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Mostly cloudy in Langley today, with a high near 21°C and a slight chance of rain.
In today's roundup, the Langley Pride Society rolls out a full month of June events ahead of Langley Pride Day in August, Langley City Council distributes nearly $170,000 in community grants to 44 local organizations, and Archway Community Services flags Indigenous History Month happenings across the Fraser Valley.
On the political beat, Gurjit Dhillon launches a second run at Langley City Council with deep labour roots and an urbanist-leaning pitch.
In sports, the Langley Blaze punch their ticket to the Morneau Cup nationals after a 9-0 shutout of Abbotsford, and two Vancouver Giants prospects head to the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. Plus, the Rotary Clubs' Hoop-A-Thon shoots for youth sports this Saturday at Trinity Western University.
Langley Pride Society fills June with Pride Month events
The Langley Pride Society has a full slate of events lined up for Pride Month.
Early highlights include a plushie taxidermy workshop at Oldhand Coffee on June 11, a community booth at Douglas Park on June 13, and Pride trivia at Camp Beer Co. on June 17.
Later in the month, USW District 3 hosts its first-ever Steel Pride Night on June 19, the Vancouver Gaymers bring board games to Farm Country Brewing on June 22, and a drag show with Scarlett Rosé lights up Five Roads Brewing on June 25.
Boozy Bingo runs every Friday at Camp Beer Co., with proceeds supporting the Society's main festival.
Langley Pride Day returns to Creekside Hall on Saturday, August 8, with a free afternoon family festival and a 19+ evening concert and dance.
Langley City Council Distributes Nearly $170K in Community Grants
Langley City Council has awarded $169,967 in community grants to 44 local organizations, funded by a portion of the city's casino revenue.
The largest single allocation, $20,000, went to Langley Seniors Resources Society. The Waceya Metis Society received $10,000, while the stɑl̓əw Arts and Cultural Society and Langley Pride Society each received $5,000.
Grants also supported neighbourhood block parties, school dry grad committees, and cultural festivals, including $16,935 for the Downtown Langley Business Association's Arts Alive Festival and $8,500 for Bard in the Valley Society.
Organizations focused on community justice, literacy, animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and youth programming were among the recipients. It is a welcome reminder that casino revenue can be directed toward grassroots community benefit rather than disappearing into general coffers.
Residents and informal groups interested in future funding can learn more through Langley City's community grant program page.
Indigenous History Month: Events and Exhibits Across the Fraser Valley
National Indigenous History Month is underway, and Archway Community Services has compiled a list of events, exhibits, and cultural activities happening throughout Abbotsford and Chilliwack in June.
Highlights include a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Mill Lake Park on June 5, the SELXWI:CHEL Arts and Culture Festival at Trethewey House on June 7, and Chillcouture: The Red Gala, an Indigenous fashion showcase at Shxwhá:y Village Cultural Centre on June 19.
Permanent exhibits and guided tours are also available, including StĂł:lĹŤ Tourism's guided grounds tours of the Coqualeetza and St. Mary's Residential School sites, spaces that hold deep significance for StĂł:lĹŤ communities and the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation.
All events centre Indigenous voices, art, and storytelling. Most are free and family friendly.
Former union rep Gurjit Dhillon makes second council run
Gurjit Dhillon is taking another swing at Langley City Council.
The wood and timber technologist has deep labour roots, including time as a business agent for SEIU Local 244 and work with the Canadian Labour Congress.
He finished last in the 2022 race with 466 votes, about 12 per cent of the total.
His pitch from the previous campaign: more transit, more bike lanes, community gardens, and infrastructure that keeps up with new development.
Langley Blaze win BC title, head to nationals
The Langley Blaze are going back to nationals.
The team won the 2026 BC Qualifier Championship on Sunday with a 9-0 shutout of the Abbotsford Cardinals.
That earns them a spot at the Morneau Cup National Championship in Alberta, set for July 14 to 19.
The Blaze battled through a tough field and bounced back from two walk-off losses to finish strong.
THIS SATURDAY: Langley Hoop-A-Thon raises money for youth sports
Langley's Rotary Clubs are hosting their third annual Hoop-A-Thon on Saturday, June 6.
Teams of up to five players raise money, then shoot as many free throws as they can in 60 seconds.
All net proceeds support youth sports and other youth programs in the community.
The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. at Trinity Western University, with prizes for the top shooter, the top fundraising team, and the best costumes.
Giants' Ryan Lin and Mathis Preston Invited to NHL Scouting Combine
Vancouver Giants defenceman Ryan Lin and forward Mathis Preston are among 90 prospects invited to the 2026 NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, running June 1 through 6.
Lin, ranked 16th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, led the Giants in scoring last season with 57 points in 53 games. His 1.08 points per game rank third among Giants defencemen in franchise history.
Preston, ranked 32nd, showed flashes of top-end talent with 12 points in just 10 games after being acquired from the Spokane Chiefs midseason, though a lower-body injury cut his campaign short.
Both players represented Canada at the IIHF U18 World Championships in April, finishing tied for eighth in tournament scoring. The NHL Entry Draft takes place June 26 and 27 in Buffalo.
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