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Happy Monday, Langley!
It's a drizzly start to the week with light rain and temperatures sitting around 6°C, and more wet weather is on the way as an atmospheric river moves through the region.
The big story today is the 50th Junior All Native Tournament🏀, which kicked off at the Langley Events Centre on Sunday with 129 teams and over 1,800 Indigenous youth athletes from across B.C.
On the municipal front, Langley Township's 2026 budget passed on a 5-4 party-line vote after a heated debate over the Township's ballooning debt, and a Langley City resident is praising Mayor Pachal's decision to put major spending to a referendum while questioning the cost of a proposed pool and arts centre.
In community news, LAPS held a free vet clinic at Gateway of Hope, and a free nature event is coming to Aldergrove Regional Park on March 26.
On the sports side, the Goldeneyes dropped their fourth straight in overtime, but the Giants rallied for an OT win in Seattle.
JANT Basketball Tourney Turns 50: Over 1,800 Indigenous Youth Descend on Langley
The 50th Junior All Native Tournament kicked off at the Langley Events Centre on Sunday, drawing 129 basketball teams and more than 1,800 athletes from Indigenous communities across B.C.
The tournament, co-hosted by Kwantlen First Nation and the Vancouver Bandits, has grown significantly from last year's record-setting 113 teams in Kelowna.
As The Langley Union reported last year, the event is far more than a basketball tournament; it traces its roots to a time when Indigenous gatherings were outlawed under Canadian law.
Rainer Fehrenbacher
Games tip off today at venues across Langley, with championships on Friday at centre court.
Township Budget Passes 5-4 as Debt Concerns Divide Council
Langley Township council narrowly approved its 2026 budget on Monday after a two-hour debate that split along faction lines.
The budget includes a 3.97% property tax increase, 17 new firefighters, and two RCMP officers. Mayor Eric Woodward's Progress for Langley slate voted as a bloc to pass it, while all four independent councillors voted against.
The independents pointed to the Township's ballooning debt as a central concern. Councillor Blair Whitmarsh noted that debt servicing costs have hit $53 million and are projected to reach $74 million by 2030.
That trajectory tracks with warnings from community watchdogs like Strong Towns Langley and Langley Tomorrow, who have documented how Township borrowing has quadrupled from roughly $168 million before the 2022 election to over $668 million in approved authorizations.
Much of that borrowing is tied to sports facilities and land purchases that depend on future developer fees to pay off, a strategy thrown into uncertainty after the BC Supreme Court struck down the Township's community amenity contribution program last year.
Woodward dismissed the projected debt figures and called the opposition's criticism "politics at its worst." His slate defended the spending as necessary to address long-neglected infrastructure, including a culvert that collapsed during an atmospheric river.
Councillor Margaret Kunst pushed back, calling the budget process lacking in transparency and saying residents deserve better.
The budget passed its first three readings, with a final vote still to come.
Langley City Resident Questions Project Costs, Praises Pachal for Referendum
A letter to the editor in the Langley Advance Times raises concerns about the price tag of two major projects heading to Langley City voters this October.
Resident Richard Penner credits Mayor Nathan Pachal for moving away from the Alternative Approval Process in favour of a direct referendum on a proposed performing arts centre and swimming pool.
But Penner warns the projects could bring long-term tax increases that outlast the voters who approve them.
The letter also criticizes SkyTrain construction disruptions and the displacement of Pyramid Apartments tenants, calling it part of a legacy of decisions made without direct voter input.
Families Invited to Discover Nature at Free Aldergrove Park Event on March 26
Nature lovers and families looking for an outdoor adventure won't want to miss a free drop-in event at Aldergrove Regional Park on March 26.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and promises to offer hands-on opportunities for families to explore the natural beauty of the Aldergrove area.
Participants will have the chance to learn about local ecosystems, wildlife, and the importance of conservation in the Fraser Valley.
The park provides a perfect setting for children and adults alike to connect with nature through guided activities and educational programming.
Organizers are encouraging everyone to drop by at their convenience during the three-hour window, making it an accessible option for families with varying schedules.
Langley Records Four Toxic Drug Deaths in January as Crisis Continues
The overdose crisis claimed four more lives in Langley during January, according to newly released data.
These deaths contribute to British Columbia's grim statistic of 4.8 deaths per day from toxic drugs, highlighting the ongoing public health emergency gripping the province.
The poisoned drug supply continues to pose a significant risk to users, with fentanyl and other potent substances frequently found in street drugs.
Health officials and community organizations are working to expand harm reduction services, including supervised consumption sites and drug checking programs.
Despite increased awareness and intervention efforts, the death toll demonstrates the persistent challenges facing communities like Langley in combating this preventable tragedy.
Free Vet Clinic at Gateway of Hope Brings Care to Pets in Need
LAPS and Haven Veterinary Clinic offered free pet care at the Salvation Army Gateway of Hope in Langley on March 12.
Volunteers examined 20 animals, providing wellness checks, vaccinations, and microchipping to low-income pet owners who otherwise couldn't afford it. Two dogs with serious health concerns were flagged for follow-up treatment funded through LAPS' Major's Legacy Fund.
The clinic, now in its third round, is supported by community donations and a BC SPCA Hospital Trust Fund grant.
Atmospheric River to Bring Wet and Windy Conditions Across B.C.
Commuters across parts of British Columbia should brace for a cold, wet, and windy start to the week as an atmospheric river approaches the coast.
Environment Canada has issued warnings for multiple regions, with the weather system expected to bring significant rainfall and strong winds throughout Monday. The atmospheric river will impact coastal and inland areas alike.
Drivers are being advised to exercise caution on roadways, particularly during morning and evening rush hours when visibility may be reduced and roads could become slippery.
The system is expected to persist through early week, with conditions gradually improving as it moves through the region by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Goldeneyes Drop Fourth Straight in OT Heartbreaker
Vancouver fell 3-2 to the Ottawa Charge in overtime on Saturday. The Goldeneyes outshot Ottawa 36-17 and held a late lead, but a goal with 54 seconds left in regulation forced extra time.
Rebecca Leslie scored the winner for Ottawa less than three minutes into overtime.
Vancouver hosts the New York Sirens on Wednesday looking to snap the skid.
Vancouver Giants Rally for Overtime Victory Against Seattle Thunderbirds
Ryan Lin delivered the overtime heroics as the Vancouver Giants defeated the Seattle Thunderbirds 3-2 in an exciting come-from-behind affair.
The draft-eligible defenceman scored just 32 seconds before the end of overtime, putting in a rebound off a Mathis Preston shot to secure the victory on Sunday night at the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington. Blake Chorney and Misha Volotovskii provided the regulation goals for Vancouver, while goaltender Burke Hood made 27 saves on 29 shots to earn his 18th win of the season.
The Giants' penalty kill was outstanding, going a perfect 5-for-5, including killing off a late third-period penalty that could have cost them the game.
Seattle had tied the game 2-2 late in the third period through Cameron Schmidt, but the Giants showed resilience in the extra frame to improve their record to 25-38-1-2 for 53 points.