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Happy hump day, friends!
Bundle up for a wet Wednesday in Langley as overcast skies bring temperatures around 3°C with rain expected throughout the day.
Today's roundup covers significant road closures affecting multiple streets through spring, Premier David Eby's controversial plan to weaken BC's Indigenous rights legislation after courts ruled it enforceable, and a disturbing report on far-right "Active Clubs" using fitness culture to recruit young men into white nationalist ideology.
In local sports, the Vancouver Giants made a major roster move by trading longtime captain Ty Halaburda to acquire NHL-drafted defenceman Will Sharpe from the Kelowna Rockets and Vancouver FC signs three new players to their roster for the 2026 season.
Traffic advisories for Langley Township: January 2025 road closures and construction
Multiple road projects are currently underway or starting soon across Langley Township. Here are the key closures and traffic impacts:
Major Projects:
- 86 Avenue between 200 Street and 202B Street: December 2024 to Fall 2026 - Road improvements including widening to four lanes, new traffic signals at 201 Street and 202 Street, bike lanes and multi-use pathways, and boulevard landscaping. Single-lane alternating traffic from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
- 205 Street between 32 Avenue and 36 Avenue: Road closure until January 16 - Full closure with detour routes in effect.
Fraser Highway Work:
- Fraser Highway between 23000 Block and 240 Street: January 2 to 15 - Utility work with single-lane alternating traffic from 9am to 2pm.
- Fraser Highway between 23500 Block to 23700 Block: January 2 to 15 - Single-lane alternating traffic from 9am to 2pm, Monday to Saturday.
- Fraser Highway between 27100 Block and 27300 Block: Until March 27 - Extended utility work with single-lane alternating traffic from 9am to 2:30pm.
Other Active Closures:
- Nathan Slough Bridge at 272 Street: Until further notice - South bound lane closed with single-lane alternating traffic via temporary traffic signal. Speed reduced to 30 km/h.
- 200 Street between 24 Avenue and 27 Avenue: Until January 9 - Single-lane alternating traffic from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
- 201 Street between 102B Avenue and 100A Avenue: Until January 31 - Single-lane alternating traffic from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.
- 88 Avenue between 19600 Block and 200 Street: Extended to April 17 - Single-lane alternating traffic from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Traffic control personnel will be on site at all work zones. Delays should be expected during peak hours.
Langley Care Society Seeks Community Leaders for Board Positions
The Langley Care Society, which operates Langley Lodge, is on the hunt for dedicated volunteers to join its Board of Directors and help guide the future of senior care in the community.
Founded way back in 1971, the non-profit organization provides long-term complex care for 139 residents with a focus on both physical and emotional well-being.
The Society is looking for community-minded individuals who bring leadership experience and a genuine commitment to supporting quality care for older adults in Langley.
Board members will be responsible for governance oversight, contributing to strategic planning, and serving as ambassadors for residents and their families. The position requires attending six board meetings annually, participating on committees, and engaging in strategic planning sessions and key events.
Directors can expect to contribute approximately 5-10 volunteer hours per month, and the organization welcomes applicants from diverse professional backgrounds including healthcare, finance, legal, fundraising, and human resources.
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Gabriela Matute at gmatute@langleylodge.org by February 10th.
Langley City Completes Baldi Creek Trail Improvements for Enhanced Accessibility
Before and after photos of Baldi Creek Trail
One of Langley City's busiest trail segments has received a significant upgrade that will make it more accessible to residents of all abilities.
The Baldi Creek Trail, which runs between 200th/Michaud Crescent and 53rd Avenue, has been newly paved and widened from 2.5 metres to 3 metres. The project, which was approved by Council late last year, has now been completed and is ready for public use.
This trail segment connects to the broader Nicomekl Trail network and Brydon Lagoon, making it a crucial link in Langley City's extensive park and trail system. The improvements continue decades of investment in making the floodplain trail network accessible to all users, regardless of their physical abilities.
The wider, paved surface will make it easier for wheelchair users, those with mobility aids, parents with strollers, and cyclists to navigate this popular route.
The completion of this project represents Langley City's ongoing commitment to enhancing quality of life through improved recreational infrastructure that serves the entire community.
Aldergrove Youth Soccer Club Gears Up for Spring Season with Enhanced Programs
Spring is on the horizon, and the Aldergrove Youth Soccer Club is already preparing to kick off another season with a renewed focus on player development and coaching excellence.
The club is working diligently to strengthen its coaching education programs and create better pathways for players of all ages and skill levels. This initiative aims to ensure that young athletes in the Aldergrove community have access to quality instruction and opportunities to develop their soccer skills.
The emphasis on coaching education reflects the club's commitment to providing a supportive environment where players can grow both athletically and personally. By investing in coach development, the club hopes to create a positive experience for all participants from grassroots levels through to more competitive programs.
Parents and young players interested in participating in the upcoming spring season should keep an eye out for registration details and program information from the club in the coming weeks.
Eby plans to weaken BC Indigenous rights law after court enforces it
Premier David Eby says he will amend BC's landmark Indigenous rights legislation after courts ruled it legally enforceable.
The 2019 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act passed unanimously and was co-developed with First Nations, but a December court ruling that upheld Indigenous land rights in the Gitxaała case has prompted Eby to propose changes limiting judicial enforcement.
Indigenous lawyers call the premier's response "extremely offensive," arguing he is unilaterally weakening protections that were meant to hold government accountable to reconciliation commitments.
Critics say Eby is prioritizing corporate interests over Indigenous rights by framing court decisions that respect treaty obligations as threats to economic stability.
B.C. Conservative Leadership Hopeful Calls for Unity and Discipline
Yuri Fulmer has officially entered the race to lead the Conservative Party of B.C., with a message focused on building a "grand coalition" and moving past the party's recent internal divisions.
The leadership candidate is emphasizing the need for the party to refrain from "undisciplined" behaviour if it wants to be taken seriously as a governing alternative in British Columbia. Fulmer's comments come as the party works to rebuild its image and establish itself as a credible political force in the province.
One of the more interesting aspects of Fulmer's platform is his openness to discussions about potentially allowing ejected MLAs to return to the party fold. This conciliatory approach suggests he wants to focus on unity rather than dwelling on past conflicts that have divided the conservative movement in B.C.
His campaign message of moving forward and creating a broad conservative coalition could appeal to party members tired of infighting and looking for a fresh start. The leadership race will test whether B.C. Conservative members are ready to embrace this vision of a more disciplined, unified party.
Premier Eby Heads to India on Economic Trade Mission
B.C. Premier David Eby is packing his bags for an economic trade mission to India, departing on January 9th with Economic Growth Minister Ravi Kahlon in tow.
The trip represents an important opportunity for British Columbia to strengthen trade ties with one of the world's fastest-growing economies. India has become an increasingly important trading partner for B.C., particularly in sectors like technology, education, and natural resources.
Having Minister Kahlon join the Premier on the trip makes strategic sense, as the Economic Growth Minister can engage directly with Indian business leaders and government officials about investment opportunities. The mission will likely focus on attracting investment to B.C. while also opening doors for British Columbia companies looking to expand into Indian markets.
The timing of the trade mission suggests the provincial government is prioritizing economic relationships and international trade as key components of its economic strategy for 2026.
Jason McDaniel Officially Takes the Wheel as ICBC's New CEO
After serving in an interim capacity, Jason McDaniel has been officially named CEO of ICBC, bringing nearly two decades of institutional knowledge to the top job.
McDaniel first joined ICBC back in 2006 and has held several leadership roles throughout his tenure with the Crown corporation. His extensive experience within the organization means he's well-versed in both its challenges and opportunities as it continues to evolve under the no-fault insurance model.
The appointment provides stability and continuity at a crucial time for ICBC as it works to maintain financial sustainability while serving British Columbia drivers.
McDaniel's familiarity with the organization's operations and culture should allow him to hit the ground running without a lengthy transition period.
His permanent appointment signals confidence from the provincial government in his ability to lead ICBC through whatever challenges lie ahead in the insurance landscape.
Far-right fitness clubs hide white nationalism behind wellness culture
A growing network of "Active Clubs" is recruiting young men through fitness and self-improvement messaging while promoting white nationalist ideology.
These groups, which have grown 25 percent since 2023 with 187 clubs in 27 countries including Canada, disguise fascist beliefs behind the language of brotherhood and personal growth.
Some Canadian members have been linked to designated terrorist organizations like the AtomWaffen Division.
The clubs make extremism appealing by reframing political radicalization as wellness culture, making it harder for parents, educators, and law enforcement to detect the danger.
Royal Canadian Air Force Commander Reports Growth Despite Ongoing Challenges
The head of the Royal Canadian Air Force says the service is on a "path of growth" in 2026, despite facing significant challenges over the past six months.
The RCAF commander, who has been in the top job for only half a year, has already overseen an eventful period as the force works to modernize and expand its capabilities. The growth trajectory is particularly noteworthy given the well-documented recruitment and retention challenges facing the Canadian Armed Forces as a whole.
The RCAF has been working on multiple fronts including acquiring new equipment, improving training programs, and addressing personnel shortages that have plagued the service. The commander's optimistic assessment suggests that some of these efforts are beginning to bear fruit.
Whether this path of growth can be sustained will depend on continued government support, successful recruitment efforts, and the ability to retain experienced personnel in an increasingly competitive job market. The coming year will be crucial in determining if the RCAF can meet its ambitious expansion goals.
Vancouver FC Bolsters Roster with Three Experienced Signings
Vancouver FC is beefing up its lineup ahead of the upcoming season with the addition of three new experienced players.
The signings represent the club's commitment to building a competitive roster that can challenge for success in the coming campaign.
By bringing in players with experience, VFC is looking to add depth and veteran leadership to complement their existing talent.
While specific details about the individual players haven't been fully disclosed, the move signals the club's ambition and forward planning as they prepare for another season. The additions should provide valuable experience and competition for spots throughout the roster.
Fans of the Langley-based squad will be eager to see how these new signings integrate with the team and contribute to success on the pitch when the season kicks off.
Vancouver Giants Make Big Move, Trading Captain for NHL-Drafted Defenceman
The Vancouver Giants have shaken things up with a significant trade, acquiring 18-year-old defenceman Will Sharpe from the Kelowna Rockets in exchange for longtime captain Ty Halaburda and two future draft picks.
Sharpe, who hails from Ladner, B.C., was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft and recorded an impressive career-high 44 points last season. The smooth-skating left-shot defender has 16 points in 31 games this season and brings significant upside as a 2007-born NHL prospect.
Halaburda departs Vancouver after five seasons with the Giants, finishing in the top-10 in multiple offensive categories including 4th in points (220), 6th in goals (96), and tied-7th in assists (124). The Victoria native was drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2020 WHL Draft and had just recorded his fourth consecutive 20-goal season this past weekend.
Giants General Manager Hnat Domenichelli expressed excitement about adding Sharpe's leadership, skating ability, and hockey IQ to the blueline, while thanking Halaburda for his dedication and consistency over five years. The trade signals a new era for the Langley-based team as they look to build for the future.
Sabres Hold Off Canucks' Late Rally in 5-3 Victory
The Buffalo Sabres managed to fend off a spirited late-game comeback attempt by the Vancouver Canucks, hanging on for a 5-3 victory that left the home team frustrated.
Vancouver showed some fight in the final period, mounting a comeback that had the potential to swing the game in their favor. However, the Sabres were able to weather the storm and maintain their lead through some tense final minutes that had both benches on edge.
The loss is a tough one for the Canucks, who will need to regroup quickly as they continue their road swing with a game in Detroit on Thursday.
Being able to generate that late push is a positive sign, but moral victories don't count in the standings.
For Vancouver, the key will be finding a way to start games stronger so they're not constantly playing catch-up. The Canucks have shown they can compete, but consistency remains an issue that could define their season.
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