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Good morning, Langley!
Itâs a partly cloudy day in Langley, with temperatures reaching around 21 °C by mid-afternoon and a chance of a passing shower laterâa gentle reminder to keep that umbrella within armâs reach (or bring a raincoat...whatever floats your boat).
Amid the changing sky, Langleyâs day unfolds with a dramatic downtown fire, a heartwarming theatre comeback, and a sold-out vegan feast with a fuzzy twist.
Each of these stories brings its own flavorâwhether it's the scare of a towering blaze, the intimate spotlight on one performer, or the community spirit of animals and food lovers coming together.
Local Langley News
Construction Blaze Reduces Downtown Building to Ashes
A multi-storey construction project in downtown Langley Township went up in flames early Sunday morning, creating a dramatic scene that had firefighters battling the blaze for hours.
The building, located at 201st Street and Fraser Highway, was completely destroyed according to local officials. Multiple fire trucks responded to the scene, with thick black smoke visible from miles away as the structure was engulfed.
Nearby residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure, though no injuries have been reported. The fire continued to burn well into Sunday afternoon, with crews working to contain the damage and prevent spread to adjacent properties.
Traffic diversions remain in place around the Fraser Highway corridor as cleanup efforts continue.
Theatre Teacher Takes Solo Stage in Intimate Production
A local theatre educator is stepping back into the spotlight with a deeply personal one-woman show that promises to captivate audiences.
Theatre in the Country is hosting just four performances of "Shirley Valentine," giving theatre lovers a rare opportunity to experience intimate storytelling at its finest. The production showcases the talents of a seasoned performer who has spent years nurturing the next generation of artists.
The limited run reflects the venue's commitment to quality over quantity, creating an exclusive experience for those lucky enough to secure tickets. The show explores themes of self-discovery and personal transformation through compelling monologue work.
Happy Herd's Vegan Feast Sells Out in Hours
The Aldergrove animal sanctuary proved that plant-based dining can be wildly popular, with their latest fundraising dinner selling out faster than hotcakes.
Happy Herd's unique approach of serving vegan cuisine alongside their rescued livestock created an unforgettable dining experience that resonated with animal lovers and food enthusiasts alike. The event raised crucial funds to support the sanctuary's ongoing care for their resident animals.
Guests enjoyed their meals while mingling with the very animals they were helping to support, creating meaningful connections between diners and the sanctuary's mission. The success has organizers already planning additional events to meet the overwhelming demand.
More fundraising dinners are already being planned to capitalize on this enthusiastic response from the community.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Rogue Rodeo Bull Shuts Down Abbotsford Highway 11 Traffic
What started as a routine trip for hoof trimming turned into a wild chase scene when a Brahma bull made a break for freedom on an Abbotsford highway.
The bull, originally from Kamloops, managed to escape from a Matsqui farm while being transported for grooming, leading to the temporary closure of Highway 11 as officials worked to safely contain the animal. Traffic came to a standstill as the massive creature wandered the roadway, creating both safety concerns and quite a spectacle for motorists.
Emergency responders and animal control officers coordinated efforts to safely capture the bull without causing harm to the animal or nearby drivers. The incident highlights the challenges of transporting large livestock through urban areas.
The bull was eventually returned safely to its handlers, though not without causing significant traffic delays during the afternoon rush.
Fatal Highway 1 Crash Triggers Multiple Secondary Incidents
A tragic morning collision on Highway 1 in Chilliwack not only claimed a life but also led to two additional crashes when the roadway reopened.
The initial fatal accident forced authorities to close the eastbound lanes for several hours while investigators processed the scene and emergency crews worked to clear the wreckage. The prolonged closure created massive traffic backups throughout the Fraser Valley.
When officials finally reopened the highway, the sudden resumption of traffic flow and driver fatigue from the extended delays contributed to two more crashes in the same vicinity. These secondary incidents, while not fatal, further complicated an already challenging traffic situation.
The series of crashes underscores the dangerous ripple effects that major highway incidents can create, affecting not just the immediate victims but countless other drivers navigating the aftermath.
Hope Chainsaw Artist Claims Victory in Competitive Carving Contest
The sound of roaring chainsaws and flying wood chips filled the air as Hope hosted its annual chainsaw carving championship, with Ryan Villiers emerging as the 2025 champion.
Villiers outperformed a competitive field of skilled artisans, with Mark Colp securing second place and Chris Foltz rounding out the podium in third position. The competition showcased the incredible skill required to transform raw logs into detailed sculptures using only chainsaws and artistic vision.
The event draws spectators from across the region who come to witness the unique combination of artistry and power tools that defines this distinctive Canadian competition. The festival celebrates both the town's logging heritage and the evolution of chainsaw work into legitimate artistic expression.
National Canadian News
Voters Cast Ballots in Alberta Byelection as Poilievre Hopes for Second Chance as MP
Voters in Battle RiverâCrowfoot are heading to the polls today in a high-profile Alberta byelection, where Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is seeking a return to Parliament after losing his long-held Carleton seat in April.
The riding, one of the safest Conservative strongholds in Canada, is widely expected to send him back to Ottawa.
However, the race has drawn unusual attention with more than 200 candidatesâmostly from a protest groupâforcing Elections Canada to use modified write-in ballots.
With over 14,000 advance votes already cast, officials expect counting to take longer than usual.
Air Canada Flight Attendants Defy Federal Back-to-Work Order
Flight attendants with Air Canada have taken the unprecedented step of defying a federal government order to return to work, calling the directive unconstitutional and vowing to continue their strike action.
The union representing more than 10,000 flight attendants rejected the government's demand to resume operations by 2 p.m. Sunday, instead choosing to challenge the order through legal channels. This defiance is a bold challenge of the Liberal government's consistent use of back-to-work legislation to break worker's strikes.
In 2024, the government used back to work legislation to undercut workers in both the rail industry, as well as at Canada Post. The repeated use of back-to-work legislation has created a labour climate where big employers are confident that if workers go on strike, the government will simply order them back.
The dispute represents a significant test of federal authority over labor relations, with the union arguing that forcing workers back to their jobs violates charter rights. Legal experts are watching closely as the case could set important precedents for future labor disputes.
Sports News
â˝ Vancouver Rise upset first-place AFC Toronto 1-0 despite playing short-handed
Vancouver Rise pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset victory over first-place AFC Toronto at BMO Field, with Jessica De Filippo scoring the winner early in the second half. The visitors played with ten players for over an hour after Jasmyne Spencer received a red card in the first half, making their defensive performance even more impressive. Goalkeeper Morgan McAslan made six crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet as Rise improved to 6-5-5 while Toronto slipped to 10-6-2. The victory showcased Rise's resilience and tactical discipline against the Northern Super League leaders.
đ Irish Rider Claims Thrilling Equestrian Victory at Thunderbird Park
James Chawke delivered a masterclass in precision riding, winning Langley's equestrian Grand Prix by the narrowest of margins in a finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats.
The Irish rider's victory came by less than a tenth of a second, demonstrating the incredible skill and timing required at the highest levels of equestrian sport. The razor-thin margin of victory speaks to both the quality of competition and Chawke's ability to perform under pressure.
Canadian riders showed their strength in depth, with four competitors placing in the top ten and proving that the domestic equestrian scene continues to develop world-class talent. The strong showing by local riders suggests promising developments for Canadian equestrian sport.
The competition attracted riders from multiple countries, establishing Langley's equestrian facility as an increasingly important venue on the international circuit.
Events Happening Today
LEGOÂŽ & More Builder's Club
- Time: 3:30 to 4:30pm
- Location: Muriel Arnason Library, 130 20338 65 Avenue
Langley BC V2Y 2X3 - Description: We provide the LEGOÂŽ, KEVA Planks and Magformers and you bring your imagination!
Test your engineering skills and build amazing structures.
Drop-in fun for all ages
KEVA Planks Tower Challenge
- Time: 3:30 to 4:00pm
- Location: City of Langley Library, 20399 Douglas Crescent
Langley BC V3A 4B3 - Description: Challenge yourselves to build the tallest KEVA Planks tower at the library! The tallest one left standing will win a small prize.
For ages 5+. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
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