trustee, SD62 (July 2016). And in response to Neil Poirier posting our editorial on Facebook: “Well done, Mary Brooke!” ~ District of Sooke Councillor Rick Kasper. “Thanks Mary, for raising the bar in our little town.” ~ Herb Haldane
“Reading your newspaper every week is like reading art.” ~ Roberta Kubik, Sooke School District (SD62) Assistant Superintendent (June 2016)
“I know our advertising dollars are well spent with JdF Emergency Program ads in West Shore Voice News. You effectively reach our target audience.” ~ Jeri Grant, Coordinator, Juan de Fuca Emergency Program (June 2016)
“I can’t thank you enough. We have been at this for years but you have captured a dimension to Shannon’s death no other reporter has. You brought the human element and the pain attached. I am so glad you are in our lives.” ~ Julie Upton-Raymond, Maple Ridge, BC (June 4, 2016) regarding article on page 2 in June 3, 2016 West Shore Voice News
“Great coverage in your May 27 All About Education issue! You have done all your readers a good public service! Thanks.” ~ Bob Phillips, Chair, SD62 (May 28, 2016)
“What a wonderful article on the new Langford Heritage Branch, Victoria Public Library (May 20, 2016 edition, page 3). Terrific info, accurate and upbeat. Thanks for your coverage.” ~ Jessica Woollard, Communications Officer, Greater Victoria Public Library (May 2016)
“I have been interviewed by all sorts of press in the past eight years since my daughter’s death. I have never been interviewed by anybody like you.” (You understand the depth and complexity of what happened, and have asked questions that no one else has asked.) ~ Julie Upton-Raymond, Maple Ridge, BC (May 2016), mother of Shannon Raymond who died in a party bus incident in 2008.
“I read it through, every week! I wouldn’t miss it!” ~ a senior eager reader in a Sooke cafe as she virtually grabbed a courtesy copy of the print edition as West Shore Voice personnel were delivering (May 2016)
“I’m renewing my subscription. Thanks Mary, for your ongoing service to our community and the Westshore.” ~ Mark Zielger, Sooke (April 2016)
“What a lovely article you did for us regarding Vital Vittles and the Refugee Dinner. I also enjoyed your editorial on the usage of social media. Thank you for all you are doing to keep us fully informed. I always enjoy your digital newspaper.” ~ Pam Day, Sooke (April 2016)
“Your work makes the community stronger.” ~ John Horgan, MLA, Juan de Fuca (March 2016)
“Thanks for your article about BC’s Child Care Awards of Excellence being open for nomination. If I hadn’t seen it in your paper, I wouldn’t have known in time to submit a nomination for one of our amazing local day cares in Sooke.” ~ Sarah Temple, Sooke (March 7, 2016)
“There is more news in your four pages than the entire other local newspaper.” ~ Kenny, Otter Point (Feb 27, 2016)
“Your most recent edition is so current! The news covers a wide span of interest.” ~ Robin Fleming, Shirley (Feb 9, 2016)
“West Shore/Sooke Voice News makes an important contribution to our community.” ~ Daniel Gilbey, Sooke (Feb 2016)
“I appreciate all the work you do to produce a valuable community asset.” ~ Grant Hall, Otter Point (Feb 2016)
“Over the years and after a lot of hard work, the weekly West Shore Voice News is now recognized in Sooke as a rare treasure of our times. We are still crossing difficult economic times, and Mary’s adventurous journalist skills are an important contribution. Insights found in her newspaper can be part of navigating our way through social and economic challenges that in some ways are unique to this side of Vancouver Island.” ~ Margarita Dominguez, Sooke (Jan 2016)