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Good morning, Langley!
We're looking at a cloudy Monday with temperatures around 5°C and a chance of showers later today, so keep that umbrella handy.
This morning's roundup brings you exciting community funding opportunities from the Township, Fort Langley's heartwarming tree lighting ceremony, a triumphant hazelnut harvest story from Aldergrove, and some thought-provoking pieces on public grocery stores and healthcare access.
Plus, we've got updates on Canadian women's soccer and a stellar goaltending performance from the Vancouver Giants' Matthew Hood.
Township of Langley Opens the Funding Floodgates for Community Projects
The Township of Langley is rolling out the welcome mat for community organizations and groups looking to make a difference in 2026.
Starting December 1st and running through February 28, 2026, applications are now being accepted for both the Capital Improvement and Community Grants Programs.
These funding opportunities are designed to support local initiatives that enhance infrastructure and strengthen community bonds throughout the Township.
Whether you're planning a facility upgrade or a community-building project, now's the time to get your paperwork in order and make your pitch for support.
Fort Langley Gets Into the Holiday Spirit with Annual Tree Lighting Spectacular
Hundreds of residents bundled up and gathered in Fort Langley to witness the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony that officially kicks off the holiday season.
The beloved community tradition brought together families, friends, and neighbors for an evening of festive cheer and small-town magic. Behind-the-scenes preparations had been underway for weeks to ensure everything from the lights to the hot chocolate was perfectly orchestrated.
The event continues to be one of Fort Langley's most anticipated celebrations, proving that sometimes the simplest traditions create the most memorable moments.
Langley Arts Council Bringing Cross-Cultural Folk Music to the Stage
The Langley Arts Council is gearing up to host an exciting evening of folk music that bridges cultural boundaries on December 14th.
The featured performer, Ranj Singh, will take the stage to showcase music that crosses roads and connects diverse traditions. This event exemplifies the Arts Council's commitment to bringing world-class talent to local venues while celebrating the rich tapestry of musical heritage.
It's another example of how Langley continues to punch above its weight when it comes to cultural programming and community enrichment through the arts.
Aldergrove Family Cracks the Code on Hazelnut Farming After Decade-Long Battle
The Reid family of Aldergrove has just celebrated their first successful hazelnut harvest, marking a triumphant return for a crop that was nearly wiped out in the Fraser Valley.
A devastating blight struck roughly ten years ago, decimating most of the region's hazelnut trees and forcing many farmers to abandon the crop entirely.
But the Reids persevered, becoming one of the few families brave enough to bring hazelnuts back to Aldergrove.
Their success represents not just agricultural determination but also hope for other farmers who might be considering reviving this once-thriving local industry.
This harvest is proof that patience, persistence, and a little bit of stubbornness can yield sweet rewards—or in this case, nutty ones.
Food Too Expensive? Public Grocery Stores Could Be the Answer
As corporate grocery chains rake in billions in profits, the idea of city-run grocery stores is gaining traction as an affordable alternative for communities.
These publicly owned stores could fight food deserts by providing fresh, healthy food without profit margins driving up prices, while forcing big chains like Loblaw, Metro, and Sobeys to compete.
Canada's biggest three grocers pocketed $8.5 billion in profits over just two years, money taken directly from working families struggling with rising food costs.
Public grocery stores could transform food from a commodity into a recognized human right, ensuring everyone has access to affordable, nutritious options regardless of income.
New HIV Prevention Guidelines Urge Doctors to Stop Acting as PrEP Gatekeepers
Canadian health authorities are calling on doctors to remove barriers to accessing PrEP, the highly effective HIV prevention medication.
New guidelines explicitly state that physicians should not act as "gatekeepers" who restrict access to pre-exposure prophylaxis based on subjective judgments about patient lifestyles or risk factors.
The updated protocols recognize that PrEP is a safe and effective tool that should be widely available to anyone who wants it as part of comprehensive sexual health care.
This represents a significant shift toward patient autonomy and evidence-based medicine, acknowledging that access to prevention shouldn't depend on passing a doctor's moral litmus test.
Canadian Women's Soccer Team Hopes to End Year on High Note Against Japan
Canada's women's soccer team is looking to snap a frustrating four-game losing streak as they close out 2025 with a rematch against Japan.
The Tuesday FIFA women's match represents more than just another game—it's an opportunity for the team to end the year with momentum and restore some confidence after a difficult stretch. The squad has been struggling to find their rhythm, but facing Japan for a second time could provide the chance to make adjustments and turn things around.
Everyone's hoping the Canadian women can rediscover their winning form and head into the new year with their heads held high rather than dwelling on what's been a rough finish to 2025.
Nova Scotia Minister Shuts Down Golf Course Plans for Protected Provincial Park
A Nova Scotia minister has made it clear she has no intention of allowing a world-renowned golf developer to build a course in a Cape Breton provincial park.
While the minister expressed openness to "conversations" about various projects on protected land, she drew a firm line when it comes to commercializing environmentally sensitive areas.
The proposed golf course would have encroached on park land that's meant to remain preserved for future generations, not converted into a luxury amenity for the wealthy.
This decision reflects growing tension between economic development interests and environmental conservation efforts, with the minister apparently siding with those who believe some places are simply too precious to pave over—or tee off on.
Vancouver Giants Goalie Matthew Hood Delivers Career Performance with 55-Save Victory
Vancouver Giants netminder Matthew Hood put on an absolute clinic between the pipes, stopping a career-high 55 shots to secure a victory over the Everett Silvertips.
The performance was nothing short of spectacular, with Hood standing on his head all night long to keep his team in the game despite being heavily outshot. It's the kind of goaltending performance that becomes instant legend in the WHL, where a hot goalie can single-handedly steal wins and drive opposing coaches to distraction.
Hood's teammates owe him more than a few dinners after this one, as he basically turned into a brick wall and refused to let anything past him, no matter how many rubber biscuits the Silvertips fired his way.
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