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It's a rainy Friday in Langley, and there's a lot happening in the community for us to catch up on.
The Tumbler Ridge shooting tragedy has hit close to home, with a former Langley student among the victims and a solidarity vigil planned for Sunday at Douglas Park.
On the municipal side, Langley Township council is pushing forward on rail crossing safety after a fatal incident in Fort Langley, and residents got some welcome news with utility bills pushed back to July and real savings for condo and townhouse dwellers.
SkyTrain construction will temporarily close Willowbrook Drive access from Fraser Highway starting next week, so plan your routes accordingly.
Plus, Michael Buble and Drew Scott are coaching the WHL Prospects Game at Langley Events Centre on Tuesday, TransLink wants your input on the future of transit south of the Fraser, and Langley City's community grants program is open for applications.
Tumbler Ridge solidarity vigil at Douglas Park, Sunday Feb. 15, 5–7 p.m.
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Langley residents are invited to gather at Douglas Park this Sunday to mourn the victims of the Tumbler Ridge shooting, including a former Langley resident among those killed.
Participants can arrive at 5 p.m. for candle lighting and community connection, with a shared moment of silence at 6 p.m. followed by quiet reflection until 7 p.m.
Please bring your own candle.
LAPS' Creative Fundraiser Returns to Aldergrove
The Langley Animal Protection Society is bringing back its unique "Kennel Breakout" fundraiser, where volunteers get locked inside kennels and must fundraise their way to freedom.
This creative event takes place on February 21 from 12 PM to 4 PM and challenges participants to raise money for animals in need while experiencing a taste of what shelter animals face daily.
The fundraiser has become a quirky tradition that brings the community together for a worthy cause while providing participants with an unforgettable (and slightly uncomfortable) experience that drives home the mission of animal welfare.
Langley City opens community grants program with up to $10,000 available
The City of Langley is accepting applications for its Community Grants Program until March 2, 2026.
Registered charities and BC Societies can apply for up to $10,000 to fund events, projects, and capital expenditures, while neighbourhood groups can access up to $500 for free, inclusive local events.
In-kind support requests, such as access to city facilities, are also available. All applications must be submitted online at the City of Langley's website before the deadline.
SkyTrain construction to temporarily cut off Willowbrook Drive access from Fraser Highway
Drivers heading to Willowbrook Shopping Centre and nearby plazas will need to plan alternate routes starting February 19.
Access to Willowbrook Drive from Fraser Highway will be closed until March 8 while construction crews relocate underground utilities for the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension.
Detours are available via 64 Avenue to the north or 200 Street to the west.
Night work on Fraser Highway east of Willowbrook Drive and 196 Street is also planned from February 19 to April 12, running from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Fort Langley Council Takes Action on Rail Crossing Safety
Following a tragic train fatality in Fort Langley, Township council is moving forward with enhanced safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists at rail crossings.
Councillor Barb Martens introduced a motion at the February 9 council meeting calling for a comprehensive safety report.
The initiative seeks to identify dangerous crossings and implement protective measures to prevent future tragedies, including improved signage, barriers, and potentially grade separations.
The death of a Fort Langley resident has galvanized local officials to prioritize pedestrian safety along rail corridors, with council requesting staff recommendations on both immediate and long-term solutions to protect vulnerable road users.
Langley Township utility bills pushed back to July, with rate cuts for condo and townhouse residents
Langley Township residents won't see their water, sewer, and garbage bills until July 2, after council reversed an earlier plan to move the deadline to March 31.
The change comes alongside meaningful rate reductions for people living in condos and townhouses, who had previously been charged the same flat rates as single-family homeowners.
In 2026, multi-family residents will pay $667.22 for water and $609 for sewer service, saving nearly $273 combined compared to last year.
The measures passed unanimously at the February 9 council meeting.
Langley community mourns former student killed in Tumbler Ridge shooting
A former student at H.D. Stafford Middle School and Blacklock Fine Arts Elementary is among those killed in the Tumbler Ridge shooting, and the tragedy has hit close to home for many Langley families.
School principal John Hantke sent a letter to parents Thursday encouraging families to talk with their children, with counselling supports available at the school.
A community vigil is planned for Sunday, February 15 at Douglas Park in Langley City, with people gathering from 5 p.m. and a moment of silence at 6 p.m.
Anyone who needs support can reach the 310-Mental Health Support line at 310-6789, Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, or the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 988.
Reminder: TransLink wants your input on the future of transit and active travel south of the Fraser
TransLink is developing a 15-year transportation plan for communities southeast of the Fraser River, and they need to hear from you.
The South of Fraser East Area Transport Plan will shape future investments in transit, cycling, walking, and goods movement for the region.
This is a real chance for residents to push for better bus service, safer bike routes, and walkable streets instead of more car-dependent sprawl.
Take the survey now and make your voice count.
Most British Columbians support ditching gas heating, but knowledge gaps remain, poll finds
New polling from Abacus Data shows 79 per cent of British Columbians want the provincial government to strengthen its climate policies, with strong support for electric heat pumps and cleaner alternatives to gas heating.
The survey also reveals a troubling gap: only about half of respondents know that burning fossil fuels is the primary cause of climate change, and just 35 per cent correctly identified that "natural" gas is mostly methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide.
Gas heating in buildings is BC's third-largest source of carbon pollution, and researchers note that gas stoves release carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde that raise children's asthma risk by 42 per cent.
The polling suggests that better public education on these facts would likely push support for clean energy policies even higher.
Michael Bublé and Drew Scott to Coach at WHL Prospects Game in Langley
Grammy Award-winning singer Michael Bublé and Emmy-nominated TV star Drew Scott have been announced as celebrity coaches for the 2026 WHL Prospects Game at Langley Events Centre on February 18.
Both celebrities are co-owners of the Vancouver Giants and will bring their competitive spirits to the bench for this inaugural showcase event.
Bublé will coach Team West while Scott leads Team East in a game featuring 44 NHL Draft-eligible players competing in front of professional scouts.
The announcement was made at a press conference at Langley Events Centre, generating excitement for what promises to be both a high-level hockey showcase and entertainment spectacle.
Tickets are now available for this unique event that combines top prospects with celebrity star power.
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