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Happy Thursday, Langley!
We're enjoying a mostly sunny day with temperatures around 13°C, so soak it in before the rain returns this weekend.
Today's roundup covers local government news on both sides of the Langley border. The City is looking at resident parking permits for busy neighbourhoods, while the Township is considering pump station upgrades to protect salmon habitat.
In sports, the Aldergrove Skating Club brought home silver from Alberta, while the Canucks limped into the Olympic break with another loss. Vancouver FC's championship run also ended Wednesday night after falling to Cruz Azul in a match hosted right here in Langley.
Langley City Explores Resident Parking Permits for High-Demand Neighbourhoods
Langley City is considering a resident-permit parking program for neighbourhoods experiencing high demand for on-street parking spaces.
Currently, residents can park their vehicles on city streets for up to 72 hours in areas without signage restrictions. Research conducted by the City has identified specific streets with particularly high parking demand, shown in dark purple on utilization maps, with Saturday nights being the busiest time for overnight parking.
The proposed permit system would encourage households to utilize their available off-street parking and discourage using private parking spaces for storage or other non-vehicle purposes. The program would also address spillover parking from major destinations like universities, where on-site parking may be priced or limited.
City officials note that while all residents have access to on-site parking, some choose street parking because their driveways are used for storage, their vehicles don't fit (such as commercial vans), or they simply have multiple vehicles.
Further work and community consultation will be required before implementing any resident-permit parking program, with opportunities for public feedback through the "Let's Chat, Langley City!" platform.
Township Eyes Salmon River Pump Station Upgrades for Fish Protection
Langley Township is weighing upgrades to the Salmon River pump station that would improve both fish habitat and flood protection in the area.
The proposed new pumps are designed with dual purposes in mind: safeguarding fish populations while enhancing the community's ability to manage flood risks. The pump station plays a critical role in water management for the Salmon River watershed, and the aging infrastructure is due for modernization.
Township officials are currently reviewing the technical specifications and costs associated with the upgrade project. The improvements would bring the facility up to current environmental standards while ensuring it can handle increased water volumes during heavy rainfall events.
Further details about the project timeline and budget will be presented to council in upcoming meetings as staff complete their assessment of the required work.
Aldergrove Skating Club Brings Home Silver from Alberta Competition
The Aldergrove Skating Club is celebrating success after their Star 8 team captured silver medals and achieved multiple personal bests at a competition in Alberta.
The Star 8 team delivered impressive performances throughout the event, securing second place against strong competition from across Western Canada. Meanwhile, the club's Adult II team also performed admirably, finishing fourth out of ten teams in their division.
Multiple skaters achieved personal best scores during the competition, demonstrating the effectiveness of their training and preparation. The results represent months of dedication and hard work from both the athletes and their coaching staff.
Club officials expressed pride in how the teams represented Aldergrove at the provincial-level competition, noting that the experience gained will prove invaluable as skaters continue developing their skills and pursuing their competitive goals.
BC Courts Launch Online Video Chat Service for Registry Access
British Columbia has launched a "virtual counter" service that lets people access court registry services through video chat from anywhere in the province.
The new system allows users to file documents, ask questions, and complete court tasks without visiting a registry in person.
The change should help people in rural or remote areas who once had to travel long distances for basic court services.
Canada Opening Greenland Consulate Friday as Arctic Relations Heat Up
Canada is set to officially open a consulate in Greenland on Friday, marking a significant step in strengthening ties with the autonomous Danish territory.
The timing of the consulate opening comes amid increased international focus on Arctic sovereignty and strategic interests in the region. The new diplomatic presence will facilitate closer cooperation on issues ranging from trade and tourism to environmental protection and Indigenous partnerships.
Canadian officials view the consulate as an important tool for building people-to-people connections and addressing shared challenges facing Arctic communities. Greenland's strategic location and abundant natural resources have made it a focal point of geopolitical attention in recent years.
The launch coincides with Black History Month in Canada, with various events and commemorations taking place across the country to honor the contributions and experiences of Black Canadians throughout the nation's history.
Canadian Snowboarder Mark McMorris Recovering After Training Crash
Veteran Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris is reportedly "feeling good" the morning after a scary crash during big air training at the Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy.
The incident occurred Wednesday during a practice session as McMorris was preparing for competition at the Winter Games. The Regina native has had a remarkable career marked by both incredible success and serious injuries, making any crash cause for concern among fans and teammates.
Team Canada officials confirmed that McMorris was evaluated following the crash and that early indications suggest he avoided serious injury. The snowboarding legend has overcome significant setbacks in the past, including a life-threatening backcountry accident in 2017 that left him with multiple broken bones.
McMorris's status for upcoming Olympic events remains to be determined as medical staff continue monitoring his condition, though his positive outlook the morning after the crash offers hope that he'll be able to compete as scheduled.
Canucks Limp Into Olympic Break After Golden Knights Defeat
The Vancouver Canucks will head into the Olympic break on a sour note after falling 5-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights in their final game before the NHL hiatus.
The loss extends a troubling slide for the Canucks, who struggled to generate consistent offense while allowing the Golden Knights to control play for long stretches. Vancouver's defensive breakdowns proved costly as Vegas capitalized on their opportunities throughout the game.
The NHL will now pause for the Winter Games in Italy, giving the Canucks some time to regroup and reset before resuming their push for a playoff position. The break comes at an interesting time for Vancouver, which has seen its early-season promise fade somewhat amid recent struggles.
When play resumes, the Canucks will need to recapture the form that made them one of the league's surprise teams earlier in the season if they hope to secure a postseason berth in the competitive Western Conference.
Vancouver FC Knocked Out by Cruz Azul in Concacaf Championship Match
Vancouver FC's continental championship dreams came to an end Wednesday night after falling to Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul in a Concacaf Championship preliminary round match hosted in Langley.
The match brought high-level international soccer to the local community, with fans packing the venue to support the home side against one of Mexico's most successful clubs. Despite the home-field advantage, Vancouver FC couldn't overcome Cruz Azul's experience and quality.
The loss eliminates Vancouver FC from the Concacaf Championship, ending what had been a promising run in the preliminary rounds. Cruz Azul will advance to the next stage of the competition, while Vancouver FC turns its attention back to domestic league play.
The match provided valuable experience for the young franchise as they continue building their program and establishing themselves in the competitive North American soccer landscape.
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