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It's a slightly cloudy Tuesday in Langley, with temperatures sitting just above freezing at around 6°C.
A little snow could be on the way mid-week, so enjoy the dry stretch while it lasts.
Today's roundup covers a lot of ground: from Aldergrove's new sensory-friendly skating sessions and Family Day highlights, to the long-awaited salishan Place by the River cultural centre pushing its permanent exhibits to 2027.
On the heavier side, we're covering the online wave of anti-trans hate that followed the Tumbler Ridge school shooting, and the troubling local context of MPs Tamara Jansen and Tako Van Popta fighting to preserve loopholes in Canada's hate speech legislation.
Notably, the exemption that MP's Jansen and Van Popta are fighting to preserve under the guise of "religious freedom" has never once been successfully used to protect religious expression in a Canadian court, leading critics to argue that their campaign has less to do with protecting faith communities and more to do with scoring MAGA-style culture war points at the expense of vulnerable people.
Thankfully, there's good news on the Olympic front, as Canadian freestyle skier Megan Oldham took gold in big air at Milano Cortina. And closer to home, the Vancouver Giants dropped a tough one to Seattle at the Langley Events Centre.
Fort Langley Cultural Centre to Unveil Permanent Exhibits Next Year
The much-anticipated salishan Place by the River is taking a measured approach to its grand opening, with permanent exhibits now scheduled to debut in 2027.
Located in the historic community of Fort Langley, the cultural centre is opening in carefully planned phases to ensure each element meets community expectations. The phased approach allows organizers to fine-tune the visitor experience and ensure the exhibits properly honour the cultural significance of the location. Fort Langley's rich history as a former Hudson's Bay Company trading post makes the centre a crucial piece of regional heritage preservation.
While the full permanent collection won't be available until next year, the centre has already begun hosting special events and temporary exhibitions to engage the community.
Langley City seniors centre had wrong liquor licence for years, director says
Langley City's seniors centre has been serving alcohol under the wrong type of liquor licence, and staff only found out last summer.
Executive director Kate Ludlam told a Feb. 9 public hearing that the error came as "a bit of a surprise," since the centre had passed many inspections over the years without any issue being raised.
The application to correct the licence sailed through without any public opposition or council questions, with staff recommending approval.
Council is expected to formally approve the change on Feb. 23, with no changes to hours, capacity, or programming planned.
Aldergrove Arena Launches Sensory-Friendly Skating for Inclusive Community Access
Aldergrove is rolling out the welcome mat (or should we say, ice) with new sensory-friendly skate sessions designed to make the rink accessible to everyone.
The specially adapted sessions feature reduced noise levels and dimmed lighting to create a comfortable environment for individuals who may be overwhelmed by traditional arena conditions.
Scheduled for February 20, February 27, and March 6, these skating opportunities are open to participants of all ages and skill levels, from wobbly first-timers to confident gliders.
The initiative recognizes that sensory sensitivities can affect people across the autism spectrum and beyond, making public spaces challenging for many families.
By creating these modified sessions, Aldergrove is demonstrating a commitment to inclusive recreation that allows more community members to enjoy this classic Canadian winter activity.
Langley Families Made the Most of Active Family Day Celebrations
Family Day in Langley was anything but lazy, with residents turning out in impressive numbers for a day packed with activities and attractions.
The highlight of the day's offerings included the first-ever public exhibition at the community's new museum, giving families an exclusive first look at collections that have been eagerly anticipated. From interactive displays to hands-on activities, the programming was designed to keep both kids and adults engaged throughout the holiday Monday. The weather cooperated with the festivities, allowing outdoor activities to proceed alongside indoor attractions.
Local organizers reported strong attendance across all venues, suggesting that Langley residents were eager to take advantage of quality family time close to home rather than travelling elsewhere for the long weekend.
Growing Up in History: Local Woman Shares Memories of Langley's Haldi House
Susan Schultz didn't just learn about history from textbooksâshe lived it, growing up within the walls of the historic Haldi house.
Now, Schultz is speaking out to set the record straight about her childhood home, pointing out that some published historical accounts contain inaccuracies about the property and the family who inhabited it.
The Haldi house stands as one of Langley's most significant heritage buildings, representing an important chapter in the community's development. Schultz's firsthand experiences provide invaluable perspective that challenges some previously accepted narratives about the home.
Her recollections offer historians and heritage enthusiasts a rare opportunity to hear from someone who actually lived the history, rather than simply studying it from archival documents that may not tell the complete story.
Portable Classrooms Arrive in Tumbler Ridge as Experts Emphasize Safety in School Return
Portable classrooms are rolling into Tumbler Ridge, but experts warn that physical infrastructure is only part of what's needed to help students return to learning.
The co-founder of an organization that supports victims and families after mass shootings stresses that helping students feel safe must be the absolute top priority as the community prepares to resume classes. Simply providing new physical spaces won't address the psychological trauma that students, teachers, and families are experiencing following the deadly school shooting. Mental health professionals are working alongside education officials to develop protocols that acknowledge the emotional needs of every person who will walk through those classroom doors.
The process of returning to normalcy will be gradual and must be guided by trauma-informed practices that recognize different people will heal at different paces, requiring flexibility and patience from everyone involved.
Trans community scapegoated after Tumbler Ridge school shooting
The horrific mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge high school quickly became fuel for anti-trans hate online.
Within hours of the Feb. 11 incident, right-wing commentators falsely blamed the shooter's transgender identity for the violence, with Rebel News calling it "a predictable act of trans madness."
Experts say this pattern is well-established: data from GLAAD shows that of nearly 6,000 U.S. mass shootings between 2013 and 2025, just five involved transgender perpetrators.
The scapegoating is especially troubling given that local Conservative MPs Tamara Jansen and Tako Van Popta have been actively fighting to preserve a legal loophole that critics say gives cover to hate speech targeting LGBTQ+ people.
Rainer Fehrenbacher
Analysts and hate-tracking organizations warn that using isolated tragedies to demonize an entire community meets the legal threshold for hate speech in Canada.
We stand in solidarity with the families and community of Tumbler Ridge who are mourning this tragedy, and with the trans community navigating this surge of unnecessary and dangerous hate.
B.C. Budget Promises Protection for Core Services Despite Economic Pressures
Finance Minister Brenda Bailey is describing today's British Columbia budget as "disciplined, focused and serious" ahead of its official unveiling.
Bailey emphasized that health, education, and public safety will be protected in the spending plan, even as the province navigates challenging economic conditions.
The commitment to shield these core services from cuts suggests other areas of government spending may face more scrutiny and potential reductions.
Victoria is walking a tightrope between maintaining essential services that British Columbians depend on and demonstrating fiscal responsibility in uncertain times.
The budget arrives at a critical juncture for the province, with healthcare systems strained, education funding demands growing, and public safety concerns prominent in many communities across B.C.
Prime Minister Carney Set to Announce Defence Industrial Strategy
Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing to unveil a new defence industrial strategy as Canada reassesses its military capabilities and manufacturing capacity.
The announcement comes amid growing international pressure on NATO members to increase defence spending and strengthen domestic military production.
Carney's strategy is expected to outline how Canada will modernize its defence procurement system while building up the industrial base needed to support military equipment production.
The plan will likely address long-standing criticisms that Canada has underinvested in both its armed forces and the companies that supply them.
Defence experts will be watching closely to see whether the strategy includes concrete spending commitments and timelines or remains at the level of aspirational planning that has characterized previous government approaches to military modernization.
Canadian Freestyle Skier Megan Oldham Soars to Olympic Gold in Big Air
Megan Oldham has given Canada its second gold medal of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games with a spectacular performance in the freestyle skiing big air event.
The Canadian athlete delivered when it mattered most, executing a technically brilliant routine that impressed judges and secured top spot on the podium. Oldham's gold medal adds to Canada's growing medal haul at these Games, demonstrating the strength and depth of the national freestyle skiing program. The big air discipline requires athletes to launch off a massive jump and perform aerial tricks while achieving maximum height and distance.
Oldham's victory is particularly sweet as it comes in one of freestyle skiing's most visually spectacular and technically demanding events, where athletes have just seconds to execute the tricks that determine their Olympic fate.
Vancouver Giants Fall to Seattle Despite Strong Second Period Effort
The Vancouver Giants couldn't overcome a penalty-filled third period, falling 3-1 to the Seattle Thunderbirds on Monday afternoon at the Langley Events Centre.
Blake Chorney provided the lone bright spot for Vancouver with his sixth goal of the season in the second period, giving the Giants a brief 1-0 lead. However, Seattle's Simon Lovsin responded with two goals, including the game-winner on a power play, while the Giants struggled with discipline down the stretch. Vancouver was whistled for four minor penalties in the third period alone, with two coming in the final minutes that effectively sealed their fate.
The loss drops the Giants to 20-32-1-2 as they continue to battle through a challenging season, with upcoming road and home games against Spokane and Portland offering chances to bounce back.
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