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Happy Friday, Langley!
It's a cloudy one out there with highs hovering around 5°C, so keep that extra layer handy.
Today's roundup leads with tough news from Trinity Western University, where federal caps on international students are forcing significant cost cuts and reportedly 75 layoffs at one of Langley's biggest institutions.
Langley City Council is also modernizing its fire safety approach and backing food security programs, while Fort Langley's community association is urging the province to fast-track drone licensing before mosquito season hits.
On stage, Little Dipper Theatre opens "Tempting Providence" tonight at Swallowfield Barn. In sports, the Canucks pulled off a wild comeback against Nashville, and former Giant Brett Mirwald picked up Canada West's top goaltending honour at UBC.
Plus, every member of BC's old-growth protection panel is now publicly criticizing the province for falling short on conservation promises, and politicians continue to fan the flames over Indigenous title despite First Nations being among Metro Vancouver's biggest property developers.
Langley Arts Council Invites Community to Celebrate Cultural Heritage
The Langley Arts Council's Celebration of Culture continues its month-long run, offering residents a unique opportunity to reflect on the community's rich heritage.
The event features a diverse array of workshops and performances designed to engage the public in meaningful cultural dialogue. Running throughout March, the celebration brings together various artistic expressions and cultural traditions from across the community.
Participants can explore heritage through interactive experiences that showcase the area's multicultural identity and artistic talent.
Trinity Western's Over-Reliance on International Students Comes Home to Roost
Trinity Western University is cutting costs after years of leaning heavily on international student tuition left it vulnerable to federal policy changes.
Ottawa's caps on study permits have exposed just how dependent the Langley-based school had become on foreign enrollment to balance its books.
An unconfirmed source suggests 75 staff will be laid off starting in March, though TWU has not disclosed specifics.
Other BC institutions like Kwantlen Polytechnic and Langara College are facing similar consequences for the same reason.
Little Dipper Theatre Brings Newfoundland Nursing Story to Swallowfield Barn Stage
Little Dipper Theatre is staging "Tempting Providence," a play based on the true story of English nurse Myra Bennett, who served 500 kilometres of rugged Newfoundland coastline after the First World War.
The production blends movement, dance, and vibrant East Coast culture at Swallowfield Barn, a working farm near Fort Langley.
Shows run select dates from March 13 to 29, with evening and matinee options. Tickets range from $27 to $35 at littledippertheatre.com.
Fort Langley Community Pushes for Urgent Drone Licensing to Combat Mosquito Problem
The Fort Langley Community Association is calling on BC's Minister of Environment and Parks to expedite drone licensing before the 2026 freshet arrives.
In an open letter to MLA Hon. Lanaas - Tamara Davidson, community directors are requesting accelerated approval for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) to be used specifically for mosquito mitigation efforts.
The timing is critical, as the spring freshet (aka the seasonal flooding caused by snowmelt and rain) creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes in the Fraser Valley region. The use of drones for mosquito control would represent a modern approach to managing this annual public health challenge.
Without expedited licensing, the community fears missing the crucial window for effective intervention before mosquito populations surge.
Langley City Council Modernizes Fire Safety Approach and Supports Food Security
Langley City Council has given three readings to a comprehensive new fire safety bylaw that brings the municipality in line with provincial standards.
The proposed bylaw represents a significant shift from time-based to risk-based fire safety inspections, meaning different types of businesses will be inspected according to their specific fire hazards rather than on a fixed schedule.
For example, restaurants with commercial kitchens would receive different inspection protocols than standard office spaces. Council also updated related fees and charges to reflect the new approach.
In other business, the city received a report on its recent Ottawa advocacy mission and appointed volunteers to various municipal committees for 2026. Council also threw its support behind the BC Farmers Market's Nutrition Coupon Program, which provides $27 weekly in coupons to lower-income families, pregnant individuals, and seniors.
Additionally, the Langley Community Action Team presented a proposal for a permanent memorial honoring those affected by the toxic drug crisis, which has been referred to the Arts, Recreation, Culture & Heritage Committee for further consideration.
Celebrated Arctic Explorer Brings "The Accidental Canadian" to Langley Stage
Bestselling author and Arctic adventurer James Raffan is set to entertain Langley audiences with his thought-provoking presentation, "The Accidental Canadian."
The celebrated storyteller will take the stage at the Chief Sepass Theatre at Langley Fine Arts School on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with doors opening at 6:45pm and the show beginning at 7:00pm.
Raffan's presentation promises a light-hearted yet meaningful exploration of Canadian identity and northern adventure.
Known for his Arctic expeditions and compelling narratives about Canada's relationship with its northern landscape, Raffan brings a unique perspective to questions of what it means to be Canadian.
The event offers local audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of Canada's most engaging storytellers in an intimate theatre setting.
B.C. Old-Growth Panel Members Say Province Failing on Forest Protection Promises
Every single member of the panel British Columbia appointed in 2021 to identify old-growth forests for protection is now expressing serious concerns about the province's commitment to conservation.
The experts, who were tasked with mapping potentially vulnerable old-growth areas, are publicly stating that B.C. is falling short of its commitments to save these ancient ecosystems.
This represents a significant rebuke from the very people the government selected to guide its old-growth strategy. The panel's unified criticism suggests systemic issues with how the province is approaching forest protection, despite public promises to preserve these irreplaceable natural treasures.
Old-growth forests, which can take centuries to develop, provide crucial habitat for wildlife and play an important role in carbon storage and climate regulation.
January Sees 150 Toxic Drug Deaths in B.C. as Crisis Nears Decade Mark
British Columbia's toxic drug emergency claimed 150 lives in January 2026, according to the provincial coroner's latest figures.
The grim milestone comes as the province approaches nearly 10 years since declaring a public health emergency over toxic drug deaths.
The persistent death toll underscores the ongoing challenges facing health officials, first responders, and communities across B.C. in addressing the crisis.
Despite various interventions and programs implemented over the past decade, the toxic drug supply continues to claim lives at an alarming rate.
The January numbers serve as a sobering reminder that the emergency is far from over, with families and communities continuing to lose loved ones to poisoned street drugs.
Surrey's Backpack Buddies Steps Up to Feed Students During Spring Break
The Backpack Buddies program is ensuring Surrey students don't go hungry over spring break, recognizing that food insecurity doesn't take a vacation.
For many local families struggling to make ends meet, the week-long school break presents an additional challenge when children lose access to school meal programs.
Backpack Buddies is bridging that gap by providing food support to students who rely on consistent nutrition. The program's continued operation during breaks highlights the reality that hunger is a year-round issue for vulnerable families in the region.
By stepping up during spring break, the organization demonstrates that community support must extend beyond the regular school calendar to truly address childhood food insecurity.
First Nations Are BC's Biggest Developers, But Politicians Keep Pretending They're a Threat
Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations are among the largest property developers in Metro Vancouver, with billions of dollars in housing projects underway.
Yet Conservative leadership candidates and a stumbling Premier Eby continue to stoke fears that Indigenous title recognition threatens private homeowners.
Every First Nation involved in the Cowichan case and the recent Musqueam agreement has clearly stated they are not coming for anyone's home.
The real story isn't about threatened property rights; it's about politicians exploiting settler anxiety instead of honoring reconciliation commitments that are long overdue.
BC Seeks Public Input on Plan to Slash Environmental Review Times
The BC Environmental Assessment Office is asking for public feedback on a proposal that could dramatically speed up environmental review timelines for certain projects.
Under the proposed expedited process, some project timelines could be accelerated by more than 60 per cent, significantly reducing the time between application and approval.
The office is seeking input from stakeholders, environmental groups, industry, and the public on how this streamlined approach might work in practice. Proponents argue faster reviews could help address housing shortages and infrastructure needs, while critics may worry about potential impacts on environmental protection and public consultation.
The feedback period represents a crucial opportunity for British Columbians to weigh in on how the province balances development speed with thorough environmental oversight.
Prime Minister Carney Unveils Massive $40 Billion Northern Investment Package
Prime Minister Carney has announced an ambitious $40 billion investment aimed at transforming Canada's North through defence upgrades and infrastructure development.
The comprehensive package includes military facility improvements, new support hubs for northern communities, expanded road networks, and hydro-power projects designed to modernize the region's infrastructure.
This represents one of the largest federal commitments to northern development in Canadian history. The announcement comes amid growing international focus on Arctic sovereignty and the strategic importance of Canada's northern territories.
The investment aims to strengthen both national security and quality of life for northern residents, addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits while positioning Canada to better assert sovereignty in the Arctic.
The hydro-power expansion component could also advance clean energy goals while reducing reliance on diesel fuel in remote communities.
Federal Government Set to Announce $550 Million for Canadian Research Excellence
Ottawa is preparing to unveil $552 million in new funding for academic research projects across Canada this morning.
The federal government will be naming the recipients of this substantial investment in Canadian research and innovation. The announcement represents a significant commitment to supporting academic institutions and researchers pursuing cutting-edge work across various disciplines.
Such funding typically supports everything from fundamental scientific research to applied projects with potential commercial applications. The investment signals federal recognition of research and development as crucial to Canada's economic competitiveness and ability to address complex challenges.
Details about which projects and institutions will receive funding are expected to be revealed during the official announcement.
Constituents Launch Recall Campaign Against Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream MLA Tara Armstrong
Voters in Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream are organizing to recall Independent MLA Tara Armstrong, who has tried to repeal the province's Human Rights Code and blamed the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting on "transgender ideology."
Armstrong was elected as a BC Conservative in 2024 but has since jumped parties twice, and critics say she abandoned the affordability and health care issues she campaigned on.
The recall campaign says it already has over 100 volunteers and cross-party support from Conservatives, New Democrats, and Greens.
If approved by Elections BC, organizers will have 60 days to collect more than 18,000 signatures to force a byelection.
Province Invests $6.6 Million to Help Remote First Nations Reduce Diesel Dependence
The provincial government is providing $6.6 million to support remote British Columbia First Nations in reducing their reliance on diesel fuel.
The funding will support projects including solar panel installations, building insulation improvements, and the development of comprehensive community energy plans.
Many remote First Nations communities currently depend heavily on expensive and polluting diesel generators for electricity and heating. This investment aims to help communities transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources while reducing costs. Solar installations and improved insulation can significantly decrease energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The community energy planning component will help First Nations develop long-term strategies for achieving energy independence and sustainability tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
DeBrusk Delivers in Shootout as Canucks Rally Past Predators
Jake DeBrusk scored the decisive shootout goal as the Vancouver Canucks overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat the Nashville Predators 4-3 at Rogers Arena.
The victory provided a rare bright moment in what has been a challenging season for the Canucks, who found themselves down by two goals with less than five minutes remaining in regulation.
The team's resilience in battling back to force overtime and then the shootout showcased the kind of determination that's been inconsistent this year.
Former BCHL stars Tyson Jost and Cole Wood had strong performances for Nashville, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. DeBrusk's shootout winner capped off an impressive comeback that could provide momentum as the season winds down.
The thrilling finish gave the Rogers Arena faithful something to cheer about after enduring a difficult campaign.
Former Giants Goalie Mirwald Earns Canada West's Top Honour at UBC
Vancouver Giants alumnus Brett Mirwald has been named Canada West Goaltender of the Year after an outstanding season with the UBC Thunderbirds.
Mirwald posted a conference-leading 2.27 goals against average along with an 11-1-2 record and .907 save percentage in 2025-26, becoming the first former Giant to earn this prestigious honour.
The Saskatoon native is just the second Thunderbird goalie ever to win the award, having already made history with the Giants in 2023-24 as the first Giants netminder to capture the WHL's Del Wilson Memorial Trophy as league Goaltender of the Year.
Thunderbirds head coach Sven Butenschön praised Mirwald's work ethic and drive, noting that despite his success, the goalie remains hungry for improvement.
Mirwald tied for the conference lead with 11 wins, added two shutouts, and finished with five straight victories while losing just once in regulation all year—truly a feel-good story of sustained excellence that recently earned him a call-up to the ECHL's Allen Americans on March 8th.
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