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Happy Friday, Langley.
It's a mild but rainy day out there, with temperatures hovering around 5°C and showers expected throughout the afternoon.
We're deeply mourning the loss of Canadian comedy icon Catherine O'Hara, who passed away at 71 after a legendary career that brought us SCTV, "Home Alone," and the unforgettable Moira Rose.
Closer to home, book lovers gathered for the second annual Langley Literacy Network Fair, and Langley City is gearing up for this year's municipal election. Drivers should note overnight detours on Highway 1 near 232 Street for the next two weeks.
And in good news for the Canucks, goalie Nikita Tolopilo turned in a shutout performance against Anaheim, even if the record books won't quite see it that way.
Canadian Icon and National Treasure Catherine O'Hara Passes Away at 71
Catherine O'Hara, the beloved Toronto-born actor who won two Emmys and captured hearts in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek," and countless other roles, has died at age 71 following a brief illness.
The comedy legend began her career on the groundbreaking Canadian sketch show SCTV alongside fellow icons Martin Short and John Candy before becoming one of Hollywood's most cherished performers.
O'Hara experienced a remarkable late-career renaissance playing Moira Rose in "Schitt's Creek" alongside longtime collaborator Eugene Levy, earning her second Emmy and introducing her brilliant comedic talents to a new generation.
She is survived by her husband Bo Welch, sons Matthew and Luke, and her siblings, leaving behind a legacy that made Canada proud and brought joy to millions around the world.
Book Enthusiasts Gather for Second Annual Langley Literacy Network Fair
Langley's literary community came together for a celebration of the written word at the second annual Langley Literacy Network Fair.
The event, which took place as a warm-up to the upcoming Literacy Week, brought together book lovers from across the community for a day of reading, discussion, and connection. Organizers report that attendance exceeded expectations, with families, students, and avid readers filling the venue to explore various literacy initiatives and resources.
The fair featured book exchanges, author readings, and educational workshops designed to promote literacy across all age groups. Local literacy advocates used the opportunity to highlight the importance of reading programs in the community and to showcase the resources available through the Literacy Network.
With Literacy Week just around the corner, the fair served as an ideal kickoff to remind residents of the value of reading and lifelong learning.
Langley City Council Sets Stage for 2026 Municipal Election
Democracy is gearing up in Langley City as officials prepare for this year's municipal election.
Council has officially appointed the Chief Election Officer and Deputy Chief Election Officer for the 2026 Langley City General Local Election, selecting the City's Corporate Officer and Deputy Corporate Officer to oversee the democratic process.
These appointments are crucial administrative steps that ensure the election runs smoothly and fairly.
Water Conservation Takes Center Stage at Fort Langley Symposium
Local environmental groups are making waves with an important community event focused on water issues affecting the Langley region.
A free symposium is scheduled for February 5th in Fort Langley, bringing together experts, activists, and concerned citizens to discuss pressing water concerns. The event will tackle topics ranging from water quality and conservation to sustainable water management practices that could shape the area's future.
Organizers emphasize that water security is becoming an increasingly critical issue for the Fraser Valley, and this symposium aims to educate residents about both current challenges and practical solutions.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from specialists in hydrology, environmental science, and municipal planning.
The symposium represents a collaborative effort between multiple Langley-based organizations working to protect local water resources for future generations.
Senior Care Crisis Looms as Demand Outpaces Bed Availability
British Columbia's senior population is growing at an alarming rate that far exceeds the province's capacity to accommodate them in care facilities.
According to B.C.'s seniors' advocate, the senior population is expanding nearly four times faster than new care beds are being added to the system. This dramatic disparity is creating increasingly lengthy wait lists for seniors who need residential care, leaving families scrambling for alternatives.
The advocate warns that without immediate action to accelerate care bed construction and expand support services, the situation will only worsen as the baby boomer generation continues to age.
The crisis affects communities across the province, including Langley, where seniors and their families face difficult decisions about care options.
The report calls for urgent government intervention to address the growing gap between supply and demand in the senior care sector, suggesting that comprehensive planning and significant investment will be necessary to meet future needs.
Highway 1 faces overnight detours near 232 Street for two weeks (Jan 29 to Feb 12)
Drivers on Highway 1 through Langley will encounter overnight detours from January 29 to February 12 as crews install bridge girders for the new 232 Street interchange.
The highway will be reduced to one lane in each direction between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. on weekdays, with eastbound drivers unable to use the 232 Street off-ramp and instead directed to exit at 216 Street.
Speed limits will drop to 60 km/h through the construction zone.
The work is part of the larger Highway 1 widening project through the Fraser Valley.
BC Parks to charge out-of-province visitors $20 fee starting May
BC Parks will charge visitors from outside the province a new $20 fee starting in May 2026.
The fee applies to camping, cabin rentals, and dock use at provincial parks.
BC Parks says the money will help maintain trails and facilities that are strained by 27 million annual visitors and increasing climate damage.
Camping fees are also rising at 59 high-demand parks for the first time since 2016, with frontcountry sites increasing to up to $51 per night and backcountry sites rising to $25 per person per night.
Leadership Expert Adel Gamar to Keynote Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards
The Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards has secured an impressive keynote speaker for its upcoming ceremony.
Adel Gamar, CEO of GLG Ltd. and an internationally respected leadership expert, will deliver the keynote address titled "Relentless Optimist & Our Shared Humanity" at this year's awards on March 4th. Gamar brings a wealth of global experience from working with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and governments, including service as an Education Specialist at UNESCO and as a Policy Fellow at Harvard Law School.
The awards ceremony will honor eight nominees across five categories, including Champion of Diversity, Youth Champion of Diversity, Innovative Initiative, Inclusive Environment, and the new Intercultural Arts, Culture and Events category. The event celebrates individuals and organizations working to make the Fraser Valley more inclusive and welcoming.
Tickets are available now with an early-bird rate of $75 until February 16th.
The ceremony takes place at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Abbotsford, presented by Archway Community Services in partnership with several regional organizations including Langley New Directions English Language School.
Vancouver Police Apology Review Guided by Indigenous Rights Legislation
A troubling 2019 incident involving Vancouver police and a Heiltsuk grandfather and granddaughter continues to reverberate through the justice system.
A decision under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) will now guide the review of Vancouver police's failure to apologize for handcuffing a Heiltsuk man and his 12-year-old granddaughter outside a Vancouver bank.
The incident, which sparked widespread outrage, saw the pair detained in a humiliating and traumatic manner despite having committed no crime.
The use of DRIPA in this review represents a significant step in recognizing Indigenous rights and addressing systemic issues within policing.
The Heiltsuk Nation has been seeking meaningful accountability and reconciliation for years, and this decision provides a framework for examining what went wrong and how similar incidents can be prevented.
The case has become a touchstone in discussions about racial profiling, police accountability, and the treatment of Indigenous peoples in urban settings across British Columbia.
CFIA Officials Faced Threats and Harassment During BC Ostrich Cull
Canadian Food Inspection Agency workers endured weeks of threats, harassment, and intimidation while preparing to cull 314 ostriches at a southeastern BC farm during an H5N1 avian flu outbreak.
The agency's offices were vandalized with feces smeared on windows, and staff received vile messages and threats of physical violence, forcing RCMP to provide security during the operation.
CFIA officials defended the cull as necessary to protect Canada's $6.8 billion poultry industry and prevent virus reassortment, though the farm's owners condemned any threats while criticizing the agency's approach.
The operation cost more than $6.8 million, including $3.8 million in RCMP security costs.
Canadian Ice Dancing Duo Embraces "Outsider" Status in New Netflix Documentary
Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier have carved out a unique niche in the figure skating world by skating just outside the sport's traditional spotlight.
The Canadian ice dancing pair is featured in a new Netflix documentary that explores their journey and perspective as self-described "outsiders" in the competitive ice dancing scene. Throughout their careers, they've deliberately charted their own path, choosing artistic expression and authenticity over conforming to conventional expectations.
The documentary offers viewers an intimate look at how the duo has maintained their identity while competing at the highest levels of international figure skating. Their willingness to embrace their outsider status rather than fight against it has become a defining characteristic of their partnership.
Gilles and Poirier's story resonates with athletes and artists across disciplines who struggle with pressure to conform, making their Netflix feature particularly timely and relevant beyond the skating community.
Canucks Goalie Tolopilo Shines But Denied Official Shutout Due to Concussion Protocol in 2-0 Victory
When is a shutout not technically a shutout? When concussion protocol forces a goalie change mid-game.
Vancouver Canucks goalie Nikita Tolopilo delivered a stellar performance on Thursday, making 32 saves as the team blanked the Anaheim Ducks 2-0. However, due to concussion protocol requiring Tolopilo to briefly leave the game, a second goalie logged ice time, meaning the shutout won't officially belong to Tolopilo alone in the record books.
Despite the technicality, Tolopilo's performance was the story of the night, with the young netminder demonstrating the poise and skill that has Canucks management excited about his future. He stopped everything sent his way during his time on the ice, keeping Vancouver's playoff hopes alive.
The Canucks will look to build on this momentum when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday in what promises to be a highly anticipated matchup. Tolopilo's strong showing should give the team confidence heading into that crucial game.
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