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Hello, Langley friends!
With mild October weather bringing a mix of sun and showers to Langley today, residents have plenty to catch up on in local news.
Today's roundup features significant housing developments breaking ground across the Township, continued road repairs on 40 Avenue nearing completion, and important stories about Indigenous reconciliation efforts in our community.
We're also tracking labour disputes affecting public services, campus housing developments at KPU, and the start of the Abbotsford Canucks season for hockey fans in the Fraser Valley.
Local Langley News
Business coach and immigrant enters Township council race
Saurabh Seth is running to fill the seat left vacant by Misty Van Popta, bringing his background in risk management and small business coaching to the campaign.
The Langley resident since 2021 is promising to prioritize transparency around taxation and decision-making, improve collaboration with community groups and Langley City, and ensure development keeps pace with infrastructure needs.
While Seth appreciates the Township's ambition on big projects, he's critical of what he sees as eroding trust with key community partners, framing the by-election as both a learning opportunity and a chance to contribute immediately rather than waiting until 2026.
Whitecaps defeat Vancouver FC, claim fourth straight Canadian Championship
The Vancouver Whitecaps secured their place in history Wednesday night, downing Vancouver FC 4-2 to capture their fourth consecutive Canadian Championship title.
Ali Ahmed was named tournament MVP after netting twice in the final, while Thomas Müller added a goal and an assist in what marked his 35th career trophy and 300th career goal.
The win represents the first time in the modern tournament era that any team has won four straight Voyageurs Cups, cementing the Whitecaps' dominance in Canadian soccer.
KPU Elder Celebrates Decade of Indigenous Wisdom Sharing
For ten years, Lekeyten from the Kwantlen First Nation has been a beacon of cultural knowledge at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
As the university's elder in residence, Lekeyten has dedicated a decade to sharing Indigenous wisdom, culture, and invaluable insights with students and faculty alike.
This role represents far more than ceremonial presence – it's a living bridge between traditional knowledge and modern education. His work embodies the true spirit of reconciliation, creating meaningful connections and fostering understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities within the academic setting.
Community Comes Together for Truth and Reconciliation
Hundreds of Langley residents participated in the annual Truth and Reconciliation Day walk, demonstrating the community's commitment to Indigenous healing and understanding.
The event serves as both a solemn remembrance of the residential school legacy and a hopeful step forward in the journey toward reconciliation.
Participants of all ages walked together, creating a powerful visual representation of unity and shared commitment to learning from the past.
The large turnout reflects growing community awareness and the importance of continuing these conversations year-round, not just on designated remembrance days.
Historic Housing Development Breaks Ground in Township
Construction has officially begun on nearly 250 new rental homes across two key Township of Langley locations.
The ambitious housing project spans two strategic sites: 20230 - 72B Avenue next to the Willoughby Firehall, and the former Alder Inn site at 272nd Street and Fraser Highway.
This development represents a significant step forward in addressing the region's housing shortage while providing much-needed rental options for residents.
The strategic location choices ensure new residents will have access to both emergency services and major transportation routes.
40 Avenue reopening October 10 after year-long storm repair
Residents have been patient through a year of road closures on 40 Avenue between 208 and 216 Street, and relief is finally coming.
The Township expects to reopen the route on October 10, barring weather delays, after replacing a culvert that failed during last October's atmospheric river storm.
The project required emergency environmental approvals from federal fisheries authorities and the province due to impacts on fish habitat, causing delays beyond the Township's control.
While the bureaucratic wheels turned slowly for months, actual construction has moved quickly once approvals were secured, and local access for residents and pedestrians has been maintained throughout.
BC Hydro Raises Alarm About Generation Z Storm Preparedness
A new BC Hydro survey reveals some concerning gaps in young adults' emergency preparedness when it comes to power outages.
The online survey results suggest that Generation Z may not be taking storm preparedness as seriously as they should, potentially leaving them vulnerable during severe weather events.
With climate change bringing more frequent and intense storms to British Columbia, this knowledge gap could prove problematic.
The findings highlight the need for targeted education campaigns that speak to younger demographics about the importance of emergency kits, backup power sources, and contingency plans for extended outages.
Public Service Strike Talks Hit Major Roadblock
Negotiations between the BC government and striking public service unions have reached an impasse after unions rejected the province's 4% wage increase offer.
The BC General Employees' Union dismissed the government's proposal as inadequate, stating that officials failed to present a 'meaningful' offer during the latest round of talks. This breakdown in negotiations means continued disruption to various government services across the province.
The strike reflects broader tensions around fair compensation for public sector workers, especially as inflation continues to impact household budgets and the cost of living remains high throughout British Columbia.
KPU Surrey Set to Welcome First-Ever On-Campus Housing
Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Surrey campus is making history with the construction of its first on-campus student residence.
The impressive 8-storey building will house 350 student beds and feature a spacious 160-seat dining hall, fundamentally changing the campus experience for KPU students. This development addresses a long-standing gap in student services and will help attract students from across the region who previously had limited housing options near campus.
The residence represents a major step in KPU's evolution from a commuter school to a more traditional university experience with vibrant campus life.
Abbotsford Canucks Hit the Ice for 2025 Season
Hockey fans can feel the excitement building as the Abbotsford Canucks officially opened their 2025 training camp at the Abbotsford Centre.
The team is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting AHL season, with their home opener scheduled for October 10th. Training camp provides the perfect opportunity for players to shake off the off-season rust, build chemistry with new teammates, and compete for roster spots.
Local hockey enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating another thrilling season of professional hockey right in their backyard, with the Canucks serving as both entertainment and a development pipeline for the NHL parent club.
Please consider supporting the journalists risking their lives to document genocide by donating to the Gaza Journalist Fund. Every dollar helps cover evacuation costs, shelter, and basic survival needs for those bearing witness to history.
When we fund their survival, we preserve the truth and ensure these critical voices aren't silenced by displacement and deprivation.
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