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Hello, friends!
Can somebody please remind me what month it is? This warm, sunny weather feels too good to be true after our recent stretch of gloomy rain!
Today's temperatures have been hovering around 9°C and plenty of moisture in the air. Today's roundup covers a busy stretch for local emergency crews, with Langley Township firefighters responding to two major blazes in just over two hours.
On the policy front, Langley City's new tree protection bylaw is moving forward with some good news for homeowners about permit costs.
We've also got a heads-up about gift card issues at the Aldergrove Shoppers Drug Mart, plus a fun new board game program starting at Timms Community Centre.
Nationally, PM Carney is signaling a shift in Canada-China relations, and B.C.'s drug decriminalization pilot is officially ending this month.
Free Board Game Afternoons Bring Global Traditions to Timms Community Centre
Starting January 21, Langley residents can gather for free board game afternoons every Wednesday at Timms Community Centre.
The program runs from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and features games from cultures around the world, including Baduk, Mahjong, Mancala, and Xiangqi.
Developed with the Langley Local Immigration Partnership, this is a great chance to connect with neighbours while learning new games.
All you need is a Games & Track Pass, which costs just $25 per year.
Langley Township Firefighters Tackle Two Major Blazes in Just Over Two Hours
It was a hectic morning for Langley Township fire crews who responded to two significant fires within a narrow 121-minute window.
The back-to-back emergencies tested the department's resources and response capabilities, requiring multiple crews to be deployed simultaneously.
Details about the locations and causes of the fires haven't been fully disclosed, but officials confirmed that both incidents were classified as major and required substantial firefighting efforts. Fortunately, there were no reports of serious injuries to firefighters or civilians.
The rapid succession of these incidents highlights the unpredictable nature of emergency services work and the importance of having well-trained, ready-to-respond teams available at all times.
Langley City's Tree Protection Bylaw Advances: What Homeowners Need to Know About Costs and Fines
Langley City Council has given third reading to a new tree protection bylaw, addressing some key questions about costs that homeowners were concerned about.
The good news for residents? There will be no cost to apply for a tree permit, and the City will use its in-house arborist at no additional charge if a report is required. Homeowners would only be responsible for the actual costs of cutting and removing a tree.
However, the bylaw comes with teeth—those who remove a protected tree without a permit face fines starting at $3,000 per tree, with potentially much higher penalties if the City determines the violation warrants it.
For example, removing a healthy older tree could lead to court action to recover the full economic and ecological value of the tree.
The bylaw focuses on protecting trees on city-owned property, during redevelopment, in environmentally sensitive areas, and significant trees throughout the City. Council is expected to consider final adoption at its next meeting.
Gift Card Chaos at Aldergrove Shoppers: Customers Report Zero Balances After Activation
Shoppers at the Aldergrove Shoppers Drug Mart are reporting a frustrating glitch that's turning gift-giving into a headache.
Multiple customers have come forward with reports that gift cards they purchased and had activated are later showing zero balances or appearing as already redeemed.
The incidents have left both gift-givers and recipients in an awkward position, unsure whether they'll be able to use the cards they thought were legitimate. The store has yet to provide a comprehensive explanation for the technical issue, though they're reportedly working to resolve individual cases as they arise.
Customers are being advised to check their gift card balances immediately after purchase and to keep their receipts as proof of activation.
Lost In Dreams EDM Festival Makes Abbotsford Debut This February
Electronic dance music fans in the Fraser Valley have something to look forward to this February as the all-ages Lost In Dreams festival comes to Abbotsford for the very first time.
The event, scheduled for February 15 at Tradex, marks a significant expansion for the festival, bringing high-energy performances and immersive production to the region.
Being all-ages means younger EDM enthusiasts won't be left out of the experience, making it a rare opportunity for fans under 19 to attend a major festival event.
The Lost In Dreams brand has built a reputation for creating memorable experiences with top-tier DJ lineups and impressive stage production, and Abbotsford attendees can expect the same level of quality.
Organizers are hoping the Tradex venue will become a regular stop on the festival circuit if this inaugural event proves successful.
B.C. Ending Drug Decriminalization Pilot Project on January 31
British Columbia's controversial three-year drug decriminalization pilot project is coming to an end, the provincial health minister announced this week.
The pilot, which allowed personal possession of small amounts of certain drugs without criminal penalty, will officially expire on January 31 and will not be renewed.
The federal mandate that enabled the project is expiring, and B.C. has decided not to seek an extension.
The initiative was launched as a public health approach to addressing the overdose crisis, aiming to reduce stigma and connect drug users with health services rather than the criminal justice system.
However, the program faced significant criticism from various stakeholders, including concerns about public drug use and questions about its effectiveness in reducing overdose deaths.
The minister hasn't detailed what approach the province will take going forward, leaving advocates and critics alike wondering about the next chapter in B.C.'s response to the ongoing drug crisis.
Canada's Hockey Romance "Heated Rivalry" Wins International Praise as CanCon Success
Culture Minister Marc Miller is celebrating the Canadian TV show "Heated Rivalry" as a triumph of Canadian content that's winning fans around the world.
The hockey-themed romance series has struck a chord internationally, proving that Canadian stories can compete on the global stage when given proper support and production values. Miller pointed to the show as evidence that Canadian content (CanCon) regulations and funding mechanisms are achieving their intended purpose of fostering homegrown entertainment that resonates both domestically and abroad.
"Heated Rivalry" combines two things Canadians are passionate about—hockey and compelling storytelling—creating a unique viewing experience that stands out in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape. The show's success could pave the way for more Canadian productions to receive international distribution deals. It's a welcome win for an industry that has sometimes struggled to gain traction outside of Canada despite producing quality content.
Prime Minister Carney Declares "New Era" in Canada-China Relations During Beijing Visit
Prime Minister Mark Carney is signaling a significant shift in Canada's approach to its relationship with China, declaring that the two countries are entering a "new era of relations" during his visit to Beijing.
The visit marks Carney's first trip to China as Prime Minister and sets the stage for future talks aimed at resetting the often-turbulent diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
Canada-China relations have been strained in recent years over issues including trade disputes, human rights concerns, and the detention of Canadian citizens. Carney's comments suggest his government is seeking a more pragmatic approach that balances Canada's economic interests with its values and security concerns.
The Prime Minister met with China's top diplomat during the visit, though specific details of their discussions haven't been fully disclosed.
Critics will be watching closely to see whether this "new era" represents a genuine breakthrough or simply diplomatic rhetoric. Trade, climate change, and regional security are likely to be key topics as the relationship evolves.
Manitoba MP Leah Gazan Becomes First to Endorse NDP Leadership Candidate, Supports Avi Lewis
Manitoba NDP MP Leah Gazan has made history by becoming the first sitting Member of Parliament to officially endorse a candidate in the party's leadership race, throwing her support behind documentarian Avi Lewis.
Gazan's endorsement carries significant weight as she's a well-known progressive voice within the party and has built a strong reputation for advocacy on Indigenous rights and social justice issues.
Her decision to back Lewis early signals that she believes he has the vision and capability to lead the party forward.
Leadership endorsements from caucus members are always closely watched in political circles, as they can influence undecided members and shape the narrative around various candidates' viability.
Lewis, known for his documentary work and progressive activism, will undoubtedly use this endorsement to build momentum in what's expected to be a competitive race.
Other candidates will now be eager to secure their own high-profile endorsements to demonstrate their own strength within the party.
Rising Canadian Tennis Star Victoria Mboko Stuns Madison Keys in Adelaide Semifinal Run
Canada's Victoria Mboko continues her remarkable breakout season by upsetting American star Madison Keys to advance to the semifinals in Adelaide.
The 19-year-old phenom from Toronto showed incredible composure and shot-making ability to outlast the experienced Keys in what many are calling her best performance yet.
Mboko has been earning her spot in yet another semifinal, demonstrating that her recent success is no fluke but rather the emergence of a legitimate talent who could become Canada's next tennis superstar.
Her aggressive baseline game and mental toughness have impressed tennis observers, and she's proving she can compete with—and beat—top-tier opponents. Keys, a Grand Slam finalist herself, certainly provided a stern test, but Mboko rose to the occasion.
Canadian tennis fans have plenty to be excited about as they watch this young player's career trajectory continue to climb, potentially setting up a strong showing at the upcoming Australian Open.
Vancouver Giants Make Waves at WHL Trade Deadline, Name New Captain
The Vancouver Giants were busy at the WHL trade deadline, making several roster moves that have fans and analysts talking about the team's direction.
Perhaps most significantly, the team announced a new captain, signaling a shift in on-ice leadership as the season progresses toward playoffs.
Nathan Kanter, the Giants' director of broadcasting, appeared on Global News Morning Weekend BC to discuss the flurry of activity and what it means for the team's championship aspirations.
Trade deadline day is always one of the most exciting times in junior hockey, as teams decide whether to sell assets for future picks or go all-in on a playoff run. The Giants' moves suggest management believes this team has what it takes to compete for a title this year, though only time will tell if the gamble pays off.
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