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Happy Monday, friends!
Langley is dealing with continued heavy rain from an atmospheric river today, so keep those umbrellas handy.
Today's roundup covers important community updates including Langley City's push for more inclusive grant access, the W.C. Blair pool's upcoming maintenance closure, and an evacuation alert near the Chilliwack River.
We've also got local sports updates from the Rivermen and Giants, plus stories on food waste reduction and Indigenous-led kelp farming on Vancouver Island.
Langley City Moves to Make Grant Process More Inclusive
Langley City is considering changes to its grant application process that would make it easier for newcomer groups and organizations to access funding.
The proposed modifications are designed to reduce barriers that may have prevented newer community groups from being considered for municipal grants. The initiative recognizes that established organizations often have an advantage in navigating the application process, while newer groups—particularly those serving immigrant and refugee communities—may lack the institutional knowledge and resources to compete effectively.
By streamlining requirements and providing additional support, the city hopes to create a more equitable funding landscape that better reflects the diverse needs of Langley's growing population.
Atmospheric River Continues to Drench Lower Mainland
Residents of the Lower Mainland should keep their umbrellas handy as an atmospheric river continues to dump heavy rain across the region through Monday.
Environment Canada has issued warnings about the persistent weather system that's bringing significant precipitation to Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
The atmospheric river—a long, narrow band of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere—is expected to deliver substantial rainfall totals that could lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas and strain drainage systems.
Drivers are being urged to exercise caution on roadways where visibility may be reduced and standing water could create hazardous conditions.
While the region is no stranger to winter rain, the intensity and duration of this particular system has forecasters advising residents to stay informed about changing conditions and be prepared for potential weather-related disruptions.
Langley Eats Local Campaign Promotes Pantry-Clearing Challenge
A new community initiative is encouraging Langley residents to dig deep into their cupboards and use up food they already have at home.
The Langley Eats Local campaign is focusing on reducing food waste by inspiring households to get creative with ingredients that might otherwise sit forgotten in the back of pantries, fridges, and freezers.
The initiative comes at a time when many families are looking to stretch their grocery budgets while also becoming more environmentally conscious. Organizers are providing recipe ideas and meal-planning tips to help residents make the most of their existing food supplies.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the environmental and financial benefits of reducing household food waste while supporting local sustainability efforts.
W.C. Blair Recreation Centre’s Pool to Close for Annual Maintenance
Swimmers in Langley will need to find alternative facilities starting in late February when the Murrayville pool closes for its annual maintenance period.
The shutdown is a regular occurrence that allows staff to perform essential repairs, deep cleaning, and system upgrades to keep the facility in top condition. While the exact closure dates haven't been finalized, the Township typically schedules maintenance during lower-use periods to minimize disruption to regular users.
Pool staff will be conducting comprehensive inspections of mechanical systems, replacing worn equipment, and completing any necessary repairs to ensure the facility remains safe and functional for the community.
Regular patrons are encouraged to check the Township's website for updates on alternative swimming locations and the expected reopening date.
Evacuation Alert Issued for lands near Chilliwack River and in FVRD Electoral Area E
The Fraser Valley Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for properties near the Chilliwack River in Electoral Area E due to high river flows from the atmospheric river event.
Residents in the affected area are being told to be prepared to leave their homes on short notice if conditions deteriorate and an evacuation order becomes necessary.
The alert comes as the ongoing atmospheric river dumps heavy precipitation across the region, causing river levels to rise rapidly and creating potentially dangerous conditions for properties adjacent to waterways.
Officials are monitoring the situation closely and will upgrade the alert to an order if the threat to life and safety increases.
Residents under evacuation alert are advised to have emergency supplies ready, identify evacuation routes, and make arrangements for pets and livestock in case they need to leave quickly.
Vancouver Island First Nation Finds Promise in Kelp Farming
The Tsawout First Nation on Vancouver Island is discovering new hope and opportunity through an innovative kelp farming partnership with Cascadia Seaweed.
The initiative highlights the critical role Indigenous stewardship can play in climate resilience while creating economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Kelp farming offers multiple environmental benefits including carbon sequestration, ocean acidification mitigation, and habitat creation for marine species.
For the Tsawout Nation, the partnership represents a return to traditional marine resource management practices updated with modern sustainable aquaculture techniques. The collaboration is yielding what participants describe as "increments of hope"—small but meaningful progress toward both environmental restoration and community economic development.
As climate change increasingly impacts coastal ecosystems, Indigenous-led initiatives like this kelp farming project demonstrate how traditional knowledge combined with scientific innovation can create solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Religious Exemption to Assisted Dying Law Faces Charter Challenge in B.C.
The B.C. Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case that questions whether religious hospitals have the constitutional right to refuse certain medical assistance in dying services.
The Charter challenge strikes at the heart of a complex tension between religious freedom and patients' rights to access legal medical services, including medically assisted death.
At issue is whether faith-based healthcare facilities can claim religious exemptions that effectively deny patients access to MAID services that are otherwise legally available across Canada.
Lawyers arguing against the exemption contend that patients should not have their healthcare options limited based on the religious affiliation of the institution providing their care.
On the other side, religious healthcare providers argue that forcing them to participate in procedures that violate their faith principles would infringe on their Charter-protected freedom of religion.
The case has significant implications for healthcare delivery across Canada, where religious organizations operate numerous hospitals and care facilities.
Rivermen's Road Trip to Prince George Doesn't Go as Planned
The Langley Rivermen returned home from Prince George with two losses and likely some bruised egos after a tough weekend on the road.
The double defeat represents a setback for the team as they work to maintain their positioning in the standings. Playing away from home is always challenging in junior hockey, but the Rivermen struggled to find their rhythm against a motivated Prince George squad.
The losses will give the coaching staff plenty to review in practice as they prepare for their next matchup.
While every team faces difficult stretches during a long season, the Rivermen will be eager to put this weekend behind them and refocus on their upcoming home games where they typically perform much stronger.
Giants Goaltender Burke Hood Delivers Stellar Performance
Burke Hood put on a goaltending clinic, stopping 38 of 39 shots to lead the Vancouver Giants to a crucial victory over the Wenatchee Wild.
Hood's outstanding performance between the pipes was the difference-maker in a tight defensive battle at the Langley Events Centre. The Giants' netminder was tested repeatedly throughout the game but remained calm and composed, turning aside everything but one shot to preserve the win.
His performance was particularly impressive given the volume of shots he faced, demonstrating both his technical skill and mental toughness.
The win keeps the Giants in playoff contention and showcases the team's ability to win low-scoring affairs when their goaltending is dialed in, giving fans plenty of reasons for optimism as the season progresses.
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