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 Monday, Langley!
It's a cloudy start to the week with temperatures hovering around 6°C and a chance of rain later today.
In today's roundup, utility work on three major Township streets will have commuters reaching for alternate routes this week.
On a heavier note, a fatal rail crossing accident in Fort Langley has Councillor Barb Martens calling for safety improvements, while separatist movements in both Alberta and BC continue to make waves against a backdrop of growing threats from the Trump administration.
On the lighter side, the Aldergrove Legion was rocking on Super Bowl Sunday as Seahawks fans celebrated Seattle's 29-13 win over New England, and Canada's women's hockey team looks to keep rolling at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Plus, the Giants took a tough loss at Langley Events Centre, and engineering students raced concrete toboggans in Ontario because, well, why not?
Expect Traffic Delays: Three Major Langley Streets Getting Utility Work This Week (200 St, 216 St, and 232 St)
Commuters, it's time to plan alternate routes or build in some extra travel time.
Utility crews will be descending on three major Langley thoroughfares in the coming days, reducing traffic to single lanes on 200, 232, and 216 Streets.
The work is expected to cause delays during peak hours, so drivers should consider leaving earlier than usual or finding detours around the affected areas.
The Township has indicated the utility work is necessary infrastructure maintenance, though specific timelines for completion haven't been detailed.
Local residents and businesses along these corridors should prepare for temporary disruptions to access and increased congestion.
Fatal Rail Crossing Accident Prompts Calls for Safety Improvements in Fort Langley
A Township councillor, Barb Martens, is demanding changes following a tragic death at a Fort Langley railway crossing late last month.
A local man and his dog were killed by a train in late January at the crossing, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety measures at the location.
Councillor Martens is now calling for enhanced safety features, which could include improved signage, better lighting, or even infrastructure changes to prevent similar tragedies.
The incident has shaken the tight-knit Fort Langley community and raised questions about whether existing safety protocols are adequate for the area's rail crossings.
Details about the specific improvements being requested have not yet been made public, but the push for change comes as residents express concerns about pedestrian and vehicle safety near active rail lines.
Super Bowl Watch Party at Aldergrove Legion Draws Seahawks-Heavy Crowd
The Aldergrove Legion was packed with football fans on Sunday, and the vast majority were cheering for Seattle.
Seahawks supporters significantly outnumbered Patriots fans at the viewing party, creating an electric atmosphere as Seattle dominated New England 29-13. The crowd erupted throughout the game as the Seahawks' defense put on a commanding performance.
The Legion provided a community gathering spot for locals who wanted to experience the big game with fellow fans rather than watching alone at home.
Given the Pacific Northwest's proximity and the Seahawks' strong following in British Columbia, the lopsided fan representation wasn't particularly surprising, though Patriots supporters were certainly present and vocal, even if vastly outnumbered.
REMINDER: Township Seeks Public Input on Salmon River Pump Station Improvements
The Township of Langley is asking residents to weigh in on proposed upgrades to the Salmon River Pump Station.
An online survey has been launched to gather community feedback on the planned improvements to this critical piece of infrastructure. The pump station plays an important role in managing water flow and drainage in the area, and the Township wants to ensure any upgrades meet the needs of local residents.
This public consultation process demonstrates the municipality's commitment to involving citizens in decisions about infrastructure projects that affect their neighborhoods.
Interested residents can access the survey through the Township's website and provide their thoughts on the proposed improvements before the consultation period closes.
Canada's Olympic Women's Hockey Team Eyes Second Consecutive Victory
Canada's women's hockey team is looking dominant early at the Winter Games.
After shutting out Switzerland 4-0 on Saturday with a commanding 55-6 shot advantage, the team faces Czechia today in their second preliminary round game.
The real test comes tomorrow when Canada takes on archrival and world champion United States.
Three power-play goals in five chances against Switzerland suggest this squad is firing on all cylinders heading into the marquee matchup.
BC Separatists Hold Meeting in Campbell River, Confronted by Pro-Canada Protesters
Last week, a small group promoting "BC independence" held a meeting in Campbell River, but dozens of pro-Canada protesters showed up to push back.
The BC Prosperity Project mirrors Alberta's separatist movement, which has held meetings with US government officials and is pushing toward a referendum.
Organizer Monica Judd said the protest drew people across party lines who felt separatism talk is dangerous at a time when Trump's administration is actively threatening Canadian sovereignty.
Conservative MP Aaron Gunn, who represents the riding, has so far declined to clearly state his opposition to BC separatism.
Alberta Separatism Grows as Danielle Smith's Rhetoric Comes Home to Roost
Premier Danielle Smith may be discovering that grievance politics is easier to start than to control.
A movement toward Alberta separatism has been gaining momentum, fueled in part by political rhetoric that has long emphasized provincial autonomy and complaints about federal treatment.
Smith, who previously nurtured anti-Ottawa sentiment as a political strategy, now finds herself dealing with a separatist movement she may not be able to rein in.
The premier's past statements stoking resentment toward the federal government appear to have contributed to a separatist sentiment that has grown beyond her ability to manage.
This situation highlights the risks of grievance-based politics: once citizens are convinced they're being treated unfairly, it's difficult to walk back that message or control where the resulting anger is directed.
The situation presents a significant challenge for Smith's government as it tries to balance provincial interests with national unity.
Engineering Students Embrace Winter Madness with Concrete Toboggan Race
Hundreds of engineering students proved that February cold won't stop dedicated competitors, especially when concrete toboggans are involved.
The annual concrete toboggan race took place over the weekend in London, Ontario, with engineering students from across the region braving bone-chilling temperatures to participate.
This quirky tradition challenges teams to design and build functional toboggans made from concrete, then race them down a hill in a test of both engineering prowess and winter fortitude. The event is part of broader engineering student competitions that combine technical skill with creativity and a healthy dose of fun.
Despite the frigid conditions, participants showed the kind of determination and competitive spirit that defines engineering culture at Canadian universities, proving once again that a little (or a lot of) cold weather won't deter those committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible with concrete.
Could 'Total National Defence' Protect Canada from a US Invasion?
Canada is exploring unconventional defence strategies as Trump's threats to Canadian sovereignty grow more aggressive.
A concept called "total national defence" would decentralize military command and mobilize civilian forces to resist a great power invasion.
Canada has looked to Finland as a model, but experts warn that Yugoslavia's experience shows how decentralized defence forces can be exploited by separatist movements in a federation.
With US officials already encouraging Alberta separatism, Canada's defence planners will need to learn the right lessons from history as they build a strategy to protect the country's sovereignty.
Seahawks' "Dark Side" Defense Crushes Patriots' Super Bowl Dreams
The Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl champions, and their dominant defense deserves most of the credit.
In Santa Clara, California, the Seahawks' fearsome "Dark Side" defense carried quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense to a convincing 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.
Game MVP Kenneth Walker rushed for an impressive 135 yards, while defensive stars Devon Witherspoon and Derick Hall led a unit that completely stifled New England's offensive attack.
The Seahawks' defense set the tone early and never let up, forcing turnovers and limiting the Patriots to just 13 points—well below their season average.
The Lombardi Trophy now returns to Seattle, where the franchise and its fans can celebrate their return to championship glory after years of rebuilding and retooling their roster.
Vancouver Giants Overwhelmed by Kamloops in Lopsided Home Loss
The Vancouver Giants couldn't find any answers Saturday night as the Kamloops Blazers dominated from start to finish at Langley Events Centre.
Kamloops exploded for four first-period goals and cruised to a 5-0 shutout victory, with the Blazers outshooting Vancouver 49-26 over the course of the game.
The Giants were already shorthanded, playing without three regulars due to injury, including a top-four defenceman and two top-six forwards, which showed in their struggle to generate offense.
Starting goaltender Kelton Pyne was pulled after allowing four goals on 23 first-period shots, with Burke Hood coming in to stop all 16 shots he faced in relief. Despite the lopsided score, the Giants showed some fight, particularly from Joe Iginla who managed four shots on goal despite the offensive struggles.
The loss drops Vancouver's record to 19-30-1-2 for 41 points as they continue working through injury issues.
What did you think?
Help us improve! Take a quick 60-second survey to share your thoughts on this article.
Take the Survey