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Opinion: Reflecting on the past year

The past year in Sooke has been one of many ups and downs

Every new year brings a time of reflection on the past year. In Sooke it was turbulent at times and controversy could be found around almost every corner.

From the sad to the glad, Sooke made the news locally and regionally.

At city hall, the new council took their seats and the CAO resigned amid rumblings of some poor choices he made. A new zoning bylaw finally caught people’s attention and revisions were necessary. Contracts were looked over and changes made to favour the district. Car washes, laundromats and bike parks all grabbed ink on the pages. A cancelled triathlon still gets people riled up one way or the other.

Many local citizens received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medals for their selfless work for others. There were heroes and saviours for both humans and animals.

Protection of the local fishery and Avatar Grove raised concerns about tourism and economics.

Amazing music, concerts and dance performances graced many a stage and art filled the arena as well as the park. Outdoor farmers’ markets and community gardens raised interest in local food and gardens.

Sooke once again came through with many fund-raising efforts for the Tour de Rock, Christmas Bureau, Sooke Food Bank and a whole lot of other organizations, and residents never stopped giving and sharing what they could.

It’s been a year of ups and downs and 2013 looks to be another year of tough decisions for Sooke. But, above and beyond all that, Sooke is a great community full of dedicated and caring people. Happy New Year.