SOOKE
NEWS MIRROR
2010 WINNER
BIRLING BROTHERS
Historian Elida Peers writes about log birling. Page 22
LOCAL CHAMPION
Editorial
Page 8
Community
Page 22
Sports/stats
Page 26 Agreement #40110541
Wednesday, FEBRUARY 20, 2013
Emily Grainger of UBC’s Thunderbirds helps tream skate to success. Page 26
Your community, your classifieds P23 • 75¢
Off-leash dog park closer to reality Pirjo Raits Sooke News Mirror
One of the people who originally spoke out loudly for a off-leash dog park in Sooke is no longer involved in the process, but says the location would be a good space. Jacklyn Orza spearheaded a petition which resulted in 457 signatures from supporters wanting to establish a offleash dog park. District of Sooke council
on Feb. 12, directed staff to begin a public consultation process to establish such a park in the Ponds Park corridor. In September 2012 the Land Use Committee recommended a public consultation process for an off-leash dog park in John Phillips Memorial Park but concerns were raised about site drainage requirements and the potential of conflicting uses in the park. This spurred staff to
consider the alternate site sandwiched in the Broomhill area with access off Rhodonite Drive, Acreman Place, Pond Place and Townsend Road. The 1.3 hectare park contains a gravel path and is separated from residential lots by fences, vegetation and wetlands. It is expected that a fence would have to be built, signs and access trails put in. Staff estimates this to cost approximately $14,000. Optional amenities
such as water service, benches, lighting and play features would cost another $11,000. Staff feel citizen group’s in-kind support and local business support could offset these costs. Councillor Rick Kasper stated he did not recall earmarking any money for this park. Mayor Milne said he felt the location was fairly central and in a “high and dry location.”
Cleaning up after the crash
Pirjo Raits photo
17-month-old Ethan plays at Broomhill Park during a break in the weather. He had all the equipment to play on but found a small rock to bang with.
Ambulance crews respond to food drive Pirjo Raits Sooke News Mirror
Britt Santowski photo
Feb. 18, 7:20 a.m. An eastbound logging truck failed to navigate a left-hand curve just past the Gillespie exit on Sooke Rd. While there were no serious injuries, about 100 litres of diesel fuel was spilled and absorbed into the soil. The load of logs fell down the embankment off the roadside, and their removal will be planned for a different time when there will be less obstruction to traffic. BC Transit buses took the Kangaroo/Gillespie detour, but double-decker buses had to be turned back to Victoria as the hydro wires hang too low in East Sooke. Other logging trucks were also grounded since they cannot cross the single-lane bridge on Gillespie Rd., as they exceed the weight limit. The road was closed for approximately five hours.
When the call goes out, the ambulance crews respond. For years BC Ambulance Service, across the province, has been helping fill Christmas hampers. Port Renfrew paramedics, who mostly live outside the small hamlet, haven’t taken part very often in these yearly food drives but they are all on board to support the Sooke Food Bank.
Private Acreage , 2 Ponds & Home $339,000 !! Looking for a bright beautiful private acreage with a liveable clean home that is not far from the Sooke core? This tidy 3BR 2BA manufacured home sits nestled into it’s surroundings. 2 large year round ponds & a great pastoral area for horses or garden. 2 wells plus new ultraviolet water treatment system. Room for your boat, RV or kids! For a private viewing, Call or email me at ShellyDavis@shaw.ca
Shelly Davis
250.642.6361
www.ShellyDavis.ca
Acting Unit Chief Tim Fletcher said he read about the lack of donations from Port Renfrew and wanted to do something. “We’ve got a box out and I e-mailed our whole staff of 14 people. We’ll have it out for a couple of weeks to see what happens. We will fill this thing up and drop it off,” said Fletcher. “Just because we’re out of the way doesn’t mean we can’t help.”