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Good morning, Langley!
With sunny skies and beautiful fall temperatures reaching 22°C today, our community has several important stories to follow.
A new Metro Vancouver study reveals that Langley City ranks as the most affordable place to live south of the Fraser when both housing and transportation costs are considered together.
Meanwhile, preparations continue for next week's Truth and Reconciliation gathering at Derek Doubleday Arboretum, while provincial politics see more upheaval with the Conservative party's latest caucus expulsion.
Across the region, labor disputes are brewing at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and B.C. continues successfully recruiting American healthcare workers seeking more stable working conditions.
Local Langley News
Langley City Tops Metro Vancouver Affordability Rankings When Transportation Costs Included
A new Metro Vancouver study overturns the common belief that moving farther from the city saves money.
When researchers calculated both housing costs and transportation expenses together, they discovered that walkable, transit-friendly communities actually offer the best value for families.
The key insight is that while housing might be cheaper in distant suburbs, residents there spend significantly more on gas, car payments, insurance, and maintenance because they must drive everywhere.
Meanwhile, people living in denser areas with good transit can often get by with one car or no car at all, despite paying higher rent or mortgage costs.
Here's how the communities south of the Fraser ranked for combined annual housing and transportation costs per household:
Most Affordable:
- Langley City: $38,000 per year
- White Rock: $38,000 per year
Middle Range:
- Surrey: $43,000 per year
Most Expensive:
- Delta: $47,000 per year
- Township of Langley: $47,000 per year
The study shows that families living in car-dependent suburbs like Delta and Township of Langley pay $9,000 more annually than those in Langley City or White Rock.
This $750 monthly difference comes primarily from transportation costs that suburban residents face when they need to drive for every trip.
The findings support the case for building more dense, walkable neighborhoods with good transit connections as a practical solution to the housing affordability crisis facing working families throughout the region.
Langley Prepares for Fifth Annual Truth and Reconciliation Gathering Next Tuesday
Langley's Derek Doubleday Arboretum will host its fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation gathering on Tuesday, September 30th from 5 to 8 p.m., bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members for reflection and remembrance.
Organizer Cecilia Reekie says expanded educational story boards will be installed this Friday at the site where residential school crosses once stood, allowing families to visit over the weekend before the main event.
The evening will feature drumming, speeches, an educational story walk, and concludes with what Reekie calls the most moving element: a candlelight vigil that leaves hundreds of participants "in awe" as they honor residential school survivors and remember children who never came home.
Surrey MLA Elenore Sturko Expelled From Conservative Caucus in Shocking Move
Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko was removed from the B.C. Conservative caucus Monday evening, just hours after John Rustad survived a leadership review with 71% support from party members.
Sturko, who controversially crossed from B.C. United to the Conservatives in June 2024, said she was "absolutely blindsided" by the decision and denied Rustad's accusations that she was plotting against his leadership.
The former public safety critic, who will now sit as an independent, called for Rustad to resign and said other caucus members share her concerns about his leadership following controversies over fraudulent memberships in the leadership review.
This marks the fourth MLA to leave the Conservative caucus since March, reducing their seats from 44 to 40 and highlighting ongoing instability within the Official Opposition.
West Fine Arts Show Considers Adding Second Annual Event
The West Fine Art Show's successful return to Glass House Estates Winery in south Langley drew over 1,000 visitors and raised more than $10,000 for Langley Hospice Society through artist sales and donations.
Society president Brian Croft praised the "stellar" venue and warm welcome, with 20 artists showcasing their work during the September 12-14 event.
The enthusiastic response has organizers considering bringing back their pre-pandemic tradition of two shows per year, with discussions underway about adding a spring event alongside their confirmed return to Glass House next fall.
Fraser Valley Regional District Reaches New Labor Agreement
The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) and CUPE Local 458 have successfully ratified new three-year collective agreements with both bargaining units for Chilliwack and Hope recreation services.
The agreement covers recreation group employees across the region and represents a successful conclusion to negotiations between the regional district and the union.
The new contracts will provide stability and improved working conditions for employees delivering recreational services to Fraser Valley communities.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
🏒 Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Musicians Issue First-Ever Strike Notice
In a historic first for the 107-year-old organization, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra musicians have issued a strike notice after months of failed wage negotiations.
The unprecedented labor action threatens to disrupt the VSO's upcoming season and represents a significant escalation in the dispute between musicians and management.
The strike notice comes after extensive negotiations failed to produce an agreement on compensation, marking a critical moment in the orchestra's long history of labor relations.
Surrey Schools Reports $33M Surplus Despite First Enrollment Decline in 25 Years
Surrey Schools has posted a remarkable $33 million surplus that will be directed to a rainy day fund, even as the district faces its first enrollment decline in more than a quarter-century.
The financial windfall comes at a time of significant change for the province's largest school district, which has experienced unprecedented growth for decades.
District officials noted this historic shift in enrollment patterns during a recent board meeting, marking the end of an era of continuous student population increases.
B.C. Successfully Recruits Wave of U.S. Healthcare Workers
British Columbia's targeted recruitment campaign has doubled American healthcare worker applications to over 1,400 since May, with more than 140 qualified doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals already accepting job offers. The province's streamlined credential recognition process and recruitment efforts in Washington, Oregon, and California are attracting U.S. workers seeking science-based healthcare systems and universal coverage amid growing uncertainty south of the border. Health Minister Josie Osborne says this influx will mean shorter wait times and stronger community healthcare services across B.C., as the province continues breaking down barriers for American medical professionals to practice here.
National Canadian News
Canada's Longest-Running Residential School Opens as Museum on Truth and Reconciliation Day
The former Mohawk Institute in Ontario, which operated as Canada's longest-running residential school from 1828 to 1970, reopens today as a museum at the Woodland Cultural Centre on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Around 15,000 children from 60 communities were forced to attend the Anglican Church and government-run institution, where at least 105 died from illness, injury, or while attempting to escape.
Survivor Doug George-Kanentiio, who endured 18 months there in the 1960s, championed preserving the building so visitors can walk the halls and understand the reality of fear, hunger, abandonment, and abuse that defined children's experiences.
The museum features survivors' words written throughout the space, ensuring their stories are told in the very place where the trauma occurred.
Civil Liberties Groups Warn New Hate Crime Bill Could Criminalize Protests
Civil liberties organizations are raising serious concerns that the Liberal government's proposed hate crimes legislation could undermine Charter rights and criminalize legitimate protests.
The groups argue that the bill's broad language and vague definitions could be used to suppress dissent and peaceful demonstration, particularly affecting marginalized communities who rely on protest as a form of political expression.
Legal experts warn that the legislation could have a chilling effect on free speech and democratic participation across the country.
Sports News
🏈 CFL Announces Major Rule Changes: Shorter Field and Single-Point Restrictions Coming
CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston has unveiled significant changes to the league's rules and field dimensions in a bid to make the game more entertaining for fans.
The most dramatic changes include shortening the field and restricting how single points can be awarded, moves designed to trade field goals for more exciting touchdown plays.
These changes will be phased in over two years and represent some of the most substantial alterations to Canadian football in decades, fundamentally changing both how the game is played and how it looks to spectators.
🏒 Abbotsford Canucks Announce Training Camp Schedule
The Abbotsford Canucks have unveiled their training camp plans, with activities set to run from October 1st to 3rd at the Abbotsford Centre.
The camp will conclude with an exciting scrimmage game scheduled for October 4th in Chilliwack, giving fans in both communities a chance to see their team prepare for the upcoming season.
This marks an important milestone for the organization as they gear up for another year of professional hockey in the Fraser Valley.
🏉 B.C.'s Sophie de Goede Nominated for Women's Rugby Player of the Year
Canadian forward Sophie de Goede has been nominated for World Rugby's Women's Player of the Year award following her outstanding performance at the Women's World Cup.
The B.C. native has been an impact player throughout the tournament in her remarkable return from knee surgery, demonstrating resilience and skill on rugby's biggest stage.
Her nomination recognizes not only her individual excellence but also her leadership role in Canada's strong World Cup campaign, inspiring fans across the country.
Events Happening Today
Morning Book Club (Drop-in)
- Time: 11:30am to 12:30pm
- Location: Murrayville Library
- Description: Join us each month for a lively discussion of a pre-selected title. Books are provided, and new members are always welcome! In September, we will be discussing One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware.
Close Knit (Drop-in)
- Time: 2:00 to 5:00pm
- Location: City of Langley Library
- Description: Join knitters, crocheters, and yarn enthusiasts of all ages and abilities for our warm, welcoming drop-in group. Children and beginners are welcome. Yarn crafts are fun, relaxing, and a great way to connect across the generations.
The group offers opportunities to donate completed projects to local organizations in need.
LEGO® & KEVA Club (Drop-in)
- Time: 3:30 to 4:30pm
- Location: Aldergrove Library
- Description: Love LEGO® and KEVA? We provide the LEGO® and KEVA Planks, you bring your imagination.
Come play, create, and experiment!
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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