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Good morning, friends!
As showers continue to dampen Langley this Tuesday, with temperatures hovering around 10°C, here's what you need to know across the region.
A powerful windstorm knocked out power for thousands across BC, while Metro Vancouver experienced another year of persistent air quality challenges.
On a brighter note, a local rugby star earned recognition on the Olympic pathway, Archway Community Services launches a New Year's fundraiser, and Canada Post confirms Santa letters will still get answered despite the recent strike.
Powerful Windstorm Leaves Thousands Without Power Across British Columbia
A fierce windstorm swept through British Columbia, plunging thousands of residents into darkness across the province.
The powerful weather system resulted in widespread power outages, affecting communities throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
Both Aldergrove and Fort Langley experienced significant power failures as winds reached dangerous speeds across the region.
BC Hydro crews worked throughout the storm to restore electricity to affected areas, though weather-dependent conditions made repairs challenging.
Metro Vancouver Issued Seven Air Quality Warnings This Year Due to Smoke and Pollution
The Metro Vancouver Regional District issued seven air quality warnings throughout 2025, marking another challenging year for regional air quality.
The warnings were triggered by a combination of wildfire smoke and local air pollution, with notable incidents on August 24th involving both wildfire smoke and local pollution, and August 26th due to local pollution alone.
Between September 3rd and 7th, multiple warnings were issued specifically due to wildfire smoke blanketing the region. This year saw the second-highest forested area burned on record in Canada, with 8.9 million hectares consumed by wildfires through the end of September.
Ground-level ozone, created when emissions from vehicles interact with sunlight, remains a persistent concern for human health and continues to trigger local emissions warnings despite the Regional District's goal of zero such warnings.
Langley Rugby Standout Brooklyn Roddham Earns Olympic Pathway Through Prestigious RBC Training Ground
A Langley athlete has been selected as one of the country's most promising Olympic hopefuls through the highly competitive RBC Training Ground program.
Brooklyn Roddham was chosen from a field of more than 2,500 Canadian athletes competing for recognition, funding, and a clear pathway to Olympic competition.
The RBC Training Ground program identifies and supports Canada's next generation of Olympic athletes across multiple sports.
Roddham's selection provides crucial financial support and training resources as she pursues her dream of representing Canada on the world's biggest sporting stage.
Archway Community Services Launches Inaugural Polar Bear Plunge Fundraiser for New Year's Day
Fraser Valley residents are invited to start 2026 with a chilly splash at the first-ever Archway Polar Bear Plunge.
Scheduled for noon on January 1st at Albert Dyck Lake in Abbotsford, the event aims to raise funds for Archway's Community Action Fund, which addresses critical funding shortfalls in essential programs.
Participants can register individually or as team captains for a minimum $10 donation, with those raising $100 or more receiving a limited-edition Polar Plunge toque. CEO Rod Santiago emphasized the symbolic nature of the event, noting that many community members face "bone-chilling life challenges" daily.
The Community Action Fund supports vital services including medical transportation for seniors, Meals on Wheels for homebound residents, and newcomer integration programs throughout Abbotsford.
Canada Post Confirms Santa Letters Will Be Answered Despite Recent Strike Disruption
Children across Canada can breathe a sigh of relief—their letters to Santa will receive responses this year despite recent postal service disruptions.
Canada Post has confirmed that the millions of wish lists sent to Santa Claus will be answered, though there was a brief pause following a month-long strike by postal workers.
The beloved tradition of writing to Santa and receiving personalized responses remains intact, with Canada Post working to ensure all letters are processed and replied to in time for Christmas.
This reassurance comes as welcome news to families who worried the labor dispute might disrupt this cherished holiday tradition that brings joy to countless Canadian children each December.
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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