Good morning, Langley!
There's actually some positive news happening around here today! The Langley Foundation just dropped $27,000 to help make Fraser Highway more walkable with the Oneway project, proving that when communities organize, we can create people-centered infrastructure instead of car-dominated hellscapes.
Speaking of money, Township residents should probably pay attention to the recent court ruling about development fees that's left taxpayers potentially on the hook for hundreds of millions in debt (don't worry, there's more information below).
Meanwhile, hotel workers in Surrey are on strike, NDP MLA Bowinn Ma's office got attacked by right-wing extremists, and scientists are warning that our iconic Southern Resident orcas face extinction because governments refuse to prioritize ecological survival over fishing industry profits.
Tonight you can learn about whisky distilling in Surrey, catch some Shakespeare improv at Township 7 Winery, or take the family to the waterpark in Aldergrove.
Local Langley News
Langley Township Byelection Delayed, Could Be Held as Late as Nov. 1
Langley Township council has delayed the start date of its byelection process, meaning the vote to replace former councillor Misty Van Popta could now take place as late as November 1.
The council appointed Chief Administrative Officer Chanpreet Kooner as chief electoral officer, but postponed his official start until August 15 to avoid scheduling the election during peak summer vacation.
The move has drawn criticism from some councillors who argued for an earlier vote, while others cited logistical concerns.
The byelection, expected to cost up to $500,000, was triggered after Van Popta chose to take on both MLA and councillor roles—a decision that ultimately backfired when she was frequently late to Township council meetings, highlighting her inability to fully serve in both positions before provincial legislation forced her resignation.
Langley City Receives $27K Donation for Oneway Project, RCMP Launches Summer Safety Initiatives
The Langley Foundation has donated $27,000 to help fund trees and street furniture for the Fraser Oneway project, a crucial step toward creating more walkable, people-centered infrastructure in the city.
While Mayor Pachal's update on his popular South Fraser Blog also covered routine police initiatives and new waste collection programs, the foundation's contribution represents community investment in transforming car-dominated spaces into pedestrian-friendly environments.
The donation highlights how local organizations recognize the importance of green infrastructure and public amenities that prioritize people over vehicles.
This funding support for the Oneway project demonstrates growing momentum for urban design that serves community needs rather than just facilitating automobile traffic.
Letter: Township faces financial crisis after losing development fee lawsuit
A court ruling invalidating Langley Township's Community Amenity Contribution fees has left the municipality without legal authority to collect millions needed to service massive debt on projects like the Soccer Campus and LEC arenas.
With developers now able to refuse payment of these fees, taxpayers face the real possibility of being stuck with hundreds of millions in debt while council authorized another $100 million in borrowing just days after the ruling.
This financial crisis exposes how municipal reliance on development fees to fund public infrastructure creates an unstable funding model that ultimately shifts risk onto working-class residents.
The Township's predicament highlights the need for more sustainable public financing that doesn't depend on the whims of private developers or the vagaries of the court system.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Surrey Hotel Workers Launch Strike Action
Hotel workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford have begun strike action after failing to reach a collective agreement.
The labour dispute highlights ongoing tensions between hospitality workers and management in the Fraser Valley region.
This strike adds to broader labour unrest affecting service industries across Metro Vancouver, as workers push for better wages and conditions.
RCMP release photos of suspects in attack on NDP MLA's office
Police have released images of two men suspected of detonating a homemade explosive device outside NDP MLA Bowinn Ma's North Vancouver constituency office on June 27, causing property damage in what appears to be a targeted political attack.
The crude device, described as potentially modified bear bangers or fireworks, represents an escalation of political violence against progressive elected officials who advocate for workers' rights and environmental protection.
While police cannot yet confirm the political motivation, the targeting of Ma's office follows a troubling pattern of right-wing extremism directed at legislators pushing for climate action and social justice policies.
National Canadian News
Southern Resident Orcas Face Extinction Without Urgent Action, Scientists Warn
A coalition of over 30 international experts has declared that the critically endangered southern resident killer whales face a "high probability of extinction" unless both Canadian and U.S. governments implement far stronger protections than current measures.
The report demands priority access to chinook salmon for orcas through fishing closures, elimination of toxic pollution, and enforceable underwater noise standards, directly challenging the fishing industry's profits and corporate shipping interests.
Despite the whales' profound cultural significance to Indigenous Peoples and their role as an iconic species, the federal government has refused to issue emergency protection orders, instead choosing "incremental measures" that prioritize economic considerations over ecological survival.
This crisis exemplifies how capitalist priorities and extractive industries continue to drive species toward extinction while governments offer inadequate half-measures that serve corporate interests rather than protecting our shared natural heritage.
Debating Alberta's Future: Stay in Canada or Go It Alone?
As separatist sentiment grows in Alberta, former Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk launches a referendum campaign to keep the province in Canada.
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.
Bard in the Valley: Shakespeare Improv
- Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM, Performance starts at 8:00 PM
- Location: Township 7 Winery, 21152 16 Ave, Langley Twp, BC V2Z 1T2
- Description: The Spontaneous Shakespeare Company is Vancouver’s premiere improvised Shakespeare troupe. Featuring a roster of some of the city’s best established and up-and coming talent, TSSC is a certified hit with years of sell out shows and delighted audiences.
Waterpark Family Night
- Time: 7:00 to 9:00 PM
- Location: Aldergrove Community Centre, 27032 Fraser Hwy, Langley Twp, BC V4W 3P6
- Description: This is a Family Night waterpark session. Bring your family for a night of fun where adults and children can enjoy The Outdoor Experience together. Food from the Triple O's food truck will be available for purchase. Advance online registration is required (no drop-ins).
Admission is included with the Summer Fun Pass for children. Everyone entering the waterpark must be registered, including passholders and those not intending to swim.
What did you think of this story?
Take our 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.