Please help grow The Langley Union by sharing this newsletter with friends, family, or on social media and asking them to subscribe.
Word of mouth makes all the difference as we strive to grow and champion local news in our community!
After days of sweltering heat, we can finally breathe a little easier as cooler temperatures arrive and rain clouds gather on the horizon!
Today's roundup brings together the stories shaping our community, from bridge repairs and affordable produce programs to sports victories and upcoming events that bring neighbors together.
Whether you're looking for sensory-friendly swimming opportunities, considering feedback on new cell towers, or planning your evening around adult D&D adventures, there is no shortage of news and activities that matter to working families across Langley and the Fraser Valley.
Local Langley News
Langley City Offers $6 Monthly Produce Bags Through Partnership Program
Langley City has partnered with Ralph's Farm Market to offer monthly Healthy Living Bags filled with fresh seasonal produce for just $6 each, with registration now open through August 27th for the September 3rd pickup.
Each bag contains enough fruit and vegetables for 1-2 people, typically including items like apples, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, and onion, with contents changing monthly based on seasonal availability.
Residents can order bags with pickup available at Timms Community Centre between 11am and 8pm on the first Tuesday of each month, or at Firehouse Cafe in Aldergrove between 2-4pm for those living in that area.
The affordable program addresses food security concerns while supporting local agriculture, though orders must be pre-paid by the Wednesday before pickup and unclaimed bags are redistributed to families in need.
Coghlan Creek Bridge Repairs Start Friday With $575,000 Temporary Fix
Repair work on the Coghlan Creek bridge begins Friday and is expected to wrap up by October 1st, but the $575,000 temporary fix is just the beginning of costly infrastructure challenges ahead as the entire bridge will eventually need to be replaced.
The bridge on 248 Street was closed in April after erosion undermined its north end, forcing drivers to detour east to 264 Street or west to 232 Street to access popular destinations such as Thunderbird Show Park and Krause Berry Farm.
Mayor Eric Woodward estimates the full bridge replacement will cost $2 million, part of a broader infrastructure crisis that sees 28 of the Township's 42 bridges needing replacement at a projected cost of $45 million.
The hefty price tag raises questions about how communities can better plan infrastructure investments to serve residents without breaking municipal budgets.
Langley City Hosts Sensory-Friendly Swimming Session This Saturday
Langley City is offering a calmer aquatic experience this Saturday with a sensory-friendly swim session at Al Anderson Memorial Pool from 10:30am to 12:30pm, designed for individuals and families who benefit from reduced stimulation environments.
The special session eliminates background music, speaker announcements, and excessive water features while providing access to a designated sensory-friendly break room and additional staff support for participants.
The program serves autistic individuals, those with anxiety or sensory processing needs, and anyone who prefers a quieter swimming environment with clear timing and transition warnings.
This thoughtful accommodation demonstrates how public facilities can become more inclusive by simply adjusting their operations to meet diverse community needs, though standard admission policies and age restrictions still apply.
Trail Closures Hit Yorkson Creek and Telegraph Trail
Due to unplanned trail maintenance, sections of two popular Langley trails are temporarily closed until further notice.
The Yorkson Creek trail closure affects the section from 88 Avenue to 206 Street, while the Telegraph trail is closed from its junction with Yorkson Creek trail.
These unexpected closures are necessary for maintenance work that will ensure the trails remain safe and accessible for the community.
Local residents who regularly use these paths for walking, cycling, and recreation are advised to seek alternative routes until the maintenance is completed.
Fort Langley Gets New Benches at Spray Park
The Township of Langley has responded to resident concerns by installing new benches at the spray park.
Parents and caregivers had expressed the need for seating that provides a clear line of sight to supervise children playing in the water features.
The Fort Langley Community Association (FLCA) advocated for these improvements, and the Parks department's quick response demonstrates the township's commitment to addressing community needs.
The new benches will make the popular summer destination more comfortable and functional for families.
TELUS Proposes 47-Metre Cell Tower in Rural Langley
TELUS is seeking public input on a proposed 47-metre telecommunications tower and equipment shelter at 23718 72 Avenue, launching a mandatory consultation process that runs until September 13th.
The monopole structure would be located in a rural area of Langley Township, where residents have until the close of business on September 13th to submit comments to Cypress Land Services on behalf of the telecom giant.
The proposal follows federal requirements from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and municipal consultation processes, though many residents remain concerned about the visual and health impacts of tall cellular infrastructure in their neighbourhoods.
While improved cellular coverage can benefit rural communities, the consultation period offers residents a critical opportunity to voice concerns about the tower's placement and potential alternatives that might better serve the community's needs.
Feedback can be provided to Cypress Land Services, at 604-620-0877 or PublicConsultation@CypressLandServices.com.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Good News: Fraser River's Sockeye Returns Soar as Fish Farm Closures Show Results
Fraser River sockeye returns have exceeded expectations by more than double, reaching levels not seen since the 1970s, with advocates crediting the closure of fish farms along key migration routes as a major factor.
Indigenous advocates like marine biologist Alexandra Morton point to the removal of 50% of Pacific coast fish farms since 2009 as vindication of their long fight against open-net operations that introduced viruses and sea lice into wild salmon populations.
The dramatic recovery demonstrates how Indigenous-led environmental stewardship and the removal of extractive industries can restore ecosystems while providing sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
Highway 1 Traffic Diversions Begin Next Week Between Abbotsford and Langley
Westbound Highway 1 drivers between Abbotsford and Langley face new traffic disruptions starting next week, as construction forces a month-long diversion from Mount Lehman onto the newly paved median before rejoining the highway near 264th Street.
Traffic expert Alex Carrigan warns the temporary route will create significant bottlenecks in an area that's already congested during morning and evening rush hours, adding delays for commuters until work is completed.
The project will then shift to eastbound lanes in mid-September, creating another month of disruptions as traffic gets diverted to the median along the same stretch.
While necessary for infrastructure improvements, the timing highlights how car-dependent transportation systems leave working families with few alternatives when major routes face disruptions, underscoring the need for better transit connections between Fraser Valley communities.
National Canadian News
Air Canada Issues 72-Hour Lockout Notice to Flight Attendants
Flight attendants signaled their intention to strike, and Air Canada responded with a lockout notice set to begin Saturday.
This labor dispute could significantly impact travel plans for thousands of passengers across Canada and internationally.
The standoff between the airline and its flight attendants centers on working conditions, pay, and job security issues that have been building for months.
With both sides taking hardline positions, travelers are advised to prepare for potential flight cancellations and delays starting this weekend.
Manitoba MĂ©tis Federation and Southern Chiefs Unite for Economic Reconciliation
The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) and Manitoba MĂ©tis Federation (MMF) are partnering to advance economic reconciliation initiatives in the province.
This unprecedented collaboration between two of Manitoba's most influential Indigenous organizations represents a significant step toward unified economic development strategies.
The partnership aims to leverage the collective strength of both organizations to create more opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities.
Their united approach could serve as a model for other provinces looking to advance meaningful economic reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and broader Canadian society.
New Poll Shows Majority of Canadians Call Gaza Situation Genocide as Carney Resists Action
A new Angus Reid poll reveals that 52% of Canadians now identify Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide against Palestinians, yet Prime Minister Mark Carney says he's not on "the cusp" of announcing concrete action like sanctions.
The polling data exposes a significant disconnect between public opinion and government policy, raising questions about whether Canada's leadership truly represents the will of its people on matters of international justice.
Despite being a signatory to the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which carries obligations to prevent such crimes, Canada continues to avoid meaningful steps to address what a majority of its citizens recognize as an ongoing atrocity.
This gap between democratic sentiment and political decision-making reveals how government leaders often prioritize diplomatic relationships and economic interests over both international law and the clear moral judgment of working Canadians.
Sports News
⚽ Vancouver FC Claims Crucial 3-1 Victory Over Atlético Ottawa in Canadian Championship Semi-Final
Vancouver FC secured their first regulation-time victory in the Canadian Championship with a commanding 3-1 win over Atlético Ottawa at Willoughby Community Park, taking a significant advantage into the second leg of their semi-final tie.
After Ottawa equalized through Sam Salter's brilliant header in the 58th minute, Vancouver responded with character as Hugo Mbongue restored their lead in the 69th minute before Nicolás Mezquida sealed the victory in stoppage time.
The result marks Vancouver's first home win in over a year and hands Ottawa just their second defeat of 2025, though the tie remains alive with the return leg set for Ottawa where the visitors will look to overturn the two-goal deficit.
For a young Vancouver side sitting last in the Canadian Premier League table, this breakthrough performance in cup competition suggests they're capable of much more than their league position indicates.
🤸‍♂️ Three Langley Gymnasts Flip Their Way to Pan Am Games
Local talent has secured 3 of 4 available spots on Team Canada's men's artistic gymnastics roster for the upcoming Pan American Games in Paraguay.
This remarkable achievement showcases the strength of Langley's gymnastics programs and coaching excellence.
The three athletes will represent not only their community but all of Canada on the international stage, competing against the best gymnasts from across the Americas.
Events Happening Today
Adult Dungeons and Dragons Club
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30pm
- Location: Murrayville Library, 100 22071 48th Avenue
Langley BC V3A 3N1 - Description: Ready to roll? Join our Dungeons & Dragons adventures! Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or curious newcomer, we'll explore fantastical worlds, battle epic monsters, and forge unforgettable stories together.
We provide the dice, the rulebooks, and the good times – just bring your imagination.
For ages 18+. We will be playing the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons.
Sassy Stitching: Cross Stitch Text
- Time: 6:00 to 7:00pm
- Location: Muriel Arnason Library, 130 20338 65 Avenue, Langley BC V2Y 2X3
- Description: Learn how to cross stitch different styles of letters to embellish your projects. Start a new project or add text to an existing one. All supplies will be provided. Feel free to come for the company and work on other stitching projects as well.
- Suitable for adults age 18 and up and beginners are welcome.
Sip 'n Dip – Summer Nights in the Township
- Time: 7:00 to 9:00pm
- Location: The Outdoor Experience at Aldergrove Community Centre, 27032 Fraser Hwy, Langley Twp, BC V4W 3P6
- Description: Adults (19+) can experience the leisure pool, hot tub, waterslides, and lazy river in a kid-free atmosphere. Make it a night out and enjoy local craft beer, wine and seltzers served on-site. Registration includes admission and one or two beverage tickets. Additional beverage tickets can be purchased on-site.
What did you think of this story?
Take a quick 2-minute survey to let us know how we're doing and what topics you'd like to see The Langley Union cover next.