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Happy Monday, Langley!
We're starting the week with mainly cloudy skies and a high of 5°C, with wind chill making it feel closer to minus 5 this morning.
Today's roundup covers free Family Day weekend activities at Township recreation centres, a major governance review that could reshape how Metro Vancouver manages regional utilities, and the BC Conservatives' messy leadership race that's proving to be an unexpected gift to the struggling NDP.
We've also got coverage of rising anti-2SLGBTQ+ violence highlighted by two recent B.C. deaths, Alberta's self-inflicted vaccine crisis, and local hockey action including Ben Kindel's hometown heroics against the Canucks.
Langley Township Hosts Free Family Day Weekend Activities Across Recreation Centres
Langley Township is offering free family-friendly activities from February 14 to 16 at recreation centres across the community.
The programming includes yoga, swimming, skating with free rentals, and hands-on history activities at salishan Place by the River.
Special entertainment on Family Day Monday features balloon twisters, a magician, and glitter tattoos at Walnut Grove Community Centre, plus a clown at W.C. Blair.
Registration is recommended, but same-day admissions will be accepted if space allows.
Metro Vancouver Governance Review Could Reshape How Region's Utilities Are Managed
A 2025 Deloitte report has prompted Metro Vancouver to consider major changes to how the regional district is governed.
The current 41-member board is expected to grow to 50 within a decade, creating challenges for effective oversight of water, sewer, and solid waste utilities serving over half of BC's population.
Options under consideration include a crown corporation model, capping board size, or a hybrid approach that would split utility oversight into smaller boards with both elected and professional members.
The Governance Committee aims to present a preferred model to the province before this fall's municipal elections.
BC Conservative Leadership Race Offers Gift to Struggling NDP Government
The BC Conservatives have launched a leadership contest that will distract the party through the entire spring legislative session, even as the NDP stumbles on health care, housing, and forestry.
Five candidates are vying to replace ousted leader John Rustad, but deep fractures between former BC Liberals and the party's hard-right base make unity unlikely.
The party has already lost five of its 44 MLAs since the election and claimed only about 9,000 members provincewide.
As Paul Willcocks writes in The Tyee, the race meant to unite non-NDP voters may end with angry Conservatives throwing rocks at whoever is left inside the tent.
Myles Gray Inquiry Resumes After Delay Caused by Courtroom Outburst
A Vancouver hearing into the death of Myles Gray is set to resume today after being temporarily delayed by an obscenity-related incident.
Gray died in 2015 following a violent altercation with Vancouver police officers, and the circumstances surrounding his death have been the subject of intense scrutiny and legal proceedings. The hearing aims to examine the events that led to his death and the actions of the officers involved.
The delay highlights the emotional nature of the proceedings, which have drawn significant public attention. As the hearing continues, Gray's family and advocates continue seeking answers about what happened during the fatal encounter nearly eleven years ago.
B.C. Homicides Highlight Dangers Facing 2SLGBTQ+ Community on Dating Apps
Two recent deaths in British Columbia have raised serious safety concerns for queer people using dating apps like Grindr.
Richard Lo was murdered in Vancouver in January 2024 after meeting his killer on the app, and Muhammad "Ash" Zafar was found dead in Kamloops earlier this month.
Egale Canada notes these tragedies occur against a backdrop of sharply rising anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate crimes, with Statistics Canada reporting 860 hate crimes targeting sexual orientation in 2023, up 70% from the previous year.
For many queer and trans people, online platforms remain essential tools for connection in a world where discrimination still limits opportunities to meet safely in person.
The violence underscores the urgent need for platforms, governments, and communities to work together to protect 2SLGBTQ+ people from the hatred that continues to target them.
Alberta's $100 Vaccine Fee Cuts COVID-19 Immunizations in Half as Hospitals Overflow
Alberta administered only 230,000 COVID-19 vaccines this season, down from 480,000 the year before, after the UCP government imposed a $100 fee and other barriers to access.
Friends of Medicare says the restrictions were designed to lower uptake in a province already struggling with vaccine hesitancy and overwhelmed hospitals.
Indigenous people living off-reserve have been denied free access entirely, a policy both provincial and federal governments have refused to fix despite treaty rights concerns.
Some Albertans have resorted to travelling to BC, the US, or Mexico to get vaccinated for free.
Parliament Reconvenes with Affordability and Sovereignty Taking Center Stage
Canadian parliamentarians are returning to Ottawa with the struggles of families facing economic challenges expected to dominate the agenda.
After the holiday break, MPs will resume debate with affordability issues at the forefront, reflecting the very real concerns of Canadians trying to make ends meet in a turbulent economy. The cost of living crisis continues to squeeze household budgets across the country.
Sovereignty issues are also expected to feature prominently in discussions, as Canada navigates complex international relationships. The session promises heated debate as political parties outline their competing visions for addressing the economic pressures facing Canadian families and protecting national interests.
Toronto Digs Out from Massive Weekend Snowstorm, Travel Disruptions Expected
Toronto residents are being advised to allow extra travel time this morning as the city works to clear mountains of snow left behind by a significant weekend storm.
The snowstorm dumped considerable accumulation across Canada's largest city, creating challenging conditions for commuters and city services alike. Crews have been working around the clock to clear major routes and residential streets.
Transit delays and road closures are expected to persist through the morning rush hour as the cleanup continues. The storm serves as a reminder that winter isn't done with Central Canada just yet, and residents should continue to expect challenging conditions in the weeks ahead.
Abbotsford Canucks Complete Weekend Sweep with Back-to-Back Home Victories
The Abbotsford Canucks delivered an impressive performance this weekend, sweeping the San Diego Gulls with victories on both Saturday and Sunday on home ice.
The twin wins extended the team's winning streak to three games, signaling a hot stretch for the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. Playing in front of enthusiastic home crowds, the Abbotsford squad demonstrated strong play at both ends of the ice across the weekend series.
The sweep of San Diego marks a significant momentum builder for the team as they continue their season. With confidence building and chemistry improving, the Canucks are positioning themselves well in their division standings as they head into the next stretch of games.
Ben Kindel Scores Twice, Helpfully Assists Canucks' Tank in 3-2 Penguins Win
Coquitlam-born Ben Kindel put on a show for his hometown fans, scoring twice to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
Kindel didn't disappoint the large and enthusiastic cheering section that showed up for his first NHL game in Vancouver. He made the most of playing in front of friends and family, finding the back of the net twice in crucial moments.
His two-goal performance was the difference-maker in the tight contest, helping the Penguins secure the win on the road.
The Canucks will look to bounce back when they host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night, hoping to put this home loss behind them.
Stand With Minnesota: How to Support Immigrant Communities Under Siege
The Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge" has brought a paramilitary-scale ICE operation to Minneapolis, with thousands of people detained and families torn apart. Two people, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, have already been killed by ICE agents.
While this is happening across the border, the fight against fascism doesn't stop at national boundaries. Solidarity means showing up for our neighbours however we can, and right now, Minnesota's immigrant communities need support.
Minneapolis Magazine has compiled an extensive resource list including mutual aid funds for affected families, know-your-rights training information, food drives, and immigrant-owned businesses to support. Many of these efforts accept donations from anywhere.
When authoritarianism targets vulnerable people, those of us watching from nearby have a responsibility to act. Today it's Minneapolis. The principles we defend there are the same ones we'll need to defend here.
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