Table of Contents
The best way to help The Langley Union grow is simple: share this newsletter. Forward it to a friend, mention it to your family, or post it on social media and encourage others to subscribe.
Good morning, friends!
Langley is looking at a pleasant Tuesday with a bit of sunshine poking through and temperatures reaching 8°C.
Today's roundup covers significant updates from both Langley City and Township, including enhanced cybersecurity measures for MyTownship users, exciting park upgrades in Walnut Grove, and a new pump track opening at Yorkson Community Park.
We're also covering competing interests at a City Council pharmacy hearing, holiday traditions returning to Williams Park, Surrey's hospital-related zoning approvals, federal pipeline opposition from First Nations chiefs, and a major win for BC's long-term care workers.
Langley City Hears Competing Pharmacy Interests, Budget Concerns at Public Input Sessions
Langley City Council held public hearings Monday night on a proposed medical clinic with pharmacy at 20334 56th Avenue and the city's 2026-2030 Financial Plan.
Local pharmacy owners submitted four letters opposing the clinic's accessory pharmacy, which would violate current zoning rules requiring 400 metres between pharmacies, while former mayors Ted Schaffer and Peter Fassbender split on the issue.
The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce and residents urged council to cut costs by reallocating year-end surpluses to operations, though city policy directs those one-time funds toward capital projects rather than ongoing expenses.
Security Boost Coming to MyTownship Portal
The Township of Langley is stepping up its cybersecurity game with a significant change to how residents access their MyTownship accounts.
Starting December 10, 2025, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will become a mandatory part of the sign-in process for all MyTownship users.
This additional security layer is being implemented to better protect residents' personal information and safeguard Township systems from unauthorized access. The move comes as municipalities across the region increasingly face sophisticated cyber threats, making robust authentication measures more critical than ever.
While the change will require an extra step during login, the Township emphasizes that the enhanced security is well worth the minor inconvenience for users.
Walnut Grove Community Park Set for Major Upgrades
Residents have a limited window to weigh in on exciting improvements planned for Walnut Grove Community Park.
The Township is seeking public feedback on proposed enhancements to this popular neighbourhood gathering space, with the consultation period closing on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
The proposed improvements aim to modernize the park's facilities and better serve the growing Walnut Grove community.
While specific details of the upgrades haven't been fully disclosed, the Township is inviting residents to learn more about the plans and share their thoughts on what matters most to them in their local park.
This is your chance to help shape the future of one of Walnut Grove's key recreational spaces, so don't miss the deadline to make your voice heard.
Yorkson Community Park's New Pump Track Ready to Roll
Cyclists, skateboarders, and scooter enthusiasts have a brand new playground in Langley.
The upgraded pump track at Yorkson Community Park has officially opened, offering a significantly improved riding experience for users of all ages and skill levels.
The new asphalt surface replaces the previous track, providing a smoother, more durable riding surface that can withstand heavy use and weather conditions year-round.
Pump tracks are designed to help riders build momentum through a series of rollers and berms without pedaling, making them ideal for developing bike-handling skills and just plain having fun.
The Township invested in this upgrade recognizing the growing popularity of cycling and wheeled sports in the community, and the Yorkson track joins other recreational facilities aimed at getting residents active outdoors.
Holiday Lights Display Returns to Williams Park
.jpg?1763153448832)
Get ready to deck the halls—and your car—for Langley's most dazzling holiday tradition.
Registration is now open for the annual Holiday Lights in Williams Park, a spectacular free drive-through event featuring more than 195,000 twinkling lights.
The display will be open nightly from December 13 through December 28, with closures on December 24, 25, and 26 for the Christmas holiday. This beloved community event transforms Williams Park into a winter wonderland, with families able to enjoy the festive light displays from the comfort and warmth of their own vehicles.
The Township extends special thanks to premier sponsor Lark Group for making this magical experience possible.
With registration filling up quickly, families are encouraged to reserve their preferred time slot sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.
Surrey Approves Hospital-Related Zoning Changes
Surrey city council has given the green light to zoning amendments and access improvements tied to two major hospital projects in the rapidly growing municipality.
The approvals relate to both Surrey Memorial Hospital and the new Cloverdale hospital, with the Cloverdale facility expected to open its doors in 2030.
However, there's still no firm timeline for the much-anticipated second tower at Surrey Memorial Hospital, despite the site preparations moving forward.
The zoning changes will facilitate necessary road access improvements and support infrastructure required for these major healthcare facilities.
Surrey Memorial Hospital currently serves as the primary acute care facility for a massive and growing population in South Fraser, making expansion critical. The lack of a concrete timeline for the SMH second tower continues to frustrate local officials and residents who see the pressing need for additional emergency and acute care capacity in the region.
First Nations Chiefs Unanimously Reject Carney's Coastal Pipeline Deal
First Nations chiefs voted unanimously Tuesday to oppose the federal government's recent pipeline agreement and demand protection of B.C.'s northern coastal oil tanker ban.
Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village called the proposed pipeline "nothing but a pipe dream" and urged unity against what leaders described as the Carney government's failure to meaningfully consult Indigenous communities.
The resolution came as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepared to address the Assembly of First Nations gathering in Ottawa, where leaders criticized his government for introducing legislation affecting their lands without proper consent or cooperation.
Long-Term Care Workers Win Better Pay and Benefits
Thousands of British Columbia long-term care workers are celebrating after securing a deal that brings better pay and enhanced benefits to their often-demanding roles.
The agreement affects workers at long-term care facilities where more than half of the beds are publicly funded, bringing these employees into a larger bargaining unit with improved compensation and working conditions.
Long-term care workers have long argued they deserve wages and benefits commensurate with the critical and emotionally taxing work they perform caring for BC's most vulnerable seniors. The deal recognizes the essential nature of their work and addresses recruitment and retention challenges that have plagued the sector.
With BC's aging population requiring more long-term care services than ever before, ensuring fair compensation for care workers is crucial not just for the employees themselves, but for the quality of care received by residents in these facilities.
What did you think of this story?
Take our quick 2-minute survey to let us know how we're doing and what topics you'd like to see The Langley Union cover next.