Hello Langley!
Thursday brings some fascinating updates from around Langley and beyond.
Langley City council wrapped up their annual report approval while hearing from the BC Nurses Union about how affordable housing and better transit could help keep healthcare workers in town.
Meanwhile, the city's new dog waste bin pilot project is tackling climate change one poop at a time, with 22 specialized bins now installed across parks and trails to prevent methane emissions from landfills.
Fort Langley saw council approve Mayor Woodward's controversial housing development expansion from 47 to 76 units, though not without concerns about limited public input.
On the sports front, two former Vancouver Giants celebrated as the Abbotsford Canucks claimed their first-ever Calder Cup Championship. Tonight's events offer plenty of ways to unwind, from sunset wine shopping at Backyard Vineyards to Shakespeare at Township 7 and free live music with KatMoon at Douglas Park.
Local Langley News
Nurses Union Calls for Transit and Housing Solutions as Langley City Approves Annual Report
Langley City Council approved its 2024 annual report while hearing critical presentations from the BC Nurses Union about supporting healthcare workers through affordable housing initiatives like BC Builds projects with rents 20% below market rates.
The union emphasized that municipalities must expand transit options, childcare facilities, and recreation opportunities to retain nursing talent in the community, highlighting the interconnected nature of housing, transportation, and worker retention.
Council also received updates from Discover Langley City on tourism initiatives, including sports tourism packages that capitalize on the community's recreational strengths.
The nurses' presentation underscores how working-class professionals like healthcare workers need comprehensive municipal support beyond just jobs, requiring livable communities with genuine affordability and transit access.
Langley City's Scoop on Dog Poop Program Launches
Langley City has launched a pilot project installing 22 specialized dog waste bins across off-leash parks and trails to combat climate change by preventing methane emissions that occur when pet waste goes to landfills with regular garbage.
The initiative addresses a significant environmental problem, as more than 350,000 dogs in the Lower Mainland produce waste daily, and the city warns that dog waste is not fertilizer and doesn't disappear naturally in rain.
While dog owners can dispose of waste in these new bins or flush it at home (without bags), the project represents a small but meaningful step toward better municipal waste management that recognizes how even everyday activities like dog walking contribute to environmental degradation.
Fort Langley Council Approves Mayor's Controversial 76-Unit Development Despite Limited Public Input
Langley Township council approved changes to Mayor Eric Woodward's foundation-led Glover-Mary-Church development, boosting the project from 47 to 76 units by eliminating second-floor office space in favor of residential housing.
Mayor Woodward recused himself due to conflicts of interest, while councillors raised concerns about the subjective nature of calling these "minor" changes and the lack of public input opportunities.
Although the project represents sensible densification in Fort Langley's walkable downtown core, the approval process highlights how provincial legislation limiting public hearings has reduced community voices in development decisions.
The changes move forward a project that has been controversial since its initial approval, transforming a vacant lot into much-needed housing while profits flow to the mayor's charitable foundation.
Mayor Nathan Pachal Delivers State of the City Update
Over 100 local business and community leaders joined the Langley Chamber for a dinner event where Mayor Pachal highlighted the City's recent efforts around community engagement and data-driven decision-making.
The Mayor discussed the ongoing work of the Citizen's Assembly and the City's new economic development portal, showing Langley City is taking a more strategic approach to governance.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
VIDEO: Bear Family Drags Dumpster at Mission School
A mama bear and her cubs were caught on video dragging a dumpster around at Valley Christian School on Cedar Street in Mission.
The footage serves as yet another reminder that we're sharing our communities with wildlife, and proper garbage management isn't just about cleanliness — it's about safety.
Federal Bank Loans $1B for BC Ferries' Chinese-Made Ships
A federal Crown corporation is loaning BC Ferries $1 billion to help purchase four Chinese-made ferries, despite recent criticism from federal transport minister Chrystia Freeland.
Freeland had previously called the Chinese shipyard purchase "dismaying" and suggested no federal funds should be involved, making this loan decision particularly noteworthy.
Low Speed Factor in Fatal Chilliwack Plane Crash
A Transportation Safety Board investigation into a Chilliwack plane crash that killed three people has determined that low speed was a contributing factor.
Investigators found no issues with flight controls or mechanical problems that would have led to the loss of control, suggesting the tragedy may have been preventable.
Over 425 BC Hydro Customers Lose Power in Hope
More than 425 customers with BC Hydro in downtown Hope and the surrounding area lost power Thursday morning.
According to BC Hydro's online dashboard, crews were working to restore service to the affected areas, though the cause of the outage wasn't immediately clear.
National Canadian News
Federal Court Approves 'Indian Hospitals' Class-Action Settlement
The Federal Court has approved a class-action settlement for people who suffered abuse at federally operated "Indian Hospitals" across Canada.
This long-overdue recognition addresses decades of harm inflicted on Indigenous people within a healthcare system that was supposed to heal, not harm them.
Mi'kmaq Senator Stalls Controversial Bill C-5
Senator Paul Prosper is proposing that Bill C-5 be amended to include free, prior and informed consent provisions before moving forward.
The move demonstrates the crucial role Indigenous voices play in ensuring federal legislation respects Indigenous rights and sovereignty — exactly as it should be.
How Ontario Could Have Cracked Down on Chemical Valley Pollution
Toxic emissions from plants in Sarnia have harmed Aamjiwnaang First Nation for decades, but documents obtained by The Narwhal show how Ontario abandoned plans that could have helped.
It's a frustrating example of how environmental racism persists when governments choose industry interests over Indigenous community health — a pattern that needs to end.
Like It or Not, We Can't Live Without Insects
Scientist and broadcaster David Suzuki warns that insect populations are collapsing globally due to climate change and human activities, with some estimates showing insect biomass declining by 2.5% annually, which could lead to catastrophic ecosystem collapse within four decades.
The insect crisis is already devastating bird populations, with three billion birds disappearing in the U.S. since the 1970s as their insect food sources vanish, creating a cascading effect throughout interconnected food webs that ultimately threatens human survival.
Suzuki argues this represents the same destructive pattern Rachel Carson warned about in Silent Spring 63 years ago, where corporate profits from pesticides and fossil fuels are prioritized over ecological health, and calls for immediate action including clean energy transitions and native plant gardens to protect these critical species.
Sports News
🏒 Vancouver Giants Name New GM and Head Coach
The Vancouver Giants announced the hiring of Hnat Domenichelli as General Manager and Parker Burgess as Head Coach at a Thursday morning press conference.
Domenichelli brings international experience from his time as GM of HC Lugano, while Burgess led the Muskegon Lumberjacks to their first Clark Cup Championship this past season.
🏒 Two Former Vancouver Giants Part of Abby Canucks Calder Win
Two former Vancouver Giants contributed to the Abbotsford Canucks' first-ever Calder Cup Championship victory on Monday night, with ex-player Tristen Nielsen and former equipment manager Shingo Sasaki both playing key roles in the historic win.
Nielsen, who starred for the Giants from 2018-21 with 132 points in 135 games, has developed into a reliable AHL performer over four seasons with Abbotsford, contributing nine points in 24 playoff games during their championship run.
Sasaki, who served as the Giants' equipment manager for eight seasons and 524 regular season games, joined Abbotsford as assistant equipment manager in their inaugural 2021-22 season and helped support the team's rise to AHL glory.
🏒 Charlotte Mayor Honors Hockey Bet with Canucks Jersey
Charlotte, North Carolina mayor Vi Lyles wore a Vancouver Canucks jersey after losing a hockey bet to Abbotsford mayor Ross Siemens.
The friendly wager was issued on June 8th and shows that hockey diplomacy extends well beyond Canadian borders — even when it means wearing the rival team's colors.
Events Happening Today
Sunset Sip and Shop
- Time: 5:00 PM
- Location: Backyard Vineyards, 3033 232 St, Langley Township, BC
- Description: Our Backyard Vineyards Sunset Sip and Shop is a local Langley community celebration, a space for neighbours and local businesses to come together and build community connections.
Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor
- Time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm
- Location: Township 7 Vineyards & Winery - South Langley, 16 Avenue, Langley Township, BC, Canada
- Description: Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor: A most pleasant and excellent conceited comedy, of Sir John Falstaff, and the merry Wives of Windsor. Entermixed with the sundry variable and pleasing humours of Sir Hugh the Welsh knight, Justice Shallow and his wise Cousin M. Slender. With the swaggering vaine of ancient Pistoll, and corporal Nym.
KatMoon Band Concert
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Cost: Free
- 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 second in a series of free concerts the band will be performing this summer at the Spirit Square.
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