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Hello, friends!
Bundle up for a cool, rainy Tuesday in Langley with temperatures hovering around 3°C with lots of rain in the forecast.
Today's roundup covers Fraser Valley storm damage reporting ahead of Friday's deadline, conservative misinformation about Indigenous land rights, a $242 million highway expansion that continues car-centric development patterns, and an important analysis of how American tech giants threaten Canadian sovereignty.
Plus, we've got a few feel-good community stories including Aldergrove grads braving the weather for their fundraiser and a local resident who cleared storm-blocked roads in the dark.
Fraser Valley residents asked to report storm damage by Friday
The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) is asking Fraser Valley residents to help document last month's atmospheric river by reporting damage to their properties before Friday, January 9 at 4:30 p.m.
These reports will help the region apply for provincial disaster funding that could assist residents with uninsured losses.
Residents can share information about flooding, water damage, debris flow, landslides, and downed trees through the FVRD Emergency Status Map.
The regional district says every report matters in building a complete picture of the storm's impact and strengthening the community's case for disaster assistance.
Aldergrove Grads Take on the Elements for Good Cause
Students from D.W. Poppy Secondary School showed true dedication by braving cold, rainy weather for their annual fundraiser.
The graduating class organized a tree chipping and bottle drive event, which required them to work outdoors in less-than-ideal conditions.
Despite the challenges, these determined students pressed on, knowing the funds raised would support important school programs and their grad celebrations.
Community members praised the grads for their work ethic and commitment, with many noting that it's this kind of character that makes Aldergrove special. The fundraiser was ultimately successful, demonstrating once again that a little rain won't stop motivated young people from achieving their goals.
Legal Challenge to Short-Term Rental Restrictions Falls Short in B.C. Court
The B.C. Court of Appeals has dismissed a challenge to provincial short-term rental regulations, upholding restrictions that have been in place since 2024.
Property rights groups have been fighting these short-term rental rules since their implementation, arguing they infringe on owners' rights to use their properties as they see fit.
However, the court found in favor of the regulations, which were designed to protect long-term rental housing stock and address the housing crisis affecting communities across British Columbia.
Good Samaritan Clears Storm-Blocked Aldergrove Road After Dark
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, an Aldergrove resident took it upon himself to clear a road blocked by fallen trees during a recent windstorm.
When powerful winds sent multiple trees crashing onto 248 Street, effectively cutting off access for neighbors, Alan Hamilton didn't wait for official help to arrive. Instead, he worked through the dark of night, using his own equipment to clear the debris and restore the vital access route.
Hamilton's selfless actions meant that emergency vehicles could access the area if needed and that residents could get to work and other essential destinations the following morning. His neighbors expressed deep gratitude for his initiative and hard work during challenging conditions, noting that it's this kind of community-minded behavior that makes Aldergrove a special place to live.
Former MLA calls out BC Conservative leader's misinformation on Indigenous land rights
Adam Olsen, a Tsartlip First Nation member and former MLA, is pushing back against BC Conservative leader Trevor Halford's claims about Indigenous land title and DRIPA.
Olsen says Halford's recent op-ed spreads false information about how Indigenous title works and wrongly blames Premier David Eby for a manufactured "crisis."
The former legislator argues that DRIPA doesn't create Indigenous rights but simply recognizes what courts established decades ago through the Constitution.
Halford's call to repeal DRIPA is political theatre that ignores the real work of negotiating fair agreements with First Nations, illustrating a concerning trend among conservative politicians of using outrage and fear tactics to avoid addressing Indigenous rights seriously.
Province awards $242 million contract for Highway 1 expansion at Highway 11
The province awarded a $242 million contract to expand Highway 1 at the Highway 11 interchange in Abbotsford.
Construction crews from Hall Constructors, Jacob Bros., and EBC Inc. will start work by the end of January on the section between McKenzie Road and east of the Highway 11 interchange.
The project includes new HOV and electric vehicle lanes, bus-on-shoulder lanes, bike paths, truck parking, and replacing the Riverside Road overpass. Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth says the upgrades will reduce bottlenecks and improve transit options.
The work is part of Phase 3B of the Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Improvement Program, backed by $2.65 billion in provincial funding and expected to finish by 2031.
While the project adds some transit-friendly features, the massive investment continues the pattern of prioritizing highway expansion to move more cars through the region rather than funding alternatives that could reduce vehicle dependence.
PuSh Festival brings international performing arts to Vancouver
The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival returns to Vancouver from January 22 to February 8. The festival features 25 performances from 17 countries, including theatre, dance, multimedia, music, film, and installation works.
This year's lineup includes six Indigenous-led works, six shows by 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, and a new series celebrating Latin American artistic expression.
Tickets start at $39, with student and youth passes available at pushfestival.ca.
Analysis: U.S. tech giants function as tools of American empire, threatening Canadian sovereignty
When the U.S. sanctioned an International Criminal Court prosecutor investigating Israeli war crimes, Microsoft shut off his email account.
The incident revealed how dependent governments worldwide are on American tech companies that can cut off access at Washington's demand.
Canada faces the same vulnerability, with our governments, schools, and institutions running on Microsoft and Google services that could be weaponized against us.
The solution isn't just switching to Canadian tech billionaires who want the same profit-driven model, but building publicly owned digital infrastructure that serves people instead of shareholders and American imperial interests.
Vancouver FC Retains Three Key Players for 2026 Season
Vancouver FC announced three returning players for 2026, including veteran Nicolás Mezquida and midfielder Abdoulaye Ouattara.
Thomas Powell signed his first professional contract with the Eagles after two seasons on CPL-U SPORTS deals.
The club also parted ways with three players as it builds its roster ahead of its first-ever Concacaf Champions Cup campaign.
Vancouver Giants Add Rising Star Preston in Blockbuster Trade
The Vancouver Giants have pulled off a major acquisition, landing 17-year-old speedy winger Mathis Preston from the Spokane Chiefs.
Preston, a Penticton native, was listed as an 'A' skater by NHL Central Scouting on their preliminary watch list for the 2026 NHL Draft, projecting him as a potential first-round selection.
The young forward has been impressive this season with 32 points on 14 goals and 18 assists, building on his stellar rookie campaign where he potted 23 goals and contributed significantly to Spokane's run to the 2025 WHL Championship Series.
Giants General Manager Hnat Domenichelli expressed excitement about the trade, noting that opportunities to acquire a potential top-10 NHL draft pick don't come along often.
Preston will also compete at the inaugural WHL Prospects Game scheduled for February 18, 2026 at Langley Events Centre, giving local fans a chance to see the talented youngster in action on home ice.
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