Thursday in Langley brings a mix of housing battles, labor victories, and plenty of fun community events to check out tonight!
Mayor Pachal's latest blog post breaks down exactly how parking mandates are adding tens of thousands of dollars to housing costs, while Victoria Uber drivers just made history by becoming the first gig workers in Canada to unionize.
Meanwhile, BC is asking for your input on their climate plan that's missing targets while boosting LNG profits.
Locally, there's some good news too. The Fraser Valley Library is highlighting free career resources for new grads, and Gandy Installations is offering free heating services to folks who need it through their "Feel The Love" program. Plus, MLA Harman Bhangu is dealing with a libel lawsuit from his own union after calling out alleged corruption in job dispatching.
If you're looking for something to do tonight, the Langley Community Farmers Market runs until 8:30 pm at Spirit Square, and there's free live music with Backyard Radio at Willoughby Community Park starting at 7 pm.
For those wanting an adults-only swim experience, Sip 'n Dip is happening at the Aldergrove Community Centre, and the charity pickleball tournament continues at Douglas Park.
Local Langley News
Langley City Mayor Shows How Parking Mandates Drive Up Housing Costs by $30,000 Per Unit
Mayor Pachal's blog reveals the staggering cost of mandatory parking in apartment buildings, with each underground stall costing between $117,000 and $138,000 according to a new Metro Vancouver study.
The data shows that parking utilization rates are surprisingly low across Fraser Valley communities, with residential spaces used only 63-75% of the time and visitor spots sitting empty more than half the time.
By reducing parking requirements from current levels to just one space per unit in areas still under city control, Langley City could cut housing costs by around $30,000 per unit while still meeting actual demand, demonstrating how car-centric planning policies artificially inflate housing prices and limit affordable options for working families.
Fraser Valley Library Offers Free Career Training and Skills Development for New Graduates
The Fraser Valley Regional Library is highlighting crucial free resources available to recent graduates entering the workforce, including one-on-one librarian consultations, LinkedIn Learning courses, and Kanopy's educational streaming content.
With services spanning 25 locations offering everything from job search guidance to financial literacy training, the library system provides working-class families with access to professional development tools that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars.
The library's commitment to democratizing access to career training, AI literacy workshops, and practical life skills represents a vital community resource that helps level the playing field for young people regardless of their economic background.
Local Heating Company Launches "Feel The Love" Community Initiative
Gandy Installations is offering free heating and cooling services to deserving community members through their annual charitable program.
Nominations will be accepted until August 31st, providing essential home comfort services to those who need it most. It's nice to see local businesses stepping up where government programs often fall short.
Trucker-MLA Harman Bhangu Responds to Union Libel Suit Over Corruption Allegations
Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu, himself a Teamsters 213 member and trucker, is defending against a libel lawsuit filed by his own union local after he accused union officials of "blatant corruption and systemic nepotism" in dispatching truckers to construction jobs.
The lawsuit stems from Bhangu's legislative speech alleging that union officials gave their family members broker positions that control job assignments under Community Benefits Agreements, with the union seeking damages and an injunction to prevent similar statements.
While parliamentary privilege protects his legislative comments, the Teamsters claim his social media posts repeating the allegations crossed the line into defamation, highlighting the tensions that can arise when rank-and-file members challenge union leadership over fairness and accountability in job distribution.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Have Your Say: BC Government Asks for Feedback on Climate Plan That's Missing Targets While Boosting LNG
The BC NDP government has launched a public review of its faltering CleanBC climate plan after admitting it will catastrophically miss its 2025 and 2030 emissions targets, achieving only 2.6% reductions instead of the promised 16% this year. The plan's failure comes as the government simultaneously greenlights massive LNG expansion, cuts the consumer carbon tax, and dramatically increases revenue from gas and mining industries while slashing environmental program funding. Working-class communities and Indigenous peoples bear the brunt of climate impacts while corporate polluters profit from government subsidies and regulatory capture, demonstrating how capitalist priorities continue to undermine any meaningful climate action.
How You Can Fight Back: Readers can submit feedback on the CleanBC review until August 1st through the government's online survey. Written statements up to 2,500 words can be submitted until July 18th. Indigenous communities and local governments have until August 1st to provide input. This is a critical opportunity to demand real climate action that puts people and planet before corporate profits. Make your voice heard and demand a just transition away from fossil fuels.
Victoria Uber Drivers Make History with First Gig Worker Union Certification in Canada
More than 500 Uber drivers in Victoria have achieved a groundbreaking victory by becoming the first gig workers in Canada to receive union certification, joining UFCW Local 1518 after a year-long organizing campaign.
The drivers will now have collective bargaining power to address critical issues including health and safety compensation, benefits, payment transparency, and protection against arbitrary account deactivations that have plagued gig workers.
This historic win comes as British Columbia strengthened gig worker protections with a $20.88 minimum wage and worker compensation coverage, demonstrating how organized labor can challenge corporate exploitation and secure dignity for workers in the so-called "gig economy" that has long denied workers basic rights and protections.
39-Year-Old Man Stabbed in Targeted Abbotsford Attack
A 39-year-old man was hospitalized with non-life-threatening stab wounds after an early morning altercation in Abbotsford on Wednesday.
Police responded to reports of a stabbing around 12:20 a.m. and found the victim near Busby Road and McCallum Road, though investigators believe the initial altercation occurred on Cannon Avenue.
The Abbotsford Police major crime unit has taken over the investigation, treating it as a targeted incident with no ongoing threat to public safety, and anyone with information is asked to contact police at 604-859-5225.
B.C. Eases Developer Burden on Housing Fees as Construction Slows
The NDP government announced changes to development cost charges starting in 2026, allowing builders to defer 75% of municipal fees for four years (or until occupancy) to reduce upfront costs amid declining housing starts.
The industry welcomed the move as providing much-needed certainty and capital preservation for builders facing increased material and labor costs.
Housing construction starts fell from 53,118 units in April to 37,455 in May, a nearly 30% drop, and are over 4,000 units lower than the same time last year, prompting the government to seek new ways to encourage construction and lower costs.
National Canadian News
Carney Fast-Tracks By-Election to Get Poilievre Back in Safe Alberta Seat
Prime Minister Mark Carney quickly called an August 18th by-election in Alberta's Battle River-Crowfoot riding so that defeated Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre can return to Parliament after losing his longtime Ottawa seat in April's federal election.
The riding is considered so safe for Conservatives that former MP Damien Kurek resigned specifically to create an opening for Poilievre, with the margin in the last election exceeding 45,000 votes.
Both Liberals and Conservatives appear eager to get Poilievre back in the House of Commons, with the Liberals believing his extremist approach helped them win in April and expecting it to benefit them again if he sticks around.
Indigenous Land Defenders Face Violence from Extractive Industries
A new report highlights the dangerous reality facing Indigenous communities defending their traditional territories from resource extraction projects.
Whether through direct violence against land protectors or environmental destruction that threatens entire ecosystems, extractive industries continue to prioritize profits over people and planet.
The voices of Indigenous communities remain crucial in the fight for environmental justice and sustainable development.
Sports News
⚽ 18-Year-Old Canadian Soccer Phenom Annabelle Chukwu Breaks Youth Scoring Record
Annabelle Chukwu has already shattered Christine Sinclair's Canadian youth goal-scoring record with 39 goals in 42 international appearances at just 18 years old.
The Notre Dame forward made her senior debut for Canada in a 4-1 victory over Costa Rica at Toronto's BMO Field, immediately making an impact by setting up a crucial goal in the 74th minute.
With her rare technical ability and proven track record leading Canada's U-20 team to a Concacaf title, Chukwu represents the next generation of Canadian soccer talent as the team prepares for a challenging match against top-ranked USA.
🏒 Vancouver Giants Draft Czech Defender Jan Skok in CHL Import Draft
The Vancouver Giants selected 19-year-old Czech defenseman Jan Skok with the 61st overall pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, bringing professional experience from the Czech league to the team's defensive corps.
Skok, who played 28 games for HC Plzeň in the Czech professional league last season, is described as a steady, reliable defender who should compete for a spot on Czechia's World Junior team.
The left-shot blueliner brings international experience including a silver medal at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and will reunite with current Giants forward Adam Titlbach, who was his teammate on that medal-winning Czech squad.
Events Happening Today
Langley Community Farmers Market
- Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm (every Thursday night until Aug 28)
- Location: Spirit Square at Langley Events Centre, 7888 200 St, Langley, BC
- Description: There’s never been a better time to support your local community. Langley Community Farmer’s Market works diligently to provide a diverse group of makers, bakers, and growers at our Farmer’s Market.
The Outdoor Experience at Aldergrove Community Centre: Sip 'n Dip
- Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
- Location: Willoughby Community Park Amphitheatre, 7888 200 St, Langley, BC
- Cost: $19.20 plus tax per person including 1 drink ticket or $24.20 plus tax per person including 2 drink tickets.
- 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.
Advance online registration is required. No drop-ins. Registration for Sip ‘n Dip opens seven days in advance of each event.
You must be 19 years or older to attend this event. One piece of government issued photo ID must be presented for entry. No outside alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages permitted. There are no in and out privileges.
Summer Nights in the Township: Backyard Radio
- Time: 7:00 pm
- Location: Willoughby Community Park Amphitheatre, 7888 200 St, Langley, BC
- Description: Enjoy free, family-friendly outdoor concerts during Summer Nights in the Township! Every Thursday in July and August, join us at Willoughby Community Park Amphitheatre. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the concert!
Douglas Park Charity Pickleball Tournament
- Time: 8:00 pm
- Location: Douglas Park - 20550 Douglas Crescent, Langley, BC
- Description: Register to play, or come out to watch, participants compete in the 5th annual Douglas Park Charity pickleball tournament this summer; this is a Pickleball Canada sanctioned event.
Note: tournament start/end times are subject to change.
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