Kevin Laird

The historic monkey puzzle tree at Malahat Farm is now a work of art, thanks to chainsaw carver Mike Brown. (Contributed photo)

Chainsaw carver turns dead tree into stunning work of art

Historic tree at Malahat Farm sprouts new life

The historic monkey puzzle tree at Malahat Farm is now a work of art, thanks to chainsaw carver Mike Brown. (Contributed photo)
The federal New Democrats want the offence of coercive control recognized as psychological abuse within a relationship as illegal. (Metro Creative photo)

Federal NDP looks to criminalize domestic emotional abuse with new law

MP Randall Garrison introduces private member's bill

The federal New Democrats want the offence of coercive control recognized as psychological abuse within a relationship as illegal. (Metro Creative photo)

Sooke to decide which properties get tax exemptions for next five years

Twenty-three applicants eye council's approval

Sooke looks for public input into the OCP update. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke wants public participation in OCP process

Official community plan to be updated in coming months

Sooke looks for public input into the OCP update. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
The DeMamiel Creek Pedestrian Crossing will see a new trail, 40 metres of boardwalk, and a 40-metre bridge over DeMamiel Creek. (Pixabay photo)

Sooke’s DeMamiel Creek project cost reduced by $200,000

Municipal staff lauded for coming up with savings, without compromising project

The DeMamiel Creek Pedestrian Crossing will see a new trail, 40 metres of boardwalk, and a 40-metre bridge over DeMamiel Creek. (Pixabay photo)
As Sooke council continues to grapple with community homelessness, officials admit there is no plan in place when the homeless shelter on Otter Point Road closes. (Pixabay photo)

No plan in place if Sooke homeless shelter forced to shut doors

Contract for Otter Road facility now month to month

As Sooke council continues to grapple with community homelessness, officials admit there is no plan in place when the homeless shelter on Otter Point Road closes. (Pixabay photo)
Sooke Coun. Jeff Bateman wants to see youth and people in need receive free transit passes for local bus routes. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke councillor pitches another way to improve transit

Coun. Jeff Bateman wants free passes for youth on local routes

Sooke Coun. Jeff Bateman wants to see youth and people in need receive free transit passes for local bus routes. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
Climate change should be focal to Sooke’s new official community plan, says Transition Sooke. (Pixabay photo)

Sooke council urged to address OCP through climate emergency lens

Review of official community plan underway

Climate change should be focal to Sooke’s new official community plan, says Transition Sooke. (Pixabay photo)
An amateur fossil collector made the discovery of his life – a rare new Chimaeridae fish. “It’s always fun when this stuff contributes to science,” says Steve Suntok. (Steve Suntok photo)

Prehistoric fish found near Sooke named after amateur collector

The fish lived about 25 million years ago, scientists say

An amateur fossil collector made the discovery of his life – a rare new Chimaeridae fish. “It’s always fun when this stuff contributes to science,” says Steve Suntok. (Steve Suntok photo)
Lot A on Wadams Way in Sooke. The District of Sooke has approved a seniors’ complex project for the property. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke seniors’ project approved by council

Project includes 76 affordable housing units and recreation centre

Lot A on Wadams Way in Sooke. The District of Sooke has approved a seniors’ complex project for the property. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
A black bear looks for a food handout from a motorist. The B.C. Conservation Service has investigated 60 bear complaints in Sooke since April 1. (Pixabay photo)

Complaints of ‘nuisance bears’ down so far this year in Sooke

Experts urge residents to be bear aware

A black bear looks for a food handout from a motorist. The B.C. Conservation Service has investigated 60 bear complaints in Sooke since April 1. (Pixabay photo)
This juvenile green sturgeon was captured, tagged and released back into the Sacramento River near Corning in California. (Steve Martarano - U.S. Fish and Wildlife)

Rare green sturgeon sighted near Port Renfrew

'It's a pretty rare phenomenon,' says Port Renfrew resident

This juvenile green sturgeon was captured, tagged and released back into the Sacramento River near Corning in California. (Steve Martarano - U.S. Fish and Wildlife)
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Sooke launches online budget survey

Citizen Budget is an interactive tool

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Townhome sales at Heron View have surged in recent months as the impacts of COVID-19 leave homebuyers with a renewed appetite for semi-rural and small-town real estate offerings. The housing development is entering its second-to-last phase of construction. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke housing development sees fast sales during pandemic

Success at Heron View is duplicated in other areas of the real estate industry

Townhome sales at Heron View have surged in recent months as the impacts of COVID-19 leave homebuyers with a renewed appetite for semi-rural and small-town real estate offerings. The housing development is entering its second-to-last phase of construction. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
Food truck food will soon be coming to Sooke parks. (Pixabay)

Food truck pilot project begins in Sooke parks

Several operators have been pushing the district to cut the red tape surrounding food trucks

Food truck food will soon be coming to Sooke parks. (Pixabay)
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So far, Sooke is weathering pandemic’s economic storm

District has not dipped into reserve funds

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Assistant search and rescue manager Barb Broster, left, deputy search and rescue manager Kathryn Farr, and senior search and rescue manager Vickie Webber at the Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue headquarters in East Sooke. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Search and rescue calls climb as more people get outdoors

Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue respond to 25 calls so far this year; a dramatic increase in one year

Assistant search and rescue manager Barb Broster, left, deputy search and rescue manager Kathryn Farr, and senior search and rescue manager Vickie Webber at the Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue headquarters in East Sooke. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
More than 86 per cent of Sooke property owners paid their taxes on time. The deadline was July 2. (Pixabay photo)

Over 86% of Sooke property owners pay taxes on time

The deadline for tax payment was July 2

More than 86 per cent of Sooke property owners paid their taxes on time. The deadline was July 2. (Pixabay photo)
(Pixabay photo)

New ECG will diagnose life-threatening emergencies in ‘timely manner’ in Sooke

Machine funded by the Sooke and Juan de Fuca Health Foundation

(Pixabay photo)
A male red rock crab ready for the cooking pot. (Devon Bidal - Sooke News Mirror)
A male red rock crab ready for the cooking pot. (Devon Bidal - Sooke News Mirror)