Good morning, friends!
Grab your coffee and shake off that morning fog as we dive into today's stories that matter to working folks across our community.
From heritage preservation to environmental victories, labor negotiations to local sports drama, we've assembled the pulse of Langley and beyond. While the clouds might linger this morning, our news is coming in hot.
Local Langley News
Historic Fort Langley Landmark Restoration Gets Green Light
Renovations to the historic Haldi House in Fort Langley are now officially moving forward after Langley Township council gave its approval last week.
The project will see the removal of modern additions to the heritage building, restoring it to its original state.
The Township's plans include careful preservation of the historic elements while making the structure suitable for contemporary use, marking an important step in Fort Langley's waterfront revitalization efforts.
Suspect Charged After RCMP Chase Involving Stolen Truck
A dramatic incident involving a stolen truck, rammed police vehicles, and a wild chase through Langley has resulted in serious charges against the suspect. The individual is now facing counts of assaulting a peace officer and dangerous driving following the harrowing pursuit.
Police report the chase ended when the suspect was finally apprehended after a coordinated effort by multiple RCMP units, bringing a dangerous situation to a close without any serious injuries.
Vanguard School Car Show Raises $5,000 Despite Lower Turnout
The first car and craft show at Vanguard school since before the pandemic has successfully raised $5,000 despite attracting fewer vehicles than in previous years. The community event featured classic cars, local crafts, and family activities.
Organizers expressed satisfaction with the turnout given the long hiatus, and noted that the funds raised will support important school programs that benefit students throughout the year.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Squamish Nation Celebrates Return of Herring Harvest
The Squamish Nation is celebrating the return of herring to their traditional waters, allowing for the rekindling of important food and cultural traditions. This revival marks a significant milestone in the nation's ongoing efforts to reconnect with traditional harvesting practices.
Community members have been actively involved in sustainable harvesting practices that both honor ancestral traditions and ensure the continued abundance of this important fish species for future generations.
Mission Folk Fest Unveils Eclectic Lineup for 38th Annual Summer Celebration
The Mission Folk Music Festival is returning to Fraser River Heritage Park for its 38th year, running from July 25-27 with a diverse lineup of local and international performers across multiple stages.
Festival attendees can enjoy evening concerts featuring acts like klezmer group Shpilkis, Australian guitarist Lloyd Spiegel, American roots duo Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons, Latin fusion band Empanadas Ilegales, and acclaimed singer-songwriter Julian Taylor.
Beyond the main stage performances, the festival offers over 30 daytime events including collaborative workshops, song circles, and participatory sessions that encourage audience involvement, all set within the park's scenic grounds where food vendors, an artisan market, and a beer garden complete the experience.
BC Timber Agency Halts New Logging on Caribou Land
BC Timber Sales has announced it will no longer proceed with new logging projects on caribou habitat near Revelstoke, following significant pressure from environmental groups.
The agency informed Wildsight by email that it will only complete projects already near completion, affecting tens of thousands of hectares of forested land.
This decision represents a major victory for caribou conservation advocates who have long argued that continued logging in these sensitive habitats threatens the already endangered caribou populations in the region.
BC's LNG Dreams Realized as Kitimat Plant Opens Amid Climate Concerns
As LNG Canada prepares for its first shipments from Kitimat next month, the long-awaited liquefied natural gas industry in BC faces a complex reality beneath the celebratory rhetoric.
The facility will immediately become BC's largest point-source greenhouse gas emitter, essentially guaranteeing the province will fail to meet its legislated climate targets, while the economics of the industry face serious challenges including global demand uncertainty and rising domestic gas prices that will affect BC consumers.
Critics point to government concessions including relaxed emissions requirements and carbon tax breaks for LNG companies, raising concerns that this fossil fuel expansion primarily benefits foreign corporations while offering minimal long-term benefits to working British Columbians and potentially competing with the clean electricity needed for meaningful climate action.
National Canadian News
Postal Workers Propose Strike Delay as Negotiations with Canada Post Continue
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has proposed a two-week pause on a potential strike that was set to begin Friday as it reviews Canada Post's latest offer, which includes a 13.59 percent wage increase over four years.
The new proposal also includes six personal days in the collective agreement and "better" income replacement for workers on short-term disability leave, while withdrawing previous proposals about health benefits and pension changes.
Weekend delivery remains a key issue, with Canada Post wanting to hire part-time workers for weekend shifts while the union advocates for full-time employees to handle this work, arguing against what they see as the introduction of gig work into the postal service.
Are Data Centres a Growing Threat to the Great Lakes?
As Ontario experiences a boom in data centre construction, environmental experts are raising concerns about the potential impacts on Great Lakes water resources. The massive facilities, which power our digital economy, require enormous amounts of water for cooling systems, potentially putting stress on local water supplies.
According to research, Ontario could learn valuable lessons from Michigan's regulatory approach to data centres, though many aspects of their long-term environmental impact remain poorly understood and understudied, highlighting the need for greater oversight and research.
Sports News
⚽ Whitecaps Battle to Draw with Valour FC in First Leg of Canadian Championship Quarterfinal
Vancouver Whitecaps FC battled to a 2-2 draw against Valour FC in the first leg of the Canadian Championship quarterfinals, setting the stage for a decisive return match at BC Place on July 9.
Sam Adekugbe delivered an early statement with a spectacular sixth-minute volley, but Valour FC responded through Rocco Romeo's towering header before halftime and Bruno Figueiredo's long-range strike in the 51st minute. The 'Caps' persistence paid off when substitute Ali Ahmed equalized with a brilliant 80th-minute finish after a skillful turn in the box, becoming Vancouver's 14th different goalscorer this season.
Despite dominating possession, Vancouver faced a determined Valour side in a hard-fought contest that featured multiple bookings and sets up what promises to be an exciting second leg in Vancouver.
🏒 Mystery Surrounds Rick Tocchet's Departure from Vancouver Canucks
Former Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet's unexpected departure for Philadelphia continues to generate questions despite his public statements expressing love for Vancouver. Hockey insiders suggest there may be more to the story than what's been shared publicly about his decision to return to the Flyers organization.
The move has left Canucks management scrambling to find a replacement before the upcoming season, with several high-profile candidates reportedly already being interviewed for the coveted position.