Kevin Laird

The official opening of the new Sooke library on Wadams Way was finally celebrated on June 11. Public health restrictions had prevented the event from happening sooner. (File-Sooke News Mirror)

New Sooke library boasts more space, larger collection, learning spaces

Hundreds turn out to celebrate Vancouver Island Regional Library branch

The official opening of the new Sooke library on Wadams Way was finally celebrated on June 11. Public health restrictions had prevented the event from happening sooner. (File-Sooke News Mirror)
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Council this week: Sooke staff urge councillors to deny variance for housing project

Developer wants to build two six-storey buildings with 161 residential rental units

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A distinctive-looking yellow wheelbarrow and blue shovel was left behind by thieves. (Contributed - Brian Holowaychuk)

Thieves target Ukrainian refugee centre in East Sooke

Owner offers $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest

A distinctive-looking yellow wheelbarrow and blue shovel was left behind by thieves. (Contributed - Brian Holowaychuk)
Twenty-three cats ranging in age from newborn to five weeks old were rescued from a Sooke-based animal welfare group. (Contributed - SAFARS)

23 kittens rescued from ‘hoarding situation’ in Port Renfrew home

Cats left without water and food, says animal welfare group

Twenty-three cats ranging in age from newborn to five weeks old were rescued from a Sooke-based animal welfare group. (Contributed - SAFARS)
The grand opening of a multi-use community sports box opens in Sooke on June 26. (Contributed - District of Sooke)

Multi-purpose sports court set to open in Sooke

New facility accommodates various sports, including lacrosse and basketball

The grand opening of a multi-use community sports box opens in Sooke on June 26. (Contributed - District of Sooke)
The B.C. Coroners Service reported 719 sudden deaths during last summer’s heat wave, triple the number that would typically be expected in the province in a week. (Shutterstock)

Sooke steps up preparations for hot weather

Extreme weather plan for this season includes public education

The B.C. Coroners Service reported 719 sudden deaths during last summer’s heat wave, triple the number that would typically be expected in the province in a week. (Shutterstock)
Reconstruction of a staircase is among the improvements coming to the lower Sooke Potholes area. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke Potholes renovations begin this fall

Officials hope to have projected completed by next May

Reconstruction of a staircase is among the improvements coming to the lower Sooke Potholes area. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
The District of Sooke’s police budget is $2,443,607 but only covers the regular operations of the RCMP. Major crimes, such as murders, terrorism and cocaine trafficking, are handled differently, say officials. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Hefty bill for homicide investigation could lead to tax hike, warns Sooke mayor

‘We’re a growing community, and our problems grow with it,’ says Mayor Maja Tait

The District of Sooke’s police budget is $2,443,607 but only covers the regular operations of the RCMP. Major crimes, such as murders, terrorism and cocaine trafficking, are handled differently, say officials. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
In two years since the pandemic began, Sooke is holding its first full fair. The fall fair is on Sept. 10-11 at the Sooke Community Hall. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Volunteers needed for Sooke Fall Fair

Community event set for Sept. 10-11

In two years since the pandemic began, Sooke is holding its first full fair. The fall fair is on Sept. 10-11 at the Sooke Community Hall. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
RCMP have received at least six different reports of vehicles being vandalized from French Beach to Port Renfrew. (File - Black Press Media)

Gas tanks drilled, fuel stolen from vehicles between French Beach and Port Renfrew

At least six vehicles have been vandalized in past two weeks, police say

RCMP have received at least six different reports of vehicles being vandalized from French Beach to Port Renfrew. (File - Black Press Media)
Sooke district council is continuing its review of the official community plan. The OCP is expected to go to public hearing by this summer. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke council reviews draft OCP chapter by chapter

OCP blueprint for community development

Sooke district council is continuing its review of the official community plan. The OCP is expected to go to public hearing by this summer. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
The private-use of fireworks are only permitted in Sooke on Halloween. (File - Black Press)

Sooke council eyes rework of fireworks bylaw

Councillors want more clarification on permitting

The private-use of fireworks are only permitted in Sooke on Halloween. (File - Black Press)
A plan to build seven multi-family rental units in the downtown core has moved forward after Sooke council approved a requested variance. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

New housing development for Sooke moves closer to fruition as council approves variance

One-storey cluster dwelling includes seven units, each with two bedrooms and two bathrooms

A plan to build seven multi-family rental units in the downtown core has moved forward after Sooke council approved a requested variance. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
Numerous clusters of Scotch bloom are visible along Phillips Road. The District of Sooke is offering free broom drop-off at the parks yard on May 21 and June 4. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

Chipped Scotch broom to help gardens grow in Sooke

Free broom drop-off available for Sooke residents on May 21 and June 4

Numerous clusters of Scotch bloom are visible along Phillips Road. The District of Sooke is offering free broom drop-off at the parks yard on May 21 and June 4. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
Grants are available to encourage programs that enhance the quality of life for Sooke residents. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Council approves $83,440 in community grants for local non-profits

Each year a portion of the Sooke municipal budget is set aside for community support funding

Grants are available to encourage programs that enhance the quality of life for Sooke residents. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
The Sooke Fine Arts Show returns to SEAPARC Leisure Centre in July. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Jury selected for Sooke Fine Arts Show

Deadline to submit work is May 24

The Sooke Fine Arts Show returns to SEAPARC Leisure Centre in July. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
A pilot program that allows seniors 80 and older to renew their driver’s licenses in Sooke has been extended through 2022. (File - Black Press Media)

Province extends pilot program for senior driving tests in Sooke

Pandemic measures have resulted in fewer referrals for drivers for on-road assessments

A pilot program that allows seniors 80 and older to renew their driver’s licenses in Sooke has been extended through 2022. (File - Black Press Media)
Sooke council is delaying a plan for a tree-protection bylaw until after the municipal election. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke tree bylaw likely delayed until after fall election

‘The community needs time to look at all the options,’ says councillor

Sooke council is delaying a plan for a tree-protection bylaw until after the municipal election. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
Sooke council has received three pay raises since 2019. The mayor’s salary is $31,500, with councillors earning $15,750. (Sooke News Mirror file photo)

Sooke politicians’ pay to be tied to consumer price index

District approves pay bumps for councillors, mayor

Sooke council has received three pay raises since 2019. The mayor’s salary is $31,500, with councillors earning $15,750. (Sooke News Mirror file photo)
Sooke RCMP released its first-quarter crime statistics this week. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke RCMP report significant jump in theft from vehicles, mischief incidents

Three individuals accounted for much of January’s spike in thefts from vehicles

Sooke RCMP released its first-quarter crime statistics this week. (File - Sooke News Mirror)