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Happy hump day, y'all!
With heavy rain soaking Langley today as an atmospheric river brings 40 to 70 millimeters of precipitation, this Tuesday's roundup covers local stories from housing market shifts to community events.
Housing prices continue their steady decline, offering relief for buyers, while the Aldergrove food bank faces an early winter surge in demand.
Meanwhile, federal immigration cuts are leaving international students and health care workers in limbo, and the Vancouver Giants are gearing up for their annual Teddy Bear Toss charity event this weekend.
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Housing Prices Continue Steady Decline in Langley
The Langley real estate market is experiencing a continued downward trend in housing prices, offering some potential relief for buyers.
Real estate experts point to "pent-up supply" as a key factor driving the steady price decreases in the region. This means that more homes are coming onto the market than there are buyers ready to purchase them, creating a buyer's market for the first time in years.
The slow but consistent decline represents a shift from the red-hot market conditions that dominated the Fraser Valley over the past several years.
While this is good news for prospective homebuyers, it may concern current homeowners who have seen their property values peak and begin to soften.
Fort Langley Cenotaph Faces Uncertain Future: Restoration or Replacement
The historic Fort Langley cenotaph will either be restored to its former glory or replaced entirely, with officials now assessing the best path forward.
With Remembrance Day ceremonies concluded for another year, work has begun to determine whether the aging memorial structure can be saved or if it needs to be rebuilt from scratch.
The cenotaph has been a focal point for community remembrance for decades, making its preservation a matter of both historical and emotional significance. Engineers and heritage experts are examining the structural integrity of the monument to determine what repairs might be feasible.
The decision will balance heritage preservation with practical considerations about safety and longevity, ensuring the community has a fitting memorial for generations to come.
Aldergrove Food Bank Experiences Early Winter Surge in Demand
The Aldergrove food bank is seeing an unusually early spike in demand this winter season, putting pressure on resources before the holidays even arrive.
Food bank organizers report that they're already experiencing the kind of increased need that typically doesn't hit until deeper into winter.
The organization is urgently requesting donations of food essentials, baby items, and children's toys to help meet the growing demand during the holiday season. Rising costs of living and ongoing economic pressures are driving more families to seek assistance than in previous years.
Community members are encouraged to contribute what they can to ensure no family goes without during the holidays.
Make Memories, Not Garbage: Sustainable Holiday Gift Ideas
This holiday season, Langley officials are encouraging residents to rethink their approach to gift-giving with low-waste alternatives.
Instead of traditional material presents that often end up in landfills, consider giving experience-based gifts that create lasting memories.
Museum tickets, spa days, weekend getaways, or opportunities to try new hobbies together are all excellent alternatives to physical items.
These experiential gifts not only reduce waste but often provide more meaningful and memorable experiences for recipients. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of holiday celebrations while maintaining the joy and spirit of the season.
It's a gentle reminder that the best gifts often aren't wrapped in paper at all.
Vancouver Giants Partner with Langley Township Fire for Annual Teddy Bear Toss
The Vancouver Giants and Township of Langley Fire Department are teaming up for the annual Teddy Bear Toss and Toy Drive on December 13-14.
Giants Senior VP Dale Saip and Bruce Farquhar from Langley Fire appeared on Global B.C.'s Morning Show to promote the beloved community event.
During the Teddy Bear Toss game, fans are encouraged to throw stuffed animals onto the ice after the Giants score their first goal, with all donations going to local charities. The following day features an additional toy drive to collect even more gifts for children in need throughout the Fraser Valley.
This annual tradition combines hockey excitement with community generosity, making it one of the highlights of the holiday season for local families.
It's a heartwarming reminder that sports can bring communities together for causes that matter.
B.C. First Nations Express Frustration Over Pipeline Politics
First Nations leaders in British Columbia are voicing their displeasure at being sidelined during recent political maneuvering around pipeline projects.
A federal Conservative pro-pipeline motion was recently voted down in Parliament, but the controversy extends beyond the vote itself. First Nations leaders argue they should have been consulted and included in discussions about pipeline projects that directly affect their traditional territories and rights.
Federal Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney is now planning to meet with Indigenous leaders to address their concerns. The situation highlights ongoing tensions around resource development, Indigenous sovereignty, and reconciliation in British Columbia.
These communities are demanding a seat at the table when decisions about their lands are being made, rather than being treated as an afterthought in political chess games.
U.S. Ambassador Denies American Interference in Canadian Politics
U.S. Ambassador David Hoekstra has firmly denied suggestions that America's security strategy involves meddling in Canadian political affairs.
The statement comes amid growing concerns about foreign interference in Canadian democracy and the relationship between the two countries. Hoekstra's comments appear designed to reassure Canadians that the United States respects Canada's sovereignty and political independence.
The denial comes at a sensitive time, with federal elections potentially on the horizon and heightened awareness about foreign influence campaigns.
Relations between the two countries remain complex, particularly around issues like trade, border security, and defense cooperation.
The ambassador's public statement reflects the delicate diplomatic dance required to maintain the bilateral relationship while addressing Canadian concerns about autonomy.
Ottawa's immigration cuts leave BC health workers and students in limbo
Federal immigration cuts have trapped thousands of international students and health care workers in bureaucratic limbo after Ottawa slashed BC's provincial nominee program allocations by 50 percent.
The province began 2025 with a backlog of 5,200 applications but only 4,000 nomination spots, forcing BC to stop accepting new applications from international students in January and leaving nearly 400 health care workers facing permit expiration without a pathway to stay.
Students like UBC PhD candidate Bahareh Kashani say they're being forced to consider leaving the province after years of study, while the Hospital Employees' Union warns the cuts are worsening BC's critical health care staffing shortages at the worst possible time.
People who are actively employed now make up nearly one in five food bank visits across Canada, more than people reporting no income at all.
The Archway Food Bank in Abbotsford serves over 6,200 people each month (including 38% children) and needs to raise $1.3 million before year's end to keep providing nutritious food hampers to neighbours who've exhausted every other option.
Please donate to ensure no family in our community goes hungry this winter.
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