Kevin Laird

Sooke district council gave three readings to a motion that amends a zoning bylaw to reinstate an additional 10 units per hectare for increased underground parking in developments. (Metro-Creative)

Sooke councillors consider support for incentives to boost housing density

Developers urged to build underground parking in exchange for more units

Sooke district council gave three readings to a motion that amends a zoning bylaw to reinstate an additional 10 units per hectare for increased underground parking in developments. (Metro-Creative)
Despite the province investing a record $2 billion in school capital projects over the next three years, the need for new and upgraded facilities in Sooke continues to rise.

Sooke School District still struggling to keep up with population growth

New Sooke elementary school planned for 2027

Despite the province investing a record $2 billion in school capital projects over the next three years, the need for new and upgraded facilities in Sooke continues to rise.
The last remaining payphone in Sooke is in its last days. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

Hanging up Sooke’s last payphone

Loss of service could impact residents without means to own a cellphone, councillor says

The last remaining payphone in Sooke is in its last days. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
Sooke is not participating in this year’s Communities in Bloom program. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke pulls out of Communities in Bloom provincial competition

‘It’s a year to take a pause for applause,’ mayor says; Sooke has won six of the last nine years

Sooke is not participating in this year’s Communities in Bloom program. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
Scotch broom is an invasive plant introduced to Vancouver Island in the mid-1800s. The plant spreads rapidly on rights-of-way, trails, forest roads, under power lines and any disturbed land. (Shutterstock)

Spring blooms in Sooke a sign of unwanted Scotch broom

Volunteers, council call for all hands on deck this spring to help remove noxious weed

Scotch broom is an invasive plant introduced to Vancouver Island in the mid-1800s. The plant spreads rapidly on rights-of-way, trails, forest roads, under power lines and any disturbed land. (Shutterstock)
A construction worker balances on a roof beam. The District of Sooke is streamlining its building permit process to allow for quick turnaround times. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke makes ‘huge headway’ on reducing building permit delays

Municipal staff has approved 40 applications in the last three weeks

A construction worker balances on a roof beam. The District of Sooke is streamlining its building permit process to allow for quick turnaround times. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
Sooke Fire Rescue Station No. 1 is undergoing a major building renovation this spring. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke council OKs $106,761 electrical contract for fire hall

It is part of a $500,000 project to correct deficiencies

Sooke Fire Rescue Station No. 1 is undergoing a major building renovation this spring. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
Lora de Vries with some of her collection of sea glass. “I got hooked on the thrill of finding these little pieces of history,” she says. (Contributed - Lora de Vries)

PHOTOS: Sooke collector perfects beauty in sea glass

Lora de Vries finds treasure in gift from the sea

Lora de Vries with some of her collection of sea glass. “I got hooked on the thrill of finding these little pieces of history,” she says. (Contributed - Lora de Vries)
The District of Sooke wants to do more public consultation before proceeding with its official community plan. Council requested staff to schedule an open house on the OCP for this spring. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke looks to have more in-person public input on community plan

Mayor says council connecting with residents important; spring open house on OCP proposed

The District of Sooke wants to do more public consultation before proceeding with its official community plan. Council requested staff to schedule an open house on the OCP for this spring. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
Canada Day celebrations return to the Sooke River Flats on July 1. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Canada Day celebrations returning to Sooke

Canada Day celebrations will return to Sooke this year after a two-year…

Canada Day celebrations return to the Sooke River Flats on July 1. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
The District of Sooke is planning a three-week-long road closure for Charters Road beginning on March 7. (District of Sooke)

Construction of underground services leads to spring road closures in Sooke

A section of Charters Road will be closed to traffic until March 25

The District of Sooke is planning a three-week-long road closure for Charters Road beginning on March 7. (District of Sooke)
Vital Vittles opens its doors to the dining room on March 18. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Vital Vittles reopens doors after pandemic

First meal served up on March 18

Vital Vittles opens its doors to the dining room on March 18. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
The District of Sooke hopes a zoning bylaw amendment will encourage developers to build underground parking. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke’s density bonus program being tweaked

Bylaw change aims to increase underground parking, housing options

The District of Sooke hopes a zoning bylaw amendment will encourage developers to build underground parking. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
The District of Sooke wants to thank volunteers with a recognition program. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke looks to establish volunteer recognition program

Aim is to acknowledge residents contributing to community through volunteer efforts

The District of Sooke wants to thank volunteers with a recognition program. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
The District of Sooke is reviewing its building permit approval process. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

Bylaw change could hold key to building permit backlog in Sooke

It currently takes district planners up to three months to approve permits

The District of Sooke is reviewing its building permit approval process. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
The Sooke Secret Garden Tour returns in 2023. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke’s beloved secret garden tour cancelled for another year

New version expected to flower in 2023

The Sooke Secret Garden Tour returns in 2023. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
Artist talks and demonstrations will be part of the Sooke Fine Arts Show when it returns on July 21. (Serena Haley Photography)

Sooke Fine Arts Show eyes return to community centre

In-person show returns after two-year hiatus

Artist talks and demonstrations will be part of the Sooke Fine Arts Show when it returns on July 21. (Serena Haley Photography)
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Sooke council approves climate change plan

Strategy targets a 50 per cent reduction by 2030 for corporate emissions

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Construction continues on an affordable housing complex on Drennan Street in Sooke. (Justin Samanski-Langille - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke aims to slash building permit delay

Council approves staff request to hire another building inspector, clerical support

Construction continues on an affordable housing complex on Drennan Street in Sooke. (Justin Samanski-Langille - Sooke News Mirror)
Janice, left, and Cathy Gouk of Cathy’s Corner Cafe receive congratulations from Karen Mason and Maya Maja Tait during a trophy presentation of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards on Thursday. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

PHOTOS: Mayor, chamber personally deliver business awards

Business Excellence Awards announced online by chamber last December.

Janice, left, and Cathy Gouk of Cathy’s Corner Cafe receive congratulations from Karen Mason and Maya Maja Tait during a trophy presentation of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards on Thursday. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)