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Good morning, Langley!
With partly cloudy skies and temperatures reaching 19°C today, it's a perfect September day to catch up on the stories shaping our community.
Today's roundup features significant developments in local accountability, with Mayor Eric Woodward facing continued scrutiny over his unfulfilled charity promises, while disturbing allegations emerge about a private Burnaby college exploiting international students for Conservative MP Tamara Jansen's election campaign.
Meanwhile, infrastructure updates bring good news as the 248 Street bridge reopens ahead of schedule, and new population projections suggest Langley could nearly double in size by 2051, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable, transit-oriented development planning.
Local Langley News
Eric Woodward's Charity Promise Remains Unfulfilled as Foundation Ignores Legal Orders
Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward pledged in 2018 to transfer $55 million in real estate to a new charity, but seven years later the foundation has never registered as a charity and has ignored government orders to release its financial records.
Despite selling nearly $10 million in property through a related corporation, Woodward refuses to say whether any proceeds have gone to charitable causes, and admits his foundation failed to prepare required annual financial statements for six years.
Private College Forced International Students to Work for Tamara Jansen's Conservative Campaign
Pacific Link College in Burnaby allegedly compelled international students to door-knock for Conservative MP Tamara Jansen during a 2024 federal byelection in Cloverdale-Langley City.
The mandatory political work was framed as part of their digital media coursework despite students' objections that it was unrelated to their studies.
The disturbing case highlights how vulnerable international students can be exploited by private institutions, particularly when forced to campaign for a Conservative Party that has consistently opposed expanding immigration pathways and making it harder for students like them to achieve permanent residency.
School administrators falsely told students that political recommendations could help with immigration applications, weaponizing their precarious status to coerce participation in partisan activities that directly contradict their own interests as newcomers seeking to build lives in Canada.
248 Street Bridge Reopens Ahead of Schedule After Emergency Repairs
The Coghlan Creek bridge on 248 Street has officially reopened to traffic following temporary repairs that were completed ahead of the original timeline.
The closure had been causing significant detours for local commuters and residents in the area.
Emergency crews worked around the clock to ensure the vital transportation link could be restored as quickly as possible, with the repairs focusing on structural integrity and safety measures.
Langley Population Could Nearly Double by 2051, Metro Vancouver Projects
Metro Vancouver's latest demographic projections suggest Langley could see its population swell to 280,000 residents by 2051.
While growth has been particularly high in recent years, planners expect the rate to moderate and return to more typical levels over the coming decades.
The projection reflects broader regional growth patterns and infrastructure planning needs across the Fraser Valley.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Eby's Anti-Trump Boycott Falls Flat as BC Continues Billion-Dollar US Contracts
British Columbia Premier David Eby's April directive to cancel US contracts in response to Trump's tariff threats has produced little concrete action, with billions in government deals still flowing to American corporations.
Despite five months of supposed review, the government cannot point to a single cancelled contract and has even removed transparency by marking 350 pages of payment details as "pending review" in public documents.
The failure exposes the hollow nature of Eby's performative resistance to Trump, as major US companies like Quest Diagnostics, Maximus, and DXC Technology continue collecting hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars while the premier offers vague promises about supporting local businesses.
Father and Son Paddleboarders Rescued from Crescent Beach Waters
Two paddleboarders found themselves in distress on Saturday afternoon near Crescent Beach, prompting a 911 call and rescue response.
Surrey Police Service officers deployed kayaks to assist the father and son duo who had encountered difficulties on the water.
The quick response from emergency personnel ensured both individuals were brought to safety without injury, highlighting the importance of water safety awareness and proper equipment when engaging in water activities.
Mill Fire Lights Up Maple Ridge Sunday Evening
Smoke was seen pouring from a mill building at the Noble Custom Cut site in Maple Ridge during a Sunday night fire.
The blaze occurred at what's described as an inoperative mill, though firefighters responded quickly to contain the situation.
No injuries were reported, but the incident served as a reminder of the ongoing fire risks associated with industrial facilities, even those not currently in active operation.
Local Politicians Demand Housing Action as Street Disorder Crisis Mounts
BC's municipal leaders are converging in Victoria this week to push the province for concrete action on housing and street disorder, with Metro Vancouver officials expressing frustration that local communities are bearing the brunt of problems that require provincial solutions.
While the government has announced new mental health facilities and involuntary care expansion, municipal leaders want to see these promises translate into real infrastructure that addresses the root causes of homelessness.
The conference will also address how new housing legislation is driving up service delivery costs for cities, highlighting the urgent need for long-term infrastructure planning that supports sustainable, transit-oriented development rather than car-dependent sprawl.
National Canadian News
Canada Officially Recognizes Palestinian State in Historic Declaration
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Sunday that Canada has officially recognized the State of Palestine, marking a significant shift in the country's Middle East policy.
The recognition comes with Canada's offer of support in building what Carney described as a "peaceful future" for both Palestine and Israel. This decision aligns with principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights, according to the Prime Minister's office.
The move places Canada alongside other nations that have formally recognized Palestinian statehood, though it may complicate relationships with some traditional allies.
Canada Among Nations Failing Climate Targets Despite Production Promises
A new international report reveals that Canada and other major fossil fuel-producing countries are undermining global efforts to meet crucial climate change targets.
The study indicates a widening gap between countries' stated climate commitments and their actual fossil fuel production plans.
This disconnect is described as "derailing the world's chance" to hit key environmental targets designed to limit global warming.
The findings put additional pressure on Canada to reconcile its role as both a major oil producer and a signatory to international climate agreements.
Sports News
âš˝ Vancouver FC Finally Breaks Long Losing Streak at Home
Vancouver FC ended their long losing streak with a crucial victory at home against York, providing much-needed relief for players and fans alike.
The win comes after a challenging period for the club, with supporters eagerly awaiting a return to form. The team's performance showed renewed energy and tactical cohesion that had been missing during their difficult run.
The victory not only breaks the negative streak but also provides momentum for the upcoming Canadian Championship match on October 1 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
🏒 Vancouver Giants Fall to Vees in Home Opener Despite Early Chances
The Vancouver Giants dropped their home opener 5-1 to the Penticton Vees, despite creating several quality scoring opportunities early in the game.
"We had some Grade A opportunities early and we weren't able to capitalize," reflected team management after the disappointing loss. The Giants struggled to convert their chances into goals, while the Vees took advantage of their opportunities more effectively.
The result leaves the team looking to bounce back quickly as they settle into the new season rhythm.
Events Happening Today
Culture Days Recipe Swap
- Time: 9:00am to 8:00pm
- Location: City of Langley Library
- Description: Do you have recipes from your culture you want to share?
Celebrate Culture Days this year by joining our recipe swap. You can bring a recipe to share in exchange for brand new ones to try. We’ll photocopy the recipes for you. Maybe you’ll find a new favourite dish!
Suitable for all ages.
This is a daily event, participate anytime during open hours September 19 through October 12
Babytime (Drop-in)
- Time: 2:00 to 2:30pm
- Location: City of Langley Library
- Description: Make language fun! Start early with Babytime. Help your baby develop speech and language skills. Enjoy bouncing, singing and rhyming with stories. Babytime is a fun, social bonding activity for babies and caregivers. This program is best suited to children ages 0 to 2.
Kids' Craft Club: Paper Roll Mushrooms (Drop-in)
- Time: 3:15 to 4:00pm
- Location: Murrayville Library
- Description: Calling all crafty, creative kids! Join the Murrayville Library each month for our drop-in craft club.
This month's craft is paper roll mushrooms!
Recommended for kids ages 5 - 12.
LEGO® Club (Drop-in)
- Time: 4:00 to 5:30pm
- Location: City of Langley Library
- Description: Love LEGO®? We provide the LEGO®, you bring your imagination! Come play, experiment and create. LEGO® Club is a fun afternoon program for all.
LEGO® Monday Night Game Café (Drop-in)
- Time: 4:30 to 7:00pm
- Location: Muriel Arnason Library
- Description: Welcome to the Game Café, where everything on the menu comes with an extra serving of fun! Choose a game to play on your own, or team up with friends and family for some quality time. Fun for all ages!
- Note: Games are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are for in-library use only. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
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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