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It's a lovely Wednesday in Langley, but Environment Canada issuing yet another advisory for near-zero visibility fog across much of Metro Vancouver. The alert mentions that the fog should dissipate by tomorrow afternoon, but watch for icy patches in low-lying areas as temperatures hover near freezing.
Today's Roundup brings news from across the community. The Township is seeking nominations for its annual Volunteer Awards, a chance to recognize the neighbors who give their time without expecting anything in return.
Langley City's new Tree Protection Bylaw is now in effect, with steep fines for unauthorized removal. Meanwhile, a Northwest Territories First Nation has won the right to sue accounting giant KPMG in court, alleging the firm's Langley branch enabled an $11 million fraud against Indigenous-owned businesses.
On the fundraising front, Critter Care Wildlife Society has launched a new 50/50 raffle to support animal rehabilitation.
In international relations, we can all celebrate TACO Wednesday as Donald Trump has backed down from his aggressive bid to takeover Greenland.
Finally, hockey fans should mark their calendars: the WHL Prospects Game is coming to Langley Events Centre in February.
Township of Langley Seeks Nominations for Annual Volunteer Awards
The Township of Langley wants to shine a spotlight on the community heroes who give their time without expecting anything in return.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Volunteer Awards, which recognize outstanding individuals who contribute to non-profits, community organizations, and various causes throughout the township. Whether someone dedicates hours to coaching youth sports, organizing community events, or supporting vulnerable populations, the township wants to hear about their contributions.
The awards ceremony is always a heartwarming event that celebrates the spirit of volunteerism that makes Langley such a special place to live.
Residents can submit nominations through the township's website, highlighting the specific ways their nominee has made a difference.
Langley City's New Tree Protection Bylaw Takes Effect with Strict Guidelines
Langley City has officially adopted a new Tree Protection and Management Bylaw that could cost residents big bucks if they don't follow the rules.
The bylaw requires permits for removing city-owned trees, those in environmentally sensitive areas, trees with a diameter of 20 centimetres or more on development lots, and any tree with a diameter of 75 centimetres or more on any property.
Homeowners won't pay for permits, but developers will face fees, and the real kicker is that unauthorized tree removal could result in fines starting at $3,000 per tree—and potentially more depending on the violation.
Permits will only be granted for trees that are dead (or more than 50% dead), causing structural damage that can't be mitigated otherwise, deemed high-risk by an arborist, or required to be removed under another city bylaw.
Council also approved its 2026 committee appointments, assigning members to various advisory groups including the Environmental Sustainability Committee and Crime Prevention Committee.
KPMG Faces Lawsuit Over Langley Branch's Work for Alleged Fraudster
A Northwest Territories First Nation won the right to sue accounting giant KPMG in court after the firm tried to force the dispute into private arbitration.
The Lutsel K'Ă© Dene First Nation alleges KPMG's Langley branch enabled Ron Barlas to steal $11 million from Indigenous-owned businesses between 2016 and his removal.
A judge ruled the arbitration clause Barlas inserted into KPMG's contract was part of his "oppression" of the First Nation, clearing the way for a public trial on whether the accounting firm bears responsibility for the massive fraud.
Critter Care Wildlife Society Launches 50/50 Fundraiser to Support Animal Rehab
Langley's Critter Care Wildlife Society is hoping residents will take a chance on a good cause with its new 50/50 raffle.
The animal rehabilitation shelter relies heavily on public donations to care for sick and injured mammals throughout British Columbia, and this fundraiser offers participants the chance to win cash while supporting furry patients.
Critter Care has been a vital resource in the Fraser Valley for years, treating everything from orphaned baby raccoons to injured deer.
The organization operates on a shoestring budget and depends on community support to cover medical expenses, food, and housing for the animals in its care.
Anyone interested in purchasing tickets or learning more about the shelter's work can buy tickets online (www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/crittercare) or stop by their Langley facility.
Low vaccination rates fueling Alberta's deadly ER crisis
A brutal flu season is overwhelming Canadian hospitals and contributing to preventable deaths like that of Prashant Sreekumar, who died after waiting eight hours in an Edmonton emergency room.
New research reveals vaccination rates are plummeting partly because conflicting government messages have eroded public trust, with Albertans who trusted the UCP's anti-mandate stance far less likely to vaccinate than those who trusted federal health agencies.
Parents repeatedly told researchers that after multiple infections, seasonal illnesses felt inevitable and mild enough that getting vaccinated didn't seem worth the hassle, creating a dangerous cycle as hospitals buckle under preventable caseloads.
Trump slurs through Davos speech attacking Carney and Canada
Donald Trump slurred his way through a rambling Davos address where he claimed "Canada lives because of the United States" while singling out Prime Minister Mark Carney for insufficient gratitude.
The U.S. president repeatedly confused Greenland with Iceland, told a room full of German speakers they'd be speaking German without America, and accused Canada of receiving "freebies" while threatening the country's auto sector.
Trump's incoherent performance came one day after Carney warned allies against "subordination" to great powers weaponizing economic integration, remarks the visibly impaired president took as a personal insult.
US backs down on Greenland tariffs after NATO deal
Donald Trump cancelled his threatened tariffs against European allies after reaching a "framework for a future deal" with NATO leadership on Arctic security.
Hours earlier, the U.S. president had demanded Denmark hand over Greenland while insisting he wouldn't use military force to seize the world's largest island, though he ominously warned allies "we will remember" if they refuse.
Greenlanders are now stocking up on emergency supplies following government advice to prepare for a five-day crisis, while Danish officials maintain their "red lines" on sovereignty even as they signal openness to security discussions.
WHL Prospects Game Coming to Langley Events Centre in February
Hockey fans have something to look forward to as the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass is scheduled for February 18 at Langley Events Centre.
The Western Hockey League announced the coaching staffs for the event, with all six B.C. Division head coaches involved, including Vancouver Giants Head Coach Parker Burgess, who will serve as an assistant coach for Team West. The game will feature the league's top up-and-coming talent competing in what promises to be an exciting showcase.
Mark Lamb of the Prince George Cougars will head up Team West, while Shaun Clouston of the Kamloops Blazers takes the reins for Team East. This marks the first all-WHL event of its kind since January 2000, when Kelowna hosted the WHL All-Star Game, making it a historic occasion for the league and a can't-miss event for local hockey enthusiasts.
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