SOOKE
NEWS MIRROR
2010 WINNER
DRIFTWOOD STEVE
ECO DAYTRIPPING Editorial
Woodworker plans open house. Page 15
Wednesday, DECEMBER 12, 2012
Page 8
Entertainment
Page 15
Drea Gibson takes visitors on tours of scenic areas.
Sports/stats
Page 28
Page 28
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New Sombrio Bridge opens
Sharron Ho photo
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area director Mike Hicks took took the wheel of a 1955 Monarch be the first vehicle to drive across the new Sombrio Bridge. His passenger was Ida Chong, Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA.
Sharron Ho Sharron Ho photos
A whole lot of community spirit! The annual Santa Parade was a huge success as members of the community took part with floats, music and lot of kids. People brought out their children to see the colourful parade and to greet Santa. The event was organized by the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce.
Sooke News Mirror
The long-awaited Sombrio Bridge, which is expected to increase motorist safety and bolster economic tourism, opened to the public on Monday. The Sombrio Bridge replaces a 55-year-old single-lane, wooden structure and eliminates a narrow and dangerous switch back on Highway 14. The two-lane, steel and concrete bridge is east of Port Renfrew and measures 124 metres long. “This bridge which we’re about to open will replace the nastiest switch back possibly in North America,” said Mike Hicks, Juan de Fuca regional director, at a press conference on Dec. 9. “This bridge will immediately prevent many
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motorcycle accidents and deaths attributed to the switch back, and will finally secure the safety of the Port Renfrew and Pacheedaht children travelling every day to school.” The opening of the Sombrio Bridge also marks the completion of the Pacific Marine Circle Route, which Hicks said will, “guarantee economic prosperity for years for Port Renfrew, Jordan River and the Juan de Fuca.” Ida Chong, Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA, said she was pleased the provincial government identified the Sombrio Bridge as a priority. “We are here to celebrate and the celebration is: $12.6 million went into making sure the Sombrio Bridge project was complete,” she said.
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