The Oak Bay News is recognized as among some of the best newspapers in the country.
The paper placed third in the Canadian Community Newspaper Awards for Outstanding Community Service for its coverage of and involvement with the Sno’uyutth pole project.
The Oak Bay News served as a sponsor for the Oak Bay Community Foundation’s 18-month project to carve and raise a 20-foot pole at Oak Bay High, supporting the initiative through advertising, social media and editorial coverage.
In the end, the campaign was more successful than first envisioned and additional funds allowed the association and Oak Bay Rotary to also establish a scholarship for First Nations students at Oak Bay High School.
“We were thrilled to be part of such a significant community project, whose success really was our reward. To now be recognized at a national level for our involvement really is a huge achievement for all involved,” said Oak Bay News publisher Janet Gairdner.
Earlier this spring, Oak Bay News staff also learned the paper is shortlisted in the top three for Newspaper Excellence in its circulation category in the B.C. and Yukon Community Newspaper Awards. Winners will be announced at a May 7 gala in Richmond.
The general excellence category evaluates the complete make-up of the paper, including editorial content, design, photos and advertising.
“We are passionate about our role in the community, from bringing readers the stories that matter to providing local businesses with engaging, successful advertising. The Oak Bay News team shares both of these awards with our readers and advertisers, and looks forward to continuing to work hard as your community newspaper,” Gairdner said.