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With periods of drizzle and temperatures around 16°C today in Langley, it's a typical late September day in the Fraser Valley.
We've seen a handful of significant environmental initiatives from hazardous waste collection records to David Suzuki's upcoming visit, while Langley City Council continues pushing for progressive housing and mental health solutions at the provincial level.
Meanwhile, regional cycling advocacy and remarkable archaeological discoveries remind us that our communities are full of unexpected stories and ongoing efforts to build more sustainable, connected places to live.
Local Langley News
Langley Sets New Record for Hazardous Waste Collection
Another record-setting hazardous waste disposal event took place in Langley, with Township officials estimating a 15 per cent increase in participation.
The surge in community participation reflects growing environmental awareness among residents, who are increasingly conscious about proper disposal of items like paint, batteries, and electronic waste. These events play a crucial role in keeping harmful materials out of regular garbage streams and protecting local waterways and soil from contamination.
Renowned Environmentalist David Suzuki Coming to Langley
The Langley Senior Resources Centre is offering local residents the chance to engage with one of Canada's most influential environmental voices.
The appearance represents a significant opportunity for Langley residents to hear directly from the legendary scientist and broadcaster who has shaped environmental discourse in Canada for decades.
Suzuki's visit comes at a time when climate action and environmental stewardship are increasingly urgent topics for communities across the Fraser Valley.
Aldergrove Rock and Gem Club Showcases Lapidary Love
The Aldergrove-based rock and gem club held their annual event, celebrating the art of lapidary and geological specimens.
The gathering brought together enthusiasts who share a passion for collecting, cutting, and polishing stones and minerals.
These events serve as important community hubs for hobbyists and help introduce younger generations to the fascinating world of geology and earth sciences, fostering both educational opportunities and creative expression through stone craft.
Langley City Council Advocates for Healthcare and Housing at UBCM
Langley City Council used their time at the annual Union of BC Municipalities convention to advocate for key local priorities with provincial ministers.
The meetings focused on critical issues including support for the Langley Lions Housing project redevelopment, expansion of programs for people experiencing homelessness, and requests for complex-care mental health beds.
Council also pushed for the Mobile Integrated Crisis Response program to launch in Langley, which pairs police officers with nurses for mental health emergency calls, reflecting the city's proactive approach to addressing homelessness and mental health challenges.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Fall Go by Bike Week Returns to Metro Vancouver
Go by Bike Week is back from September 27 to October 3, encouraging Metro Vancouver residents, including those in Langley, to embrace cycling as a year-round transportation solution rather than just a summer activity.
The event offers free bike maintenance, prizes, and community connection points across the region while demonstrating that sustainable transportation works even in fall weather.
With 30 celebration stations planned and emphasis on proving cycling remains safe and enjoyable through darker months, the initiative supports the kind of car-alternative infrastructure our communities desperately need to reduce traffic congestion and build more livable neighborhoods.
West African Circus Launches Spectacular 26-Show Series in Surrey
'Afrique en Cirque' kicks off October 5th with a heart-pounding showcase of West African performance artistry at four Surrey venues.
The ambitious cultural programming extends from fall through spring, offering Fraser Valley audiences an immersive experience in traditional and contemporary African circus arts. This represents a significant cultural investment in the region, bringing world-class international entertainment to local stages while celebrating the rich artistic traditions of West Africa through acrobatics, music, and storytelling.
Orange Shirt Day Founder Brings Reconciliation Message to Hope
Phyllis Webstad spoke about truth and reconciliation during ShxwelĂs te Ts'qĂł:ls - The Spirit of Hope Secondary School's Truth and Reconciliation Week.
Webstad's visit represents a powerful educational opportunity for Fraser Valley students to learn directly from the woman whose childhood experience sparked a national movement.
Her presentation comes at a crucial time when communities across Canada are working to better understand the impacts of residential schools and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Medieval Treasure Trove Discovered at Chilliwack Thrift Store
Eleven rings and two medallions, initially priced at $30 each, may actually be extraordinarily rare medieval artifacts according to SFU museum experts.
The discovery happened when an archaeology-savvy shopper recognized the potential historical significance of the items and alerted store volunteers.
SFU's Museum of Archaeology director called the continued existence of these pieces "quite extraordinary," and they will now form the basis of an archaeology course at the university in 2026, turning a remarkable thrift store find into an educational opportunity for students.
National Canadian News
Canada's Climate Commitment Falls Short at UN Summit
Prime Minister Carney's last-minute withdrawal from the United Nations Secretary-General's Climate Summit sends an embarrassing signal about Canada's climate leadership.
Climate Action Network Canada warns that the country's "discombobulated, disorganized climate approach" is being noticed by international allies and undermining Canada's credibility on the world stage.
The absence comes at a critical time when global climate action requires coordinated leadership, and Canada's mixed messages on environmental policy are creating confusion both domestically and internationally about the nation's true commitment to addressing climate change.
Indigenous Audit Reveals Massive Financial Irregularities
A forensic audit of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations uncovered over $34 million in questionable, ineligible, or unsupported spending.
The comprehensive financial review has sent shockwaves through Indigenous governance circles, raising serious questions about accountability and financial management within one of Saskatchewan's most important First Nations political organizations.
The findings highlight the ongoing challenges Indigenous communities face in balancing traditional governance structures with modern financial oversight requirements, while ensuring that federal funding reaches the programs and services it was intended to support.
2SLGBTQI+ Rights Group Pushes to Ban Fox News in Canada
Egale Canada has renewed their push to have the CRTC remove Fox News from Canadian broadcasting, citing concerns about anti-2SLGBTQI+ content.
The advocacy group first requested the removal two years ago, arguing that the network's programming violates Canadian broadcasting standards around hate speech and discrimination. The renewed campaign reflects growing tensions between free speech principles and protecting vulnerable communities from potentially harmful media content, while raising complex questions about media regulation in an era of increasingly polarized political discourse across North America.
Sports News
🏀 Surrey Teen's Basketball Journey Goes Wall to Wall
Cayden Castaneto is gearing up for the BC High School Basketball season while constantly working on his game and bringing others along with him.
The dedicated young athlete exemplifies the community spirit that makes high school sports so special, using his passion for basketball as a way to mentor and inspire other players. His commitment to both personal improvement and helping teammates develop their skills demonstrates the leadership qualities that coaches and scouts love to see in emerging talent.
âš˝ Soccer Dreams Come True: Player's Journey to National Finals
Making it to the national finals represents a dream come true for this local soccer player, whose victory in the Voyageur Cup semifinals was only possible because the Eagles worked as a team.
The player's diary entry captures the emotional journey of competitive soccer, emphasizing how individual success is meaningless without the collective effort of teammates. This achievement in Canada's national soccer competition represents not just personal accomplishment but a testament to the power of teamwork and shared commitment to excellence in competitive sports.
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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