Good morning, Langley!
While Vancouver FC made history reaching their first Canadian Championship semifinal with a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Calgary, there's plenty happening closer to home today.
Langley City is moving forward with its ambitious five-year plan through 2031, focusing on affordable housing and tenant protections, while Langley Township just approved two new seven-storey apartment buildings near the Events Centre.
If you're looking for family fun this evening, KatMoon Band is performing free live music at Douglas Park Spirit Square starting at 5:30 p.m., and young readers can dive into The Hardy Boys at the Between the Pages Book Club at Brookswood Library.
Plus, don't forget to register for Aldergrove's Little Lemonade Legends contest on Sunday July 27th where kids can compete for $300 in cash prizes while learning entrepreneurship skills!
Local Langley News
Langley City Council Updates Five-Year Strategic Plan Through 2031
In a recent post on his popular South Fraser Blog, Langley City Mayor Nathan Pachal announced the City's updated strategic priorities plan, a living document that outlines the city's mission and focus areas through 2031.
The five key priorities for 2026 include
- Redeveloping 20411 Fraser Highway (the empty plot on the northern side of the beginning of the Oneway) into mixed-use housing with market and non-market homes;
- Creating a Standards of Maintenance Bylaw to set safety and quality standards for landlords;
- Refining the Tenant Relocation Plans Policy that provides compensation and return rights for displaced renters;
- Implementing an Amenity Cost Charges Bylaw to fund growth-related infrastructure like fire halls and recreation centers;
- And developing a long-term staffing plan with external support.
The plan builds on existing work including the Innovation District strategy with KPU, with additional initiatives possible as time and resources allow over the five-year timeline.
Langley Township Approves Two Seven-Storey Apartment Buildings
Langley Township council gave final approval to a 289-unit apartment complex with ground-floor commercial space at 20069 80 Avenue, two years after initial consideration.
The twin seven-storey buildings will include 1,943 square metres of commercial space and required an amendment to allow building one storey higher than the standard six-storey limit.
Located north of the Langley Events Centre and west of existing townhouses, the development fits into a broader mixed-use area with more commercial buildings planned to the west and apartments to the north.
The developer provided Community Amenity Contribution fees through a voluntary mechanism following a court ruling that invalidated the Township's previous CAC policy, with legal advice confirming the approach.
Langley Township Ditches Drones for Fireworks Despite Environmental Concerns
Langley Township council voted 7-1 to switch back to fireworks for Canada Day 2026 after two years of drone light displays.
Mayor Eric Woodward cited "mixed reviews" from residents about this year's $53,000 drone show, though Councillor Kim Richter questioned how he had gathered that feedback since she hadn't heard complaints.
The return to a $40,000 fireworks display comes despite concerns from Councillor Tim Baillie about noise impacts on local animals, who asked staff to explore quieter firework options.
Animal welfare groups regularly warn pet owners about keeping animals secure during fireworks displays due to the loud sounds that can cause pets to bolt.
Aldergrove's Little Lemonade Legends Contest Returns July 27th
The Aldergrove Business Association is hosting its third annual Little Lemonade Legends contest on Saturday, July 27th from 2-4 p.m. at the Aldergrove Legion.
Kids can compete individually or in teams to create the best lemonade, most creative stand, and most innovative marketing for a chance to win cash prizes totaling $300, plus three $50 People's Choice awards.
Each participant receives a $25 gift card to help with expenses, and all contestants will be paired with local businesses for entrepreneurship tips. Setup begins at 1 p.m., with public voting from 2-4 p.m.
Registration is required in advance and open to all kids regardless of location. To sign up or get more information, email littlelemonadelegends@gmail.com or call 604-833-5634.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Summer Starfish Program Urgently Needs Community Support to Feed 450 Children
Archway Community Services' Summer Starfish Program is seeking donations to ensure no child goes hungry when school meal programs end on June 27th.
The program, preparing to serve 450 students this summer, has only reached 50% of its fundraising goal and is falling behind last year's pace.
Families can choose from nutritious items including milk, eggs, cereal, fresh produce, and other essentials during bi-weekly pickups starting July 2nd.
A $168.42 donation provides one student with food for the entire summer, while $84.20 covers one month and $42.10 supports a child for two weeks.
With concerns about potential Canada Post strikes affecting mail delivery, organizers encourage online donations at AbbotsfordFoodBank.com/starfish to ensure this vital community support reaches working families who depend on it.
Black-Owned Chilliwack Bakery Wins Big with DoorDash Grant
Arabelle's Bakery of Chilliwack has been awarded a $10,000 grant from DoorDash Canada to help purchase new equipment and support business growth.
The grant will help the bakery expand operations - proving that good business and great baking can rise together.
National Canadian News
First Nations Chief Calls Out 'Hidden Genocide' as Governments Push Development
Neskantaga Chief Gary Quisess says First Nations are dealing with a 'hidden genocide' as governments prioritize development agendas over Indigenous rights.
The chief isn't ruling out litigation in his battle with the government - because sometimes the courts are the only place left to find justice.
Investigation: Tree-Planting Industry Reckons with Sexual Violence in Remote Camps
A new investigation reveals the dark side of Canada's tree-planting industry, where young workers face sexism and assault in remote forest camps.
The industry's culture of prizing toughness above all else has created an environment where abuse thrives - and it's time for that to change.
Sports News
🏒 Penticton Scores Big as Canucks Training Camp Host
Penticton has been unveiled as the host location for the Vancouver Canucks' training camp, with team officials expressing excitement about returning to the city.
The Canucks president couldn't be happier with the decision to return to Penticton - because sometimes you've got to go back to where it all began.
⚽ Vancouver FC Makes History with Penalty Shootout Victory Over Defending Champions Calgary Cavalry
Langley-based Vancouver FC reached their first-ever Canadian Championship semifinal with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over reigning CPL champions Cavalry FC in Calgary.
The Eagles took a 1-0 lead through Nicolas Mezquida's penalty before Cavalry equalized via an unfortunate deflection off Aidan O'Connor, forcing the shootout after two 1-1 draws across both legs. Captain and goalkeeper Callum Irving emerged as the hero, making crucial saves including the decisive stop on Mael Henry's penalty to secure the historic win.
The Eagles return home to face Cavalry again at Willoughby Stadium on Sunday, July 13, while midfielder Emrick Fotsing recovers from a head injury suffered in Hamilton and is expected to return following concussion protocol.
⚽ Whitecaps Advance to Canadian Championship Semifinals with Dramatic Late Winner
Defender Bjorn Utvik scored his first-ever goal for Vancouver Whitecaps in the 90th minute to give the team a thrilling 2-1 victory over Valour FC in their Canadian Championship quarterfinal at BC Place.
The dramatic finish came after Emmanuel Sabbi gave Vancouver the lead in the 79th minute, only for Valour's Jevontae Layne to equalize with a header in the 86th minute before 14,536 fans.
Utvik's winning header off a Jayden Nelson cross sent the defending champions through to face Hamilton's Forge in the semifinals, as Vancouver seeks its fourth consecutive Canadian Championship.
The result leaves the Whitecaps as the only MLS team remaining in the tournament after Montreal's elimination, setting up an August semifinal against Forge while the other semifinal features CPL sides Athletico Ottawa and Vancouver FC.
Events Happening Today
Between the Pages Book Club
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Location: Brookswood Library , 20045 40 Avenue Langley BC V3A 2W2
- Description: Enjoy reading? If you are between the ages of 8 and 12 you are invited to Brookswood Library to join our fun with book discussions and activities. We will read a new kids book each month.
At this meeting we will be discussing The Hardy Boys: The Tower Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon.
Dixon, Franklin W.,Dixon, Franklin W.,
KatMoon Band Concert
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Location: Douglas Park Spirit Square - 20550 Douglas Crescent,
- Description: KatMoon invites the community out to enjoy an evening of live music in Douglas Park. This is the third in a series of free concerts the band will be performing this summer at the Spirit Square.
- About the Band: KatMoon is a 4 piece band from Langley, BC. Our group was formed in 2022, with decades of performing experience between us. Our style is best described as Indie, with a strong focus on vocal harmony. While we cut our teeth on cover tunes, we are now performing a variety of original material. We love what we do and enjoy sharing it with the community!
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