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Good morning, Langley!
With temperatures reaching a pleasant 22°C under a mix of sun and clouds today, it's been another eventful day across our community.
From the ongoing controversy surrounding the Township's sudden termination of its animal control contract to broader regional and national developments, today's stories highlight both local challenges and the wider struggles of ordinary people facing off against powerful interests.
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Local Langley News
Township Abruptly Cancels Animal Control Contract
Langley Township has abruptly terminated its contract with the Langley Animal Protection Society after 23 years, forcing the closure of facilities housing over 800 animals with just 30 days' notice and no transition plan.
Despite LAPS' exemplary track record and recent Township praise for their "highest caliber" work, officials provided no explanation for ending a partnership that delivers $35,000 in veterinary subsidies, 12,000 pounds of pet food distribution, and critical community programs serving hundreds of families.
The sudden decision threatens to eliminate essential services including emergency veterinary assistance for low-income residents, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that have strengthened community bonds for over two decades.
CBC Covers Rising Tension Between Langleys
Justin McElroy of the CBC released a video covering the rising tensions between the two Langley municipalities.
The tension is driven largely by Township Mayor Eric Woodward's aggressive posturing that Langley City only exists to provide its local representatives with political careers, stating "They wouldn't last 10 minutes in the Township."
McElroy also covers the Township's rising debt concerns, as well as the upcoming by-election, which will widely be seen as a referendum on Mayor Woodward's performance as mayor so far.
Township Announces Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
The Township of Langley is bringing back its popular Household Hazardous Waste Plus Collection Event this September, providing residents with a convenient way to dispose of problematic household items.
The event addresses the ongoing challenge of disposing of hazardous materials that typically have limited disposal options through regular waste collection. Residents will be able to drop off various household hazardous waste items at designated collection points.
This initiative reflects the Township's commitment to environmental stewardship and providing residents with responsible disposal alternatives for materials that shouldn't go in regular garbage.
9/11 Memorial Ride Brings Community Together
Langley Township firefighters joined the annual Ride for 9/11 memorial event taking place in Delta and Surrey, showing solidarity in remembrance of those lost.
The memorial ride brings together first responders and community members from across the region to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The event concludes at Peace Arch Park, providing a meaningful space for reflection.
This annual tradition demonstrates the continued commitment of local emergency services to remember and pay tribute to their fallen colleagues and the innocent victims of that tragic day.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
🎭 Maple Ridge Takes Control of ACT Arts Centre Operations
The City of Maple Ridge has announced it will be taking over direct operations of the ACT Arts Centre, a decision that has left the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Arts Council "deeply disappointed."
The transition represents a significant change in how the community arts facility will be managed and programmed going forward. The Arts Council, which has been instrumental in the centre's operations, expressed concerns about the impact on local arts programming.
City officials have indicated that the takeover is intended to ensure the facility's continued operation and accessibility to the community, though details about future programming and staffing remain to be determined.
Dump Truck Driver Loses Job After Impaired Crash
A 44-year-old dump truck driver from Abbotsford was fired on the spot and faces serious charges after allegedly rolling his vehicle into a Lougheed Highway ditch while impaired.
The incident occurred near Mission when the driver lost control and ended up in the roadside ditch. Police responded to the scene and determined the driver was operating the vehicle while under the influence.
In addition to losing his employment immediately, the driver has had his licence seized and the vehicle impounded as part of the province's tough impaired driving penalties.
National Canadian News
Indigenous B.C. Elder Takes Own Nation to Court Over Ancient Forests
Bill Jones, a Pacheedaht First Nation elder who was at the forefront of the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history four years ago, is now taking the extraordinary step of challenging his own Nation in court to protect old-growth forests.
Jones's legal action represents a deeply personal and painful decision that highlights the complex tensions between Indigenous sovereignty, economic development, and environmental protection.
The case underscores the difficult choices facing Indigenous communities as they balance economic opportunities with traditional responsibilities to protect the land for future generations.
Jones's willingness to challenge his own community demonstrates the urgency he feels about preserving these irreplaceable ancient ecosystems.
This internal legal battle within the Pacheedaht Nation reflects broader struggles across Canada about how to balance development pressures with environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights.
Climate Action Supporters Form a Silenced Majority of Canadians, New Analysis Shows
A new analysis reveals that many Canadians who support robust climate action are unaware they're actually part of a large majority that has been systematically silenced in public discourse.
The research suggests that despite widespread support for meaningful climate policies, these voices have been marginalized by well-funded campaigns designed to make climate action appear less popular than it actually is.
This "silenced majority" phenomenon helps explain why climate policies that have broad public support often face significant political resistance and why many Canadians feel isolated in their environmental concerns.
The findings challenge the narrative that climate action is supported only by a vocal minority and suggest that more Canadians would speak up if they realized how much support exists for environmental protection measures.
Poilievre's Trump Problem Haunts Conservative Campaign as Canada Faces Ongoing Trade War and Sovereignty Crisis
Pierre Poilievre's carefully crafted coalition of crypto enthusiasts, priced-out families, and working-class voters crumbled when Donald Trump's trade war exposed the Conservative leader's inability to distance himself from MAGA ideology.
Despite years of warnings about Trump's return, Poilievre's campaign offered only weak platitudes and red lines that rang hollow while his anti-globalist conspiracy theories and "woke" university defunding plans mirrored Trump's authoritarian playbook in real time.
Meanwhile, Mark Carney's Liberals capitalized on Canadian solidarity, invoking post-9/11 cooperation to argue for international engagement over isolationism, though questions remained about the state's capacity to fight economic battles while domestic systems crumbled.
The campaign revealed how conservative movements on both sides of the border share symbiotic relationships with alternative media ecosystems that reinforce conspiracy thinking, demonstrating that Poilievre's attempt to build a populist coalition ultimately made him a prisoner of the very forces he sought to harness.
$500 Million Bread Price-Fixing Settlement Now Open for Claims Until December 12
After years of secretly coordinating to inflate bread prices and rob customers of millions, Loblaw and George Weston have agreed to a $500 million settlement for their role in Canada's largest price-fixing conspiracy.
Anyone who bought packaged bread, buns, bagels, or similar products between 2001 and 2021 can file a claim at www.canadianbreadsettlement.ca (or www.QuebecBreadSettlement.ca for Quebec residents) until December 12, with no proof of purchase required.
Sports News
🏒 Vancouver Giants Continue Perfect Preseason Run
The Vancouver Giants extended their undefeated preseason record with another impressive victory, showcasing strong team chemistry and promising talent.
Forward Tyus Sparks had a particularly standout performance, contributing significantly to the team's continued success. The Giants have been putting together consistent efforts across all three of their preseason matchups.
With the regular season approaching, the team's perfect preseason record has fans optimistic about their prospects for the upcoming campaign.
⚽ FIFA World Cup Ticket Presale Creates Massive Demand and Frustration
The FIFA ticket presale draw experienced extraordinary demand that led to website delays, widespread frustration, and some fortunate successes for soccer fans across Canada.
While the FIFA website didn't completely crash, it struggled significantly to handle the overwhelming surge of soccer enthusiasts trying to enter the Visa presale draw, which represents the first opportunity for buyers to register for a chance to purchase tickets.
The technical difficulties highlight the massive anticipation surrounding the upcoming World Cup and the challenge of managing such enormous public interest in a fair and organized manner.
Events Happening Today
Info Table: WorkBC Langley
- Time: 12:00 to 2:00pm
- Location: Muriel Arnason Library
- Description: A representative from WorkBC Langley will be at the library to provide information and answer questions about the services they offer. Drop in to speak with them.
Let Off Some STEAM: Snap Circuits & Green Energy
- Time: 3:30 to 4:30pm
- Location: Muriel Arnason Library
- Description: Join us to learn more about alternative energy sources with Snap Circuits!
Connect your circuits with simple snaps to build alternative energy models that explore the basics of geothermal, hydrogen, wind, solar, tidal and hydro power!
Recommended for children ages 7-12.
Let Off Some STEAM: Snap Circuits & Green Energy (Drop-In)
- Time: 3:30 to 4:00pm
- Location: City of Langley Library
- Description: It’s time to blow off some S.T.E.A.M.! Join us for a hands-on activity featuring one of the five S.T.E.A.M. themes: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.
This month, let’s learn about science! Enjoy interactive experiments using regular household supplies, with additional recipes to try at home.
All children are welcome, best suited for ages 7-12.
Sip 'n Dip – Summer Nights in the Township
- Time: 6:30pm
- Location: The Outdoor Experience at Aldergrove Community Centre, 27032 Fraser Hwy, Langley Twp, BC V4W 3P6
- Description: Join us for our bonus Sip 'n Dip in September at The Outdoor Experience at Aldergrove Community Centre for a fun evening with adult beverages in a kid-free atmosphere. You must be 19 years or older to attend this event.
📅 Thursday, September 11, 6:30pm
📍 The Outdoor Experience at Aldergrove Community Centre
🔞 19+
💲 $19.20 plus tax per person including 1 drink ticket or $24.20 plus tax per person including 2 drink tickets.
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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.