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Good morning, friends!
Tuesday brings some early morning light rain, followed by cloudy skies (with the chance of maybe seeing some clear sky peek through!) and an unseasonably warm high of 13°C.
Today's roundup includes opportunities for community groups to secure Township funding, updates on local housing approvals and construction trends, and the announcement of Thunderbird Show Park's 2026 competition schedule.
We've also got heartwarming local stories, including a dog's role in rescuing an injured hawk, plus regional and national news on cross-border travel declines, police accountability proceedings, and the Canucks' continued struggles (or success, if you're on Team Tank).
Township Grants Could Fund Your Community Vision
The Township of Langley is accepting applications for 2026 community grants until February 28.
Whether your group dreams of hosting a neighbourhood festival, upgrading your community hall, or organizing a cultural celebration, funding is available to make it happen.
Registered BC non-profit societies and Canadian charities can apply for grants supporting community halls, museums, associations, projects, events, and festivals at grants.tol.ca.
Housing Approvals Continue Despite Construction Slowdown in Langley Township
Langley Township saw a dip in housing construction activity throughout 2025, though municipal officials approved more than 2,100 new residential units during the 12-month period.
The decline in construction comes amid broader regional concerns about housing supply and affordability challenges facing Metro Vancouver communities. Despite the slowdown in actual building activity, the robust number of approved units suggests developers remain confident in the township's long-term growth prospects.
Local planners note that the gap between approvals and construction often reflects market conditions, financing availability, and developer capacity rather than demand issues.
The approved units represent a mix of housing types, from single-family homes to multi-unit developments, as the township continues working to diversify its housing stock and accommodate population growth.
Thunderbird Show Park Unveils Its 2026 Equestrian Competition Calendar
Aldergrove's premier equestrian facility has announced its full slate of tournaments for the upcoming season, promising months of high-level competition.
Thunderbird Show Park will open its gates for select dates beginning in mid-April and continuing through late September 2026. The venue has become a cornerstone of the equestrian community in the Fraser Valley and beyond, attracting riders and spectators from across North America. The facility hosts everything from local competitions to international-level show jumping events, making it one of the most important equestrian venues in Western Canada.
Horse enthusiasts and competitors can now begin planning their seasons around the announced schedule, which will feature multiple disciplines and skill levels throughout the spring and summer months.
Langley Dog's Sharp Instincts Lead to Rescue of Injured Hawk
A Sunday afternoon walk turned into a wildlife rescue mission thanks to one observant canine companion named Cinder.
The dog alerted its owner to an injured hawk during their regular neighbourhood stroll, demonstrating the keen awareness that often makes our four-legged friends such valuable walking partners.
The Langley woman quickly assessed the situation and discovered the bird of prey was suffering from a broken wing, rendering it unable to fly and vulnerable to predators or starvation.
Rather than attempting to handle the raptor herself, she wisely contacted local wildlife rehabilitation specialists who have the training and facilities to care for injured birds.
The hawk is now receiving professional care, and wildlife experts say the bird's chances of recovery improved significantly thanks to the quick actions of Cinder and her owner.
Police Accountability Hearing Opens Into 2015 Death of Myles Gray
A long-awaited hearing examining Vancouver police conduct has commenced, nearly eleven years after the death of Myles Gray.
The 33-year-old died following an altercation with seven police officers in Burnaby back in 2015, a case that has raised persistent questions about use of force and police accountability. The hearing will scrutinize the actions of the officers involved during the fatal encounter, which resulted in Gray sustaining multiple injuries.
Family members have fought for years to see a thorough examination of what happened that day and why the confrontation turned deadly.
The proceedings represent a critical step in the search for answers that Gray's loved ones have been seeking for over a decade, as they look for accountability and transparency in the justice system.
Cross-Border Travel Between Canada and U.S. Continues Steep Decline
The movement of people between Canada and the United States shows no signs of recovery, with December statistics revealing a dramatic drop in cross-border automobile traffic.
Return trips by Canadians via automobile plummeted nearly one-third in December compared to the same month the previous year, representing a significant shift in travel patterns between the two neighbouring countries.
The decline affects border communities that depend on cross-border shopping, tourism, and family visits as part of their economic fabric.
Analysts point to various factors potentially driving the decrease, including economic concerns, currency exchange rates, and changing travel preferences post-pandemic.
The sustained reduction in border crossings has implications for both Canadian and American businesses that cater to international visitors, as well as for the broader economic relationship between the two nations.
Abbotsford Canucks Struggle to Fill Seats in First Half of AHL Season
The Vancouver Canucks' American Hockey League affiliate is facing attendance challenges midway through the season, averaging just 3,783 fans per game.
The Abbotsford Canucks rank 25th out of 32 teams in the AHL for average attendance, a concerning figure for the franchise and its parent organization.
The lower-than-hoped attendance numbers suggest that building a sustainable fan base for minor league hockey in the Fraser Valley market remains a work in progress, despite the team's connection to the popular NHL franchise.
Factors affecting turnout could include ticket pricing, game-day experience, team performance, and competition from other entertainment options in the region.
Team officials will likely be examining strategies to boost attendance for the second half of the season, as consistent fan support is crucial for the long-term viability of professional sports franchises at any level.
Prime Minister Carney Travels to B.C. Coast for Indigenous Consultation on Major Projects
Prime Minister Mark Carney is heading to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, for meetings with Coastal First Nations leadership focused on major development projects and ocean management.
The discussions will centre on the government's approach to major infrastructure and resource projects in coastal regions, with particular emphasis on ensuring Indigenous voices are heard in the decision-making process.
Coastal First Nations have long advocated for meaningful consultation and consent regarding developments that affect their traditional territories, particularly those involving marine environments and fisheries.
The meeting comes at a time when the federal government is trying to balance economic development with environmental protection and Indigenous rights.
Topics are expected to include everything from LNG projects to marine protected areas, reflecting the complex web of interests and concerns that characterize resource development on Canada's Pacific coast.
Canadian Charity Launches Relief Hub to Support Traumatized Children in Gaza
As international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza wanes, a Canadian charitable organization is stepping up efforts to help children suffering from ongoing trauma.
The charity has opened a dedicated relief hub designed specifically to provide support services to traumatized children in the embattled region, offering both immediate assistance and longer-term psychological support.
Advocates have expressed concern that global attention has shifted away from the suffering in Gaza, even as children continue to face dire circumstances including displacement, loss of family members, and exposure to violence.
The Canadian-led initiative aims to fill gaps in mental health services and basic care that have emerged as other international organizations scale back operations or redirect resources elsewhere.
The relief hub will coordinate efforts to deliver supplies, counseling services, and safe spaces for children to begin processing their experiences and accessing essential support.
Canadiens' Carrier Enjoys Career Night in Lopsided Victory Over Slumping Canucks
Alexandre Carrier, not typically known for offensive fireworks, scored twice in just 20 seconds as the Montreal Canadiens thrashed the Vancouver Canucks 6-3.
The rapid-fire goals epitomized what turned into a dominant performance by the Habs against a Canucks team that continues to search for answers during a prolonged slump.
Vancouver has now gone winless in seven consecutive games, a stretch that has seen the team tumble in the standings and raised questions about coaching decisions and roster construction. For Carrier, the rare offensive outburst was a welcome contribution from a defenceman valued primarily for his work in his own end and his ability to move the puck efficiently.
The loss extends Vancouver's misery and puts additional pressure on the team to find solutions quickly before their playoff hopes slip away entirely in what has been a disappointing season for the franchise and its frustrated fan base.
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