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.
Happy Tuesday, Langley!
It's partly sunny out there today with temperatures climbing to around 8°C, so enjoy the dry stretch while it lasts because tomorrow ad Thursday are going to be overcast and rainy.
Today's roundup has a lot to dig into. Fort Langley's Historic Half Marathon is making its comeback after last year's weather cancellation, and Langley City is inviting residents to a free open house on March 3 where you can chat directly with Mayor and Council.
TransLink is also looking for your feedback on a brand new 15-year transit plan for the South Fraser, with an in-person session at the Langley City Library this Saturday.
Beyond our borders, Cuba's energy crisis continues to deepen as Ottawa promises aid, and the BC Lions are taking CFL action to Kelowna this summer.
Plenty to read, so grab a coffee (or tea) and settle in!
Fort Langley's Historic Half Marathon Makes Its Comeback After Weather Woes
Runners, lace up those sneakers, the Fort Langley Historic Half Marathon is officially back on track.
After last year's event was cancelled due to less-than-cooperative weather conditions, organizers are gearing up to welcome participants back to the scenic course. The popular running event draws athletes from across the region who are eager to tackle the challenging route through Fort Langley's picturesque streets and trails.
The return of the half marathon is welcome news for both the local running community and area businesses that benefit from the influx of participants and spectators.
Registration details and the official race date are expected to be announced soon, giving hopeful runners plenty of time to train for the big day.
Langley City Invites Residents to 'Let's Chat' Open House on March
Langley City is hosting "Let's Chat Langley City," a free open house at the Coast Hotel on March 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Residents can meet staff from every city department, ask questions about services and initiatives, and speak directly with Mayor and Council.
The event also features a kids activity zone, with representatives from groups including Langley RCMP, Fire Rescue, the library, and development services on hand.
It's the kind of accessible, face-to-face civic engagement that keeps local democracy healthy, so make sure to participate if you've got the bandwidth to do so!
Township Flushing Water Mains Across Brookswood, Willoughby, and Northwest Langley This Spring
The Township of Langley will flush water mains from March 2 through April 30 in Brookswood, Northwest Langley, and Willoughby.
The work helps improve water quality by removing sediment that can cause discoloration, odd tastes, and odors.
Residents may notice temporary changes in water pressure and should check their tap water before doing laundry during flushing periods.
The schedule is weather dependent and subject to change.
B.C. Journalist Pens New Book to Help Youth Combat Misinformation
In an era of viral posts and questionable headlines, one B.C. journalist is taking action to arm young people with critical thinking skills.
Gregor Craigie has authored "Sticking to the Facts: 10 Ways to Fight Misinformation," a book born from his experiences as both a journalist and a father concerned about his children's ability to navigate today's complex media landscape. The timing couldn't be more relevant, as social media platforms continue to blur the lines between fact and fiction for impressionable young minds.
Craigie's book offers practical strategies for discerning credible information from the noise, teaching readers to question sources, verify claims, and think critically about what they consume online. It's media literacy packaged in an accessible format designed specifically for youth who've grown up with smartphones in their hands.
The book represents a growing recognition that education around media consumption is just as important as traditional literacy in preparing the next generation for success.
West Shore Imam Shares the Meaning Behind Ramadan's Holy Month
As Ramadan approaches, a West Shore Imam is helping educate the broader community about Islam's holiest month.
Ramadan, observed by approximately two billion people worldwide, is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims around the globe. The month-long observance requires adherents to abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, a practice that strengthens spiritual discipline and empathy for those less fortunate.
Beyond the physical aspects of fasting, Ramadan emphasizes increased devotion, charity, and self-improvement.
The Imam's willingness to share the roots and significance of these practices helps build interfaith understanding in an increasingly diverse B.C. community.
For non-Muslim neighbours and colleagues, learning about Ramadan can foster respect and accommodation during this important period, whether that's scheduling meetings outside fasting hours or simply understanding why Muslim friends may seem a bit tired as sunset approaches.
TransLink Wants Your Input on a 15-Year Transit Plan for the South Fraser
TransLink is building a new South of Fraser East Area Transport Plan for North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley City, and the Township.
This plan will shape transit, cycling, walking, and goods movement across the region for the next 15 years.
But good transit planning depends on hearing from the people who actually ride the buses, walk the sidewalks, and bike the routes every day.
Your experience matters.
Whether you're a daily commuter, a parent navigating school drop-offs, or someone who wishes transit worked better in your neighborhood, you are the expert on what your community needs.
Share your feedback through TransLink's online survey or show up in person at the Langley City Library on February 28 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Cuba's Energy Crisis Deepens as Ottawa Promises Aid Is Coming
Cuba's energy crisis has worsened sharply after the U.S. cut off oil shipments from Venezuela and pressured Mexico into halting its supply.
The island produces only 40 per cent of the fuel it needs, leaving millions facing severe blackouts and critical shortages compounded by years of U.S. sanctions.
Canada's foreign affairs minister says an aid announcement is coming "in the coming days," while Cuba's ambassador is set to testify before the House foreign affairs committee.
Airlines including Air Canada have already cancelled flights to the island due to fuel shortages.
Canadian Airlines Resume Mexican Routes After Violence Disruption
Snowbirds and sun-seekers can breathe a sigh of relief.
WestJet, Air Canada, and other Canadian carriers are resuming service to Puerto Vallarta.
The airlines had temporarily suspended flights to the popular Mexican resort destination after widespread violence broke out in the region, leaving thousands of Canadian travelers scrambling to adjust their vacation plans. The suspension highlighted the delicate balance airlines must strike between serving tourist demand and ensuring passenger safety in volatile situations.
Following consultations with security experts and Mexican authorities, carriers have determined it's now safe to resume operations. The return to normal service will be welcome news for the tourism industry on both sides of the border, as Puerto Vallarta relies heavily on Canadian visitors during the winter months.
Travelers with upcoming trips should still stay informed about conditions on the ground and consider registering with the Canadian government's travel registration service, which can provide critical updates if situations change rapidly.
BC Lions Taking Their Show on the Road to Kelowna
The BC Lions are packing their bags for the Okanagan, and they're bringing the CFL with them.
The Lions will make Kelowna their temporary home for a week of football festivities, including two CFL games scheduled for June 27th and July 4th. The move is part of the team's ongoing effort to expand their fan base beyond the Lower Mainland and connect with supporters throughout British Columbia.
Taking regular-season games to secondary markets has become increasingly popular in professional sports, giving fans in smaller communities the chance to experience live action without traveling to major cities. For Kelowna, hosting the Lions represents not just a sporting event but an economic boost, as thousands of visitors will likely descend on the city for the games.
The initiative also allows the Lions to test the waters for potential future expansion of their regional presence, gauging whether sufficient fan support exists outside Vancouver to justify more frequent visits or promotional activities in the Interior.
What did you think?
Help us improve! Take a quick 60-second survey to share your thoughts on this article.
Take the Survey