Happy Wednesday, friends!
While folks across the Fraser Valley may be nursing post-fireworks hangovers, there's plenty happening to keep the holiday momentum going.
From major infrastructure developments like the final phase of 208 Street upgrades to the upcoming arrival of shiny new waste bins that promise to make garbage day less of a hassle, local governments in both the Township and the City are actually getting things done.
Beyond the Township's impressive 1,000-tree planting milestone and the usual mix of regional happenings, today brings some serious national stories that deserve attention.
The sports world saw George Springer absolutely demolish baseballs for the Blue Jays while BC's own ultra-endurance superstar Shanda Hill continues making Canada proud on the international stage.
And if you're looking to celebrate the end of the long weekend properly, there's whisky tasting happening at Mainland Distillery tonight because nothing says "Canada Day recovery" quite like learning about craft spirits.
Local Langley News
Langley Township Council Approves Final 208 Street Upgrade Phase
Langley Township Council has given the green light to the last phase of 208 Street widening, marking the end of a long-awaited infrastructure project.
The half-mile section will be the final piece of the puzzle to fully upgrade this busy corridor, bringing relief to commuters who've been navigating construction zones for what feels like forever.
Once complete, drivers can finally bid farewell to the traffic bottlenecks that have plagued this stretch of road.
New Waste Bins Hit Langley City Streets Ahead of August Launch
Langley City residents are getting their first glimpse of the future as new bins for the Automated Waste Collection Program begin arriving at doorsteps.
The rollout is happening now in preparation for the August 2025 launch, which promises to modernize how the city handles garbage and recycling.
It's the kind of municipal upgrade that might not make headlines, but will definitely make Mondays a little easier for residents.
Langley Township Plants 1,000 Trees This Year
Langley Township has reached an impressive milestone with 1,000 new trees planted across the community this year.
Murrayville scored the jackpot, receiving the lion's share of these new street and park trees as part of the township's ongoing urban forest expansion.
In an era of climate concerns, it's refreshing to see local government literally putting down roots for a greener future.
Canada Day Celebrations Light Up Fort Langley and McLeod Park
Fort Langley marked Canada Day with a special citizenship ceremony, welcoming new Canadians to the country in the historic village.
Meanwhile, McLeod Athletic Park hosted its own festivities complete with live music, food vendors, kids activities, and a spectacular drone light show to cap off the evening.
Nothing says community spirit quite like watching dozens of drones dance across the night sky while celebrating the country's 158th birthday.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
FVDED Returns to Surrey with Expanded Lineup Featuring International EDM Stars
The popular electronic dance music festival continues its growth trajectory with Dutch DJ Tiësto and German producer Zedd headlining a 60-artist lineup across four stages at Holland Park this July, expanding from last year's 48 performers on three stages.
Following the massive success of 2024's sold-out return that drew 48,000 fans and proved Surrey's capacity to host world-class cultural events, this year's festival promises an even bigger celebration of dance music featuring artists like Kaytranada, Disclosure, and Black Tiger Sex Machine.
The festival's continued expansion demonstrates how community-supported cultural programming can establish Surrey as a legitimate destination for major entertainment, bringing significant economic benefits while providing accessible entertainment that doesn't require fans to travel far from the Fraser Valley.
Alleged Double Homicide Rocks Abbotsford Neighborhood
Two people are dead following what police are calling a "violent dispute" at a McKee Road residence in Abbotsford.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over the case as investigators work to piece together what led to this tragic outcome.
It's a sobering reminder that domestic disputes can escalate with devastating consequences, leaving families shattered and communities searching for answers.
One Wildfire Near Lytton Contained While Second Blaze Continues to Threaten Community
BC Wildfire Service has successfully contained the six-hectare Nikaia Creek fire across the Fraser River from Lytton, though evacuation orders remain in place as crews continue battling the larger 25-hectare Izman Creek blaze that's still burning out of control north of the community.
The ongoing emergency has forced three properties to evacuate and kept Highway 12 between Lytton and Lillooet closed to all but local traffic, while firefighters supported by helicopters work to protect structures from the surface fire that's spreading at a slow to moderate rate.
This latest fire threat comes as the region faces continued hot and dry conditions, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of communities like Lytton that have already endured devastating wildfire impacts and the critical importance of emergency preparedness and community support systems.
National Canadian News
Ontario's Chemical Valley Pollution Crisis Exposed in New Data
A comprehensive visual analysis reveals dangerously high levels of benzene pollution around Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Sarnia's Chemical Valley.
The data shows not only how toxic the air has become for Indigenous residents, but also how much higher the province was willing to let industry push those pollution levels.
It's a stark reminder of how environmental racism plays out in real time, with Indigenous communities bearing the brunt of industrial pollution while governments all too often look the other way.
B.C. Kills Indigenous Midwifery Program That Protected Families from Child Welfare System
The South Island Indigenous Midwifery Service, which dramatically reduced government child apprehensions among Indigenous families by 70 percent while providing culturally rooted prenatal and postpartum care, has been forced to close after the B.C. government abruptly ended funding with just two days' notice.
This devastating cut affects the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples and urban Indigenous communities on southern Vancouver Island, eliminating a vital service that provided trauma-informed care, substance use support, and early engagement with Indigenous-led family services to counter the ongoing crisis where Indigenous children represent 68 percent of kids in government care despite being only 6 percent of the population.
The closure represents a shameful abandonment of Indigenous families by a government that claims to support reconciliation while systematically underfunding community-led programs that actually work to address the colonial legacy of family separation and provide healing alternatives to the punitive child welfare system.
First Nations Challenge Fast-Track Bills That Threaten Environmental Protections and Indigenous Rights
Three controversial pieces of legislation in B.C. and federally are facing legal challenges from First Nations who argue that Bills 14, 15, and C-5 violate Indigenous consultation rights and environmental safeguards by fast-tracking mining, pipeline, and infrastructure projects without proper consent processes.
Legal experts and Indigenous leaders warn these laws represent a dangerous rollback of hard-won protections established under DRIPA and UNDRIP, with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak criticizing the federal government for providing just one week to review complex legislation affecting Indigenous territories.
The controversy highlights how governments continue to prioritize corporate interests and rapid resource extraction over Indigenous sovereignty and environmental protection, despite legal obligations to obtain free, prior, and informed consent from affected First Nations communities.
Sports News
🏒 Vancouver Canucks Lock Up Core Players with Big Extensions
The Vancouver Canucks made waves on NHL free agency day by re-signing Brock Boeser to a massive 7-year, $50.75 million deal, while also extending Thatcher Demko and Conor Garland.
Demko's new contract includes a no-movement clause, showing the team's commitment to their star goaltender.
It's a bold move that signals the Canucks are betting big on their current core, rather than blowing things up after last season's playoff run.
🏃♀️ Vernon Ultra-Athlete Shanda Hill Crushes Her Own World Record in French Deca Triathlon
Canadian ultra-endurance athlete Shanda Hill delivered a phenomenal performance on Canada Day, smashing her own world record at the Bretzel Ultra Deca Triathlon in France by more than 14 hours.
Despite suffering a severe ankle laceration that cut to the bone during the cycling portion, the 42-year-old Vernon resident persevered through 38km of swimming, 1,800km of cycling, and 422km of running to finish first among women and second overall in just 225 hours and 10 minutes.
Hill's incredible achievement showcases the grit and determination that defines Canadian ultra-athletes, and she'll have little time to celebrate as she prepares for another Deca race in Poland in less than two weeks.
🏀 Vancouver Bandits Down Shooting Stars in Canada Day Tribute
The Vancouver Bandits celebrated Canada Day with a victory over the Shooting Stars in a game that doubled as a tribute to Canadian hero Terry Fox.
The special Canada Day matchup brought together basketball and national pride in a way that honored both the sport and the country's most beloved runner.
It's the kind of meaningful sports event that reminds us how athletics can celebrate the values and heroes that define a nation.
⚾ George Springer Goes Off on Canada Day with 7 RBIs
American outfielder George Springer embraced his adopted Canadian home with a monster Canada Day performance, smashing two home runs and driving in seven runs for the Toronto Blue Jays.
The 35-year-old veteran continued to show he's found his groove in Toronto, delivering clutch hits when the team needed them most.
Sometimes the best way to celebrate your adopted country is by absolutely crushing baseballs on its birthday.
Events Happening Today
The Art of Distilling - The Mainland Whisky Story
- Time: 5:00 pm
- Location: Mainland Whisky Distillery & Cocktail Lounge, 3425 189 St Unit 107, Surrey, BC V3S 0L5,
- Description: Come into our production space and learn about our processes from milling mashing fermenting distilling and aging as well as the four essential steps of making craft Canadian Whisky.
Find out how we began our journey to become Surrey’s first craft whisky distillery. You’ll taste four distinct styles of whisky and discover founder Steve Watts’ journey from making corn whisky on a Texas grapefruit ranch to pioneering an urban distillery in South Surrey.
You will also explore innovation creations including Mainland Whisky’s Time Machine series and hear stories of how close friends and allies of Steve believed in his bold vision to launch Mainland Whisky.
Includes guided tour and tasting of 4 types of whisky and of course an Old Fashioned. Tours are approximately 1 hour.
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