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Happy Monday, Langley!
Environment Canada has issued a fog advisory for the region. It's currently clear and sunny skies, but the fog is expected to return overnight and stick around through Tuesday.
If you're heading out into the fog later this evening, take it slow and remember to keep your lights on and/or wear high-vis clothing if you're walking/running/biking.
In today's roundup, Township Council prepares to vote on zoning changes that would bring 37 new homes near 32 Avenue and allow a production studio in a rural area. The Township is also seeking public feedback on fish-friendly upgrades to the Salmon River pump station.
On the national front, Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to Davos while Indigenous organizers push back on pipeline equity deals they're calling "modern-day beads and trinkets."
In sports, the Vancouver Giants dropped a tough 5-1 decision despite a phenomenal weekend from goaltender Burke Hood.
Township Seeks Public Input on Fish-Friendly Flood Control Upgrades at Salmon River
The Township of Langley is moving forward with design work on upgrades to the Salmon River pump station and wants to hear from residents.
The Salmon River flows through Langley before emptying into Bedford Channel near Fort Langley, and it remains one of the few fish-sustaining streams left in the Metro Vancouver area.
The project aims to increase fish-friendly pumping capacity to provide flood relief when high water levels on the Fraser River block drainage through existing flood boxes.
Residents can learn more and share feedback through the Township's online survey, though the link provided by the Township at tol.ca/srps does not appear to be working yet.
Interested readers should check back later or contact the Township directly to resolve the issue.
Township Council to Vote on 37 New Homes, Production Studio, and Commercial Expansion
Langley Township Council will consider three zoning changes at its January 26 meeting.
The biggest proposal would rezone land near 32 Avenue from suburban residential to allow 37 small-scale multi-unit homes.
Council will also vote on adding "production studio" as a permitted use on rural land near 264 Street, and on expanding commercial space in a Willoughby development.
Residents can submit comments by email (legservicesinfo@tol.ca) before noon on January 26, but there are no speaking opportunities at the meeting.
Aldergrove Art Exhibition Seeks Submissions Celebrating Cultural Heritage
The Langley Arts Council is opening submissions for their "My Heritage" art show, inviting local artists to share their cultural stories through visual art.
This exhibition, to be hosted in Aldergrove, provides a platform for artists to reflect on and celebrate their cultural backgrounds and heritage.
The show represents an opportunity for the community to explore the diverse tapestry of cultures that call Langley home. Artists working in various mediums are encouraged to submit pieces that tell their personal heritage stories, whether through traditional techniques passed down through generations or contemporary interpretations of cultural identity.
The Langley Arts Council hopes the exhibition will foster understanding and appreciation for the multicultural nature of the community while providing local artists with valuable exposure.
Artists can apply to the Langley Arts Council’s My Heritage exhibition by filling out an online application form at langleyarts.ca/submit/heritage.
B.C. Oceanographer Shares Rare Antarctic Research Expedition Experience
Sophia Johannessen, a British Columbia-based oceanographer, has returned from an extraordinary scientific journey to Antarctica, Earth's coldest and most remote continent.
Johannessen was selected as part of an elite group of just 15 scientists who boarded a Navy ship for this rare research opportunity. The expedition took the team to one of the most inhospitable environments on the planet, where they conducted crucial oceanographic research that will contribute to our understanding of climate change and marine ecosystems.
The harsh conditions and isolation of Antarctica present unique challenges for researchers, making this type of expedition both physically demanding and scientifically invaluable.
Her detailed account of the trek provides insight into the realities of polar research and the dedication required to advance scientific knowledge in such extreme environments.
One Dad's Quest to Raise Kids Offline Led to a Tabletop Gaming Obsession
Harrison Mooney's family ditched the iPads over Christmas, and what they found was a quieter, calmer household built around card games and board games.
Games like Sleeping Queens, Outfoxed!, and Uno have replaced the kicking and screaming that used to follow screen time.
Mooney also discovered his own new obsession in co-op games like Kinfire Delve, which he calls the most apt metaphor for parenting he's ever come across.
Read the full piece at The Tyee.
Prime Minister Carney Heads to Davos for World Economic Forum
Prime Minister Mark Carney is traveling to Switzerland today to participate in the World Economic Forum in the exclusive ski resort town of Davos.
Carney is scheduled to deliver speeches and engage with global leaders, business executives, and policymakers at one of the world's most influential economic gatherings. The annual forum provides an opportunity for Canada to showcase its economic priorities and strengthen international relationships at a critical time for global trade and cooperation. The Prime Minister's attendance signals Canada's commitment to remaining actively engaged in discussions about the global economy, climate change, and international security.
His participation comes at a pivotal moment as nations navigate complex challenges including trade tensions, technological disruption, and geopolitical uncertainty.
The forum will provide a platform for Carney to articulate Canada's vision for economic growth and international cooperation.
Indigenous Organizer Calls Pipeline Deals "Modern-Day Beads and Trinkets"
Mark Carney and Canada's premiers are pushing new pipelines and mines by offering money and ownership stakes to Indigenous communities.
But Indigenous organizer Janelle Lapointe says these deals are just updated versions of colonial tactics, designed to buy off resistance to destructive resource extraction.
The strategy may look like reconciliation, but critics argue it's the same old playbook with a friendlier face.
Canadian Doctors Warn FIFA World Cup Could Overwhelm Already Strained ERs
Medical professionals in Canadian cities hosting FIFA World Cup matches are sounding the alarm about potential healthcare system capacity issues.
Doctors warn that the already stretched emergency rooms and healthcare infrastructure could buckle under the pressure of a sudden, unexpected surge in patients during the tournament.
The concerns center on what would happen if a major medical emergency or disease outbreak were to coincide with the influx of international visitors for the World Cup.
Canada's healthcare system has been dealing with significant strain in recent years, with emergency departments frequently operating beyond capacity.
The addition of hundreds of thousands of soccer fans converging on host cities creates a scenario that medical professionals find deeply concerning.
They're calling for contingency planning and additional resources to ensure the healthcare system can handle both regular patient loads and any World Cup-related medical needs without compromising care quality.
Vancouver Giants Fall 5-1 Despite Heroic 45-Save Performance from Burke Hood
The Vancouver Giants dropped a 5-1 decision to the Prince George Cougars at Langley Events Centre on Sunday, despite a stellar performance from goaltender Burke Hood.
Hood, a New York Islanders draft pick, stopped 45 of 49 shots in what was his third appearance of a grueling weekend. The netminder had an incredibly demanding schedule, starting on Friday, playing over 55 minutes in relief on Saturday, and then getting the start again on Sunday. Remarkably, Hood finished the weekend with 120 saves on 129 shots for a .930 save percentage, keeping his team competitive despite the challenging circumstances.
The Giants are currently dealing with significant injury issues, playing without captain Ryan Lin and new additions Mathis Preston, Joe Iginla, and Kaleb Hartmann. Vancouver now sits five points out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with a record of 18-25-1-2. Brett Olson scored the lone Giants goal late in the third period, with rookie Kaden Hayes picking up his first WHL point on the assist.
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