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Good morning, Langley!
With partly cloudy skies and temperatures reaching 21°C today, Langley residents have plenty of local news to catch up on this Thursday.
Today's roundup highlights impressive performances by local BMX champions at the provincial championships, the Vancouver Giants' milestone 25th anniversary celebration, and Mayor Pachal's advocacy mission to Ottawa for increased transit funding.
We also cover regional updates including the December opening of the new Pattullo Bridge and the formation of BC's 40-member task force to combat extortion, along with national developments affecting Canadian content rules for streaming services.
Local Langley News
Local BMX Champions Shine at Provincial Championships
Langley's BMX track played host to the provincial championships, and local riders didn't disappoint with several standout victories.
The event showcased the talent emerging from the community's BMX program, with riders demonstrating the skills they've honed on their home track. The provincial championships provided an excellent opportunity for local athletes to compete against the best in the province on familiar terrain, giving them a distinct home-field advantage that many capitalized on effectively.
Vancouver Giants Celebrate 25th Anniversary with Home Opener BBQ
The Vancouver Giants are rolling out the red carpet for their milestone 25th anniversary celebration with a pre-game BBQ at Willoughby Park.
The festivities run from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. before Saturday's 7 p.m. puck drop against the Penticton Vees. Fans can enjoy music, hot dogs, cold beverages, and fun activities including a performance by Langley Gymnastics, plus special appearances by Giants alumni from the inaugural season 25 years ago.
The celebration includes shooting games with prizes, a bouncy castle, cornhole, and Papa John's tent with additional prizes, weather permitting.
Transit Advocacy Takes Langley City Mayor to Ottawa
Mayor Linda Buchanan from North Vancouver and a Langley representative are spending two days in Ottawa advocating for increased transit funding for Metro Vancouver on behalf of the TransLink Mayors' Council.
The advocacy mission focuses on securing federal funding for enhanced bus service, bus rapid transit, and rapid transit expansion. Mayor Buchanan delivered the keynote address at the Canadian Urban Transit Association Policy Forum, emphasizing that housing development is impossible without corresponding transit infrastructure.
The delegation later met with MPs Taleeb Noormohamed, Wade Grant, and Jake Sawatzky to discuss a "Team BC" approach to ensuring federal transit investment.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Pattullo Bridge Replacement Opening in December
The long-awaited Pattullo Bridge replacement is expected to open to traffic in December, bringing relief to Fraser Valley commuters.
Surrey council was informed that during the transition process, there will be approximately one week where no bridge crossing will be available on either the old or new structures.
This temporary closure represents the final phase of the multi-year project that has been eagerly anticipated by residents and businesses who rely on this crucial Fraser River crossing for their daily commutes and commercial activities.
B.C. Government Forms 40-Member Task Force to Combat Extortion Crisis
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger announced the formation of a dedicated 40-member task force to address B.C.'s growing extortion crisis.
The announcement was made in Surrey on Wednesday, highlighting the urgency of the situation facing communities throughout the region.
The task force will coordinate efforts between various law enforcement agencies and community organizations to tackle the sophisticated extortion schemes that have been targeting businesses and individuals across the province, with particular focus on addressing the violence and intimidation tactics being employed by criminal organizations.
Bright Nights Holiday Display Returns to Surrey After Stanley Park Exit
The popular Bright Nights holiday light display is finding a new home in Surrey's Cloverdale after more than two decades in Vancouver's Stanley Park.
The beloved burn fundraiser, which originally launched in Newton in the mid-1980s, has been a cherished holiday tradition for families throughout the region.
Organizers were forced to relocate after the Stanley Park miniature train was taken out of commission, but the move to Cloverdale ensures that this spectacular light display will continue to bring joy to thousands of visitors while supporting the important work of the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund.
National Canadian News
CRTC Weighs Canadian Content Rules for Music Streamers
The CRTC begins hearings today on what Canadian content obligations should apply to music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.
The federal regulator has already signaled it won't extend traditional radio's 35% Canadian content requirement to streamers, instead considering financial contributions or promotional initiatives for Canadian artists.
Streaming companies argue they already pay roughly 70% of revenues in royalties to music rightsholders, far exceeding what radio stations contribute. Meanwhile, Canadian broadcasters say they're facing massive audience and revenue losses to these same platforms, with private radio's advertising market share dropping from 13% to 5.5% over the past decade.
The industry is asking for reduced Canadian content requirements, arguing the current system creates an uneven playing field where foreign streamers face fewer obligations than domestic broadcasters struggling to survive.
Canada's 2030 Climate Targets Slip Out of Reach as Progress Stalls
A new report reveals that Canada's ambitious 2030 emissions reduction targets are now out of reach after emissions levels remained unchanged last year.
The stagnation in progress comes at a critical time when recent federal initiatives have failed to deliver the expected results in reducing the country's carbon footprint.
Environmental advocates are expressing concern that without immediate and dramatic policy changes, Canada will fall significantly short of its international climate commitments.
The report highlights the urgent need for more aggressive action across all sectors of the economy to address this growing climate crisis.
Ancient B.C. Forest Faces Complex Battle Over Logging and Indigenous Rights
A shaggy, cool-green lichen growing like coral on tree bark in a northeastern Vancouver Island forest has become the center of a complex environmental and Indigenous rights battle.
The ancient ecosystem hosts endangered species while logging companies eye valuable timber resources, creating tension between conservation and economic interests. First Nations communities are asserting their traditional land rights and stewardship responsibilities, adding another crucial dimension to the debate.
The fate of this remarkable forest will likely set important precedents for how Canada balances environmental protection, Indigenous sovereignty, and economic development in other old-growth ecosystems across the country.
Jordan's Principle Crackdown Creates Internal Confusion at Indigenous Services Canada
Internal emails reveal widespread confusion and inconsistent decision-making within Indigenous Services Canada after Ottawa restricted Jordan's Principle services as costs exceeded $2 billion.
The crackdown followed skyrocketing expenses for the program designed to ensure First Nations children receive essential services without bureaucratic delays or denials. Documents obtained through access to information show federal officials struggling to implement new restrictions while maintaining the program's core mission of putting children first.
The internal turmoil has created uncertainty for families who depend on these critical services, highlighting the ongoing challenges in delivering equitable support to Indigenous communities across Canada.
Sports News
🏒 Vancouver Giants Sign Local Langley Forward
The Vancouver Giants have signed 16-year-old forward Richard Wonyeneh from Langley to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
Wonyeneh was the Giants' seventh-round pick in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft and brings impressive credentials from his time with Burnaby Winter Club in the CSSHL. In his draft year, he scored 20 goals in 24 games for the U15 Prep team, contributing 37 points total. Last season, he moved up to U18 level and registered 20 points in 34 games (6G-14A), showing his ability to adapt and produce at higher competition levels.
🏃 B.C. Teams Dominate Amazing Race Canada Season 11
British Columbia took over the podium in The Amazing Race Canada's 11th season, with Vancouver residents claiming first place and Prince George siblings securing second.
Best friends Jonathan Braun and Jesse Harink from Vancouver crossed the finish line first after a grueling race across the country, while siblings Grace Dove and Joe Syme from Prince George put up an impressive fight to earn the runner-up position.
The strong showing by B.C. teams highlighted the province's competitive spirit and determination, with both teams demonstrating exceptional teamwork and resilience throughout the challenging race format that tested their physical and mental capabilities.
Events Happening Today
Fall Cultural Film Screening: Indian Horse (Drop-In)
- Time: 6:00 to 7:30pm
- Location: Fort Langley Library
- Description: Love movies? So do we! Each month we will be viewing a short film on Kanopy at the salishan Place by the River Presentation Theatre, 23430 Mavis Ave. Film lovers will watch, discuss, and dive deep into a variety of genres—including thought-provoking documentaries, timeless classics, and hidden gems.
Whether you're a casual viewer or a dedicated cinephile, this is your space to share insights, discover new favourites, and connect with fellow movie lovers.
In September, we will be watching and discussing Indian Horse. Follow the life of Native Canadian Saul Indian Horse as he survives residential school and life amongst the racism of the 1970s. A talented hockey player, Saul must find his own path as he battles stereotypes and alcoholism.
Muriel Arnason Book Club
- Time: 6:30 to 7:30pm
- Location: Muriel Arnason Library
- Description: Do you love reading and want to discuss your thoughts with other readers? Each month we read a book and meet up to engage in lively discussions.
New members welcome. Selected titles are available for pickup from the Muriel Arnason Library front desk.
In September, we will be discussing Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.
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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