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Good afternoon, Langley!
We're wrapping up the week with cloudy skies and temperatures around 7°C today, with similar conditions expected through the weekend as we hover between 5-8°C.
Today's roundup examines some sobering news with a fatal train collision in North Langley raising renewed safety concerns, while TransLink's expansion plan, including our long-awaited BRT system, face an uncertain future as federal transit funding gets slashed in half.
On a brighter note, the Vancouver Giants are bringing serious NHL Draft talent to Langley Events Centre, Campbell Valley Park is getting much-needed boardwalk upgrades, and Langley-Willowbrook MLA Jody Toor joins a new cross-border legislative group that could finally give Fraser Valley communities direct channels to address shared challenges with Washington State.
Fatal Train Collision Claims Life in North Langley
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a train in North Langley on Thursday evening in a tragic incident that brought emergency crews to the scene.
First responders were called to the location Thursday evening, but despite their swift arrival, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident has once again raised concerns about railway safety in residential areas of Langley.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Rail traffic in the area was temporarily suspended while crews conducted their initial investigation and recovery operations.
This marks another somber reminder of the dangers posed by railway crossings and tracks in populated areas, with local officials likely to review safety measures in the coming weeks.
Charity Hockey Game Brings Community Together at Twin Rinks
Langley's Twin Rinks will host a special charity hockey game that combines competitive sport with community compassion.
The Rush to Recovery charity game is set to benefit BC Children's Hospital, bringing together local hockey enthusiasts for a worthy cause. The event represents the kind of community-minded initiative that Langley has become known for, where sports and philanthropy intersect.
Organizers are expecting strong attendance from both players and spectators who want to support the hospital's vital work. BC Children's Hospital provides critical care to young patients across the province, making it a cause close to many local families' hearts.
The game promises not only exciting hockey action but also an opportunity for the community to rally around supporting children's healthcare in British Columbia.
Campbell Valley Park Gets Major Boardwalk Upgrades
Langley's beloved Campbell Valley Park is getting a significant infrastructure boost with the replacement of its aging boardwalks.
The upgrade is part of a larger expansion of trails in the popular Metro Vancouver park, which sees thousands of visitors each year. The existing boardwalks, which have served hikers and nature enthusiasts for years, are being replaced with new, more durable structures designed to withstand the elements and heavy foot traffic.
Metro Vancouver officials say the improvements will enhance accessibility and safety for park visitors while maintaining the natural aesthetic that makes Campbell Valley such a treasured outdoor space. The boardwalks traverse some of the park's most sensitive wetland areas, allowing visitors to experience these ecosystems up close without damaging fragile habitats.
The trail expansion project demonstrates continued investment in the region's park infrastructure, ensuring that future generations can enjoy these natural spaces.
TransLink's Future Hinges on Federal and Provincial Funding
Metro Vancouver's ambitious transit expansion plans, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Langley, face an uncertain future as federal funding appears set to decline significantly.
While the TransLink Mayors' Council secured the 2025 Investment Plan that keeps operations funded through 2027, any major expansion projects like Langley's long-awaited BRT system depend entirely on additional federal and provincial dollars.
The problem?
Federal transit funding is expected to drop from $4.1 billion (2016-2025) to just $2.1 billion over the next decade—exactly when the region needs more, not less.
Local mayors, including those representing Langley, have been actively lobbying Ottawa to increase transit commitments, recognizing that projects like SkyTrain expansions and BRT corridors will remain "just lines on a map" without senior government support.
The Mayors' Council is pushing for a regional package approach rather than piecemeal project funding.
For Langley residents eager for improved transit connections, the message is clear: federal and provincial support will make or break the community's transit future.
Abbotsford Community Takes Icy Plunge for Good Cause
More than 60 brave souls gathered at Albert Dyck Lake on New Year's Day for Archway Community Services' inaugural Polar Bear Plunge, diving into icy waters to support their community.
Thirty-five participants of all ages took the plunge at noon, with Archway CEO Rod Santiago himself joining in the frigid festivities after delivering encouraging words about community impact. The event successfully raised nearly $3,000 for the Archway Community Action Fund, which supports essential programs ranging from senior transportation to Meals on Wheels delivery.
Manager of Philanthropy Cindy Walker praised the turnout, noting that seeing families and teams cheering each other on was a highlight of the day. Winners in various categories received IKEA Abbotsford gift certificates for their cold-water courage.
For those who missed the event, donations will continue to be accepted on Archway's website until January 20th, ensuring everyone can contribute to supporting vulnerable community members in Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley.
B.C. and Washington Launch Cross-Border Legislative Group to Tackle Shared Challenges
British Columbia and Washington State have formalized an interparliamentary group bringing together legislators from both sides of the border to discuss mutual interests including trade relationships, environmental concerns, and cross-border infrastructure.
Langley-Willowbrook MLA Jody Toor joins the bilateral forum that will hold annual meetings alternating between jurisdictions, offering a grassroots alternative for regional cooperation that doesn't depend on federal goodwill.
While Premier David Eby pivots toward diversifying trade partners amid Trump's tariff threats, this legislative partnership creates space for border communities to address shared challenges through direct dialogue rather than nationalist posturing.
The group could potentially tackle longstanding Fraser Valley concerns like Nooksack River flooding that devastated the former Sumas Lake region, though flood mitigation isn't formally listed among the forum's immediate priorities.
B.C. Researchers Discover Fish Have Voices—And They're Chatty
British Columbia's underwater world just got a lot noisier—or at least we're finally hearing it—thanks to groundbreaking research identifying unique sounds from eight local fish species.
The wild sounds detected by B.C. researchers include grunts and growls, knocks and croaks, but they don't belong to any terrestrial creature. Instead, these vocalizations are the previously unknown "voices" of fish species that share our coastal waters, challenging the outdated notion that fish are silent swimmers.
The research team's work opens up fascinating new avenues for understanding fish behavior, communication, and ecology in British Columbia's rich marine environments. These acoustic signatures could help scientists monitor fish populations, understand spawning patterns, and even detect changes in marine ecosystems before they become visible through other means.
So next time you're near B.C.'s waters, remember: beneath the surface, there's an entire conversation happening that we're only just beginning to understand.
Meet the New Vancouver Giants: Young Talent Arrives in Langley
Langley Events Centre will be home to some exciting new hockey talent as the Vancouver Giants introduce their revamped roster to fans.
The team's headline acquisition is 17-year-old Mathis Preston from Penticton, currently ranked 8th among prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft. Preston brings elite speed and skill, having notched 32 points in 36 games this season with Spokane and playing a key role in the Chiefs' run to last year's WHL Championship Series.
Also joining the G-Men is Joe Iginla, another 17-year-old phenom and the son of legendary NHLer Jarome Iginla. On defence, the Giants added Will Sharpe, a Los Angeles Kings draft pick from Ladner, and Kaleb Hartmann, a tough, steady blueliner from Langley who returns home after playing prep hockey at Delta Hockey Academy.
With six first-round picks in hand over the next three drafts, the Giants are clearly building for sustained success, giving Langley fans plenty of reasons to pack the LEC this season and beyond.
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