Monday before Canada Day means some of you are already mentally checked out at the cottage while others are grinding through another workday, but either way, there's plenty happening around Langley to keep things interesting.
The township continues its dance with developers over community contribution fees, while residents are fighting everything from water bills to BC Hydro's lagoon plans.
Meanwhile, the local farmers market has found new digs, and ukulele enthusiasts are planning their moment in the spotlight.
On the sports front, it was a weekend of mixed results for local teams. The Langley Thunder got shut down by Victoria in lacrosse action, though they'll have a chance to redeem themselves Wednesday against Maple Ridge.
The Lions continue their slide with another brutal loss to Saskatchewan, while Vancouver FC and Pacific served up an eight-goal thriller that left everyone dizzy. At least the Canucks made some smart moves at the draft, picking up a young captain from Alberta who might actually know how to lead.
Local Langley News
Township Strikes Developer Deals Despite Community Contributions Rule Reversal
Langley Township is playing a bit of regulatory hopscotch with developers after the provincial government overturned Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) rules.
At least two development projects are still coughing up CAC fees despite the regulation getting the boot, proving that sometimes bureaucratic momentum is harder to stop than a runaway shopping cart in a Costco parking lot.
The township's willingness to negotiate individual deals suggests they're not ready to give up that sweet, sweet development cash without a fight.
Farmers Market Plants Itself in Fresh Soil
The Langley Farmers Market has found itself a new home, bringing locally-grown goodness to a different patch of the township.
All items sold must be grown, made, or baked right here in B.C., which means you won't find any suspicious California strawberries masquerading as local produce.
It's a nice reminder that supporting local agriculture doesn't just taste better – it actually keeps money circulating in the community instead of disappearing into some distant corporate coffers.
Resident Rallies Against BC Hydro's Lagoon Plans
A Brookswood resident is urging fellow citizens to flood BC Hydro with opposition letters regarding their plans for the beloved Langley lagoon.
The letter writer is encouraging people to contact both BC Hydro and their local MLA, because apparently it takes a village to save a lagoon from corporate interference.
Sometimes the most effective environmental action happens one strongly-worded letter at a time.
Ukulele Festival Aims to Put Langley Back on the Musical Map
The local ukulele association is strumming up excitement for their inaugural three-day festival coming to Fort Langley this September.
After years of ukulele enthusiasts quietly practicing in basements and community centers, they're finally ready to take their tiny guitars public in a big way.
It's proof that even the most unassuming musical instruments can build a community – and who doesn't love the gentle, cheerful sound of a well-played uke?
Condo Owners Battle Township Over Water Bill Equity
Langley Township condo residents are raising a stink about paying the same water and sewer fees as single-family homeowners.
The logic seems pretty straightforward – smaller living spaces typically use less water than sprawling suburban lawns and multiple bathrooms.
It's a classic case of municipal fee structures failing to keep up with modern housing realities, leaving condo dwellers subsidizing their neighbors' pool parties and garden sprinkler systems.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Motorcyclist Airlifted After Serious Abbotsford Crash
A motorcyclist was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries after a three-vehicle collision on Sumas Mountain Road Saturday evening.
Abbotsford police responded to the crash in the 4000 block around 5:21 p.m., with the severity requiring an air ambulance response.
The incident serves as another sobering reminder of how quickly things can go sideways on our increasingly busy regional roadways, especially for vulnerable road users.
Hope Opens Mountain Bike Trail with Rambo-Inspired Name
The "First Blood" mountain bike trail in Hope officially opened to over 200 enthusiastic riders on its inaugural day.
The trail's name pays homage to the Sylvester Stallone film that was shot in the area, because apparently nothing says "scenic outdoor recreation" quite like referencing a violent action movie.
Still, it's great to see Hope continuing to diversify its tourism offerings beyond just being "that place where they filmed Rambo."
Kelowna Faces Measles Exposure at Airport and School
Health officials are tracking measles exposure at both Kelowna International Airport and Dr. Knox Middle School, highlighting ongoing vaccination gaps.
About 35 percent of seven-year-olds in the Okanagan region remain unvaccinated against measles, which is frankly terrifying in 2025.
It's almost as if decades of successful vaccination programs made people forget why we started vaccinating against these diseases in the first place – spoiler alert: it's because they can be deadly.
National Canadian News
Canada Caves to Trump's Corporate Tax Tantrum, Scraps $2 Billion Digital Services Tax
Canada abandoned its digital services tax Sunday after Trump threatened to halt trade talks, letting tech giants like Amazon and Google off the hook for a collective $2 billion bill that would have helped fund public services.
The tax was designed to close a loophole that allowed massive corporations to profit from Canadian users and data while paying virtually nothing in Canadian taxes, but corporate pressure and U.S. threats proved more powerful than fair taxation.
This capitulation demonstrates how multinational corporations can effectively hold governments hostage, forcing working families to subsidize the infrastructure and services that enable these companies' profits while they contribute nothing in return.
Sports News
🏈 Saskatchewan Roughriders Demolish B.C. Lions 37-18
The Roughriders stayed perfect at 4-0 after thoroughly dismantling the B.C. Lions in what can only be described as a football beatdown.
The Lions have now dropped three straight CFL contests, making their season look about as promising as a soggy hot dog at BC Place.
At this rate, Lions fans might want to start practicing their golf swings early – it's going to be a long season in orange and black.
⚽ Vancouver FC and Pacific Battle to Wild 4-4 Draw
Vancouver FC and Pacific FC served up an absolute thriller that ended in a 4-4 tie, leaving both sets of fans simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated.
The coach wasn't kidding when he said this ranked among the craziest matches he's experienced – eight goals will do that to a game.
Sometimes a tie feels like the only fair result when both teams leave everything on the pitch in what was clearly a match for the ages.
🥍 Victoria Silences Langley Thunder's Comeback Dreams
The Langley Thunder's hopes of a dramatic comeback were thoroughly squashed by Victoria in Western Lacrosse Association action.
The local WLA team will get a chance to bounce back Wednesday when they host the visiting Maple Ridge Burrards at Langley Events Centre.
Sometimes lacrosse games are about building momentum for the next match rather than dwelling on the last one – here's hoping the Thunder can channel that frustration into some goals against Maple Ridge.
🏒 Vancouver Canucks Draft Alberta Captain in First Round
The Vancouver Canucks selected Braeden Cootes, the youngest captain in the Western Hockey League, with their first-round pick in the NHL Draft.
The Alberta product brings leadership experience that's rare for someone his age, having already proven he can handle the pressure of wearing the "C."
It's refreshing to see the Canucks prioritize character and leadership ability alongside pure skill – sometimes the intangibles matter just as much as the highlight-reel plays.
Events Happening Today
CANADA DAY EXTRA LONG WEEKEND PARTY!
- Time: 11:00am - 10:00pm
- Location: Dead Frog Brewery & Tasting Room, 8860 201 St #105, Langley Twp, BC V2Y 0C8
- Description: Join us for our CANADA DAY EXTRA LONG WEEKEND PARTY Featuring CANADA PROUD CRAFT LAGER and MAPLE BACON EVERYTHING!
This year we’re celebrating Canada the best way we know how, with great beer and amazing eats made with Canadian ingredients. We’ll have special buckets of Canada Proud Craft Lager, 5 special weekend only Maple Bacon menu items, and more!🍁
The party goes from Saturday June 28 to Tuesday July 1! 4 DAYS OF PARTYING! Here’s what we have in store:
🍁Buckets of Canada Proud Craft Lager!
🍁A full MAPLE BACON menu!
🍁Lumberjack Beer Caesar!
🍁Live music June 29 from 2:30 to 6 by @jacob.dryden!
🍁Playlist of music by Canadian artists!
🍁Canada Gift Pack door prize!
Wear red & white and be entered to win our Canada gift pack!
OAK CANADA DAY PARTY
- Time: 10:00 pm to 2:00 am
- Location: Oak & Thorne, 20173 88 Avenue Langley Township, BC V1M 2N9
- Description: Get ready to kick off your Canada Day long weekend in style at Oak & Thorne! Join us for the ultimate party experience filled with music, drinks, and good vibes. This event is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with friends and make unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on the ultimate Canada Day party – see you there!