Good morning, Langley!
It's shaping up to be a pleasant day with a high of 23°C. Just heads up though - the UV index is quite high at 8, so you'll want to keep that sunscreen handy if you're spending time outdoors.
Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low of 13°C.
Overall, it looks like a nice June day with comfortable temperatures and a pleasant mix of sun and clouds!
While you're out enjoying this beautiful weather, there's quite a bit happening in your community - from local celebrations to some significant policy changes that could affect your daily life.
Local Langley News
New Draft Zoning Bylaw Could Transform Langley City's Housing Landscape
Langley City is rewriting its zoning bylaw for the first time since 1996.
The modernized bylaw aims to simplify the current "Frankenstein's Monster" of a document that has grown unwieldy over nearly three decades.
The new bylaw enables detached homes, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, carriage homes, garden suites, and secondary suites while reducing parking requirements for below-market rental units and banning "Personal Health Enhancement Centres" (though existing spas are grandfathered).
Fort Langley Community Advocates for Wright Street Safety Improvements
Local residents along Wright Street have raised concerns about excessive speeds and continuing safety issues.
The Fort Langley Community Association has submitted a formal request to the Township for assistance.
The Township has provided Service Request Number 141707 and forwarded the matter to the appropriate department for follow-up action.
Archway Community Services Recognized with 5-Star Safety Culture Award
Archway Community Services has been recognized with a 5-Star Safety Culture award by Canadian Occupational Safety (COS). Their staff responded with an overall satisfaction rating of 87.05% or 4.35/5, reflecting the organization's commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel safe, seen, and supported.
Companies must achieve at least 80 percent satisfaction across various workplace metrics to earn the prestigious 5-Star recognition.
Archway's 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Tees Off June 24th
The Archway Community Services Charity Golf Tournament returns for its 8th year on Tuesday, June 24th at Ledgeview Golf and Country Club. Over the past eight years, the tournament has raised more than $443,000 in support of Archway's 90+ community programs.
This year's goal is to boost the total raised well past the half million-dollar mark, with funds supporting programs from newborn care to senior services, domestic violence support, and refugee settlement assistance.
BC Government Plans Municipal Oversight Reform as Dysfunctional Councils Paralyze Communities
The BC government is preparing major changes to municipal oversight after ongoing dysfunction in cities like Kamloops has resulted in million-dollar legal bills, mass staff departures, and paralyzing feuds between mayors and councillors. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon says new legislation will be in place before the 2026 local elections to prevent situations where elected officials prioritize personal disputes over serving residents.
The announcement comes as multiple BC municipalities face similar crises, with no current recall mechanisms for local politicians and limited provincial tools to address rogue elected officials who undermine democratic governance.
The planned reforms could prove timely for Langley Township, where Mayor Eric Woodward and his Contract with Langley team are reportedly signaling they may block the appointment of a CEO to oversee the byelection for the council seat vacated by Misty Van Popta.
This potential obstruction has sparked tension with residents who view the byelection as essential for maintaining effective democratic representation on Township council, highlighting how these provincial oversight tools may become crucial safeguards against elected officials who prioritize political control over democratic processes.
BC Expands Hospital Overdose Prevention Sites as Doctors Push for Life-Saving Services
The BC Health Ministry is moving to establish more overdose prevention sites at hospitals across the province, building on nine existing sites that have helped save over 12,400 lives since 2019.
A group of doctors who have been running unauthorized sites on Vancouver Island since November are cautiously optimistic about the announcement, though they worry the government isn't moving fast enough to address the toxic drug crisis.
With over 17,000 British Columbians lost to unregulated drugs since 2014, these supervised consumption sites represent a critical harm reduction tool that allows patients to use substances safely while connecting them to housing, treatment, and other support services.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Abbotsford and Charlotte Mayors Make Calder Cup Finals Wager
The Mayor of Charlotte has accepted Abbotsford Mayor's challenge for the Calder Cup Finals.
The friendly wager stipulates that the mayor of the losing city must wear the jersey of the winning city and share a photo on social media.
This playful rivalry adds community spirit to the professional hockey championship between the Abbotsford Canucks affiliate and Charlotte's team.
BC Ferries Celebrates 65th Anniversary with $65 Special Fares
BC Ferries is marking its 65th anniversary with a special one-day promotion on June 15, offering $65 saver fares.
The company describes this as their way of saying "thank you" to customers who have supported the coastal ferry service for over six decades.
The anniversary celebration highlights BC Ferries' integral role in connecting coastal communities throughout British Columbia.
Squamish Wildfire Triples in Size Overnight as Evacuation Alerts Expand
The Dryden Creek wildfire near Squamish has grown from 5 to 14.4 hectares overnight, prompting expanded evacuation alerts and blanketing the community in heavy smoke as firefighters work to protect homes in the area.
Meanwhile, B.C.'s largest wildfire in the northeast continues spreading across 1,500 square kilometers, keeping Highway 97 under threat and forcing regional evacuations.
With more than half of the province's fires burning out of control and dangerous air quality warnings in effect, residents face another challenging wildfire season amid ongoing drought conditions.
National Canadian News
Federal Government Fails to Meet First Nations Registration Timelines
According to the Auditor General, Ottawa is failing to meet its six-month timeline for processing First Nations registration applications, with the actual processing time averaging 16 months.
This significant delay affects Indigenous peoples' access to status and associated rights and services.
The report highlights systemic issues within Indigenous Services Canada that are creating barriers for First Nations individuals seeking recognition of their status under the Indian Act.
Canada's Climate Strategy Lacks Indigenous Input, Says Auditor General
The federal government's national climate strategy is missing "essential elements" and Indigenous input, according to a new auditor general report. The strategy fails to adequately incorporate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in addressing climate change challenges.
This gap is particularly concerning given Indigenous communities' deep knowledge of environmental stewardship and their disproportionate vulnerability to climate impacts.
Housing Pipeline Should Be Nation-Building Priority, Expert Argues
Rather than building pipelines for harmful fossil fuels, the prime minister and premiers should focus on pipelines that deliver something much more needed: housing.
This alternative vision positions housing development as a crucial nation-building project.
The argument comes as Canada faces a housing affordability crisis affecting communities from coast to coast, requiring coordinated federal and provincial action.
Canada Sanctions Far-Right Israeli Ministers Over Comments Inciting Violence Against Palestinians in West Bank
Canada has formally sanctioned two far-right Israeli ministers over inflammatory comments they made regarding the war in Gaza.
The sanctions represent a significant diplomatic step by the Canadian government in response to what it considers unacceptable rhetoric.
The move has drawn both praise from human rights advocates and criticism from some quarters, highlighting the complex international dynamics surrounding the Middle East conflict.
Sports News
🏀 Vancouver Bandits Announce South Asian Celebration Game with Jazzy B Performance
World-renowned Canadian Punjabi performer and JUNO nominated artist Jazzy B will take centre stage for a halftime performance on Friday, June 20 as part of the Vancouver Bandits' South Asian Celebration Game.
Tickets for the event start at just $15. The Crown Prince of Bhangra's performance promises to be a highlight of the community celebration.
🏀 Vancouver Bandits Riding High in CEBL Western Conference
The Vancouver Bandits are leading the Canadian Elite Basketball League's (CEBL) Western Conference after convincing wins over the Ottawa BlackJacks and Saskatchewan Rattlers. The team's strong performance has them well-positioned as they continue their championship pursuit.
The consecutive victories demonstrate the Bandits' growing dominance and provide momentum heading into the crucial stretch of the season.
🏊 Summer McIntosh Dominates Canadian Swimming Trials
Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh is making waves at the Canadian swimming trials being held at Saanich Commonwealth Place on Vancouver Island.
The six-day selection meet is showcasing the depth of Canadian swimming talent as athletes compete for spots on national teams.
McIntosh's performances continue to establish her as one of Canada's brightest swimming stars heading into international competition.
Events Happening Today
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
- Time: 6:30 PM
- Location: Douglas Park Spirit Square - 20550 Douglas Crescent,
- Description: Enjoy the Sounds of Summer Wednesday nights this summer in Langley City starting at 6:30pm. Each week will feature two local musician(s) / bands performing a variety of genres.
Community Dialogue on Safety in Langley City
- Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
- Location: Council Chambers, Langley City Hall, 20399 Douglas Cres, Langley, BC V3A 1Z4
- Description: Take part in the Citizens' Assembly journey at the Community Dialogue event. Listen, share and participate in meaningful discussions about what matters most for a safer, healthier, and more connected community. This event is open to all community members, residents, businesses, and organizations and is an opportunity to learn more about what the Assembly has been doing.
- Why Attend?
- Learn about what local experts are saying about safety and well-being in Langley City
- Hear firsthand insights from Citizens’ Assembly members and expert panels
- Engage in meaningful conversations that will directly inform the Assembly’s final recommendations to Council on community safety
- Share your voice and share your perspective
Fire Hall Family Night
- Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
- Locations:
- Fire Hall 2 (Fort Langley) - 23137 – 96 Avenue
- Fire Hall 4 (Willoughby) - 20253 – 72 Avenue
- Fire Hall 8 (Walnut Grove) - 9580 – 208 Street
- Description: Join us for our Fire Hall Family Night open houses hosted by the Township of Langley Fire Department!
Bring the kids and your camera and enjoy an inside look at our community fire halls. Meet local firefighters, climb aboard fire trucks, and join hands-on demonstrations of our firefighting equipment. Everyone is welcome.
Soil Deposit Application SO 2507 and SO 2872 Information Session
- Time: 5:00 pm
- Location: Aldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre Main Gallery, 26770 29 Avenue, Langley, BC,
- Description: Attend the public information session and provide your feedback on soil deposit application SO 2507 and SO 2872. Find out more at tol.ca/soildeposit.
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