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Happy Monday, Langley!
We're getting a partly sunny start to March with temperatures around 11°C, so enjoy the dry window before the rain likely returns tomorrow. Today's roundup has a good mix of local and national news.
The Township wants your help deciding the layout of the Old Yale Dog Park, with three options on the table and a survey open until March 29. Over in Maple Ridge, a major proposal to convert nearly 300 hectares of rural land into industrial use could have ripple effects across the region, including right here in Langley.
KPU's TALK program is proving that learning has no age limit with courses for the 50-plus crowd.
On the national front, PM Carney met with India's Modi to announce energy partnerships, while Foreign Affairs Minister Anand dodged questions about the legality of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
And in sports, the Abbotsford Canucks swept Calgary in back-to-back shootout wins to boost their playoff chances, while the Vancouver Giants fell just short in Kamloops.
Township seeks public input on Old Yale Dog Park layout
Old Yale Dog Park - Map and Photo
The Township of Langley is asking residents to weigh in on the future layout of the off-leash dog park at Old Yale Park near Old Yale Road and 224 Street.
Three options are on the table: one open shared space, two general-use sections, or three designated zones for big dogs, small dogs, and all dogs.
The Township recently completed upgrades to the park, which has faced drainage challenges since it was built in a natural wetland area in 2015.
Residents can fill out the survey until Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Learn More & Complete the Survey
Maple Ridge proposes major industrial land conversion near Langley region
Current Regional Land-Use Designation (left) and Proposed Regional Land-Use Designation by Maple Ridge (right) | Source South Fraser Blog
Maple Ridge wants to convert 277 hectares of rural land near North 256 Street into industrial and conservation uses, a change that would require approval from the Metro Vancouver Regional District board.
Metro Vancouver staff say the proposal would add badly needed industrial land to the region, but also raises concerns about natural hazards, tree canopy loss, and urban sprawl beyond the existing Urban Containment Boundary.
The shift could also encourage land speculation elsewhere in the region.
If the board moves forward, local municipalities including Langley City will have a chance to weigh in before any final decision is made.
KPU Program Proves Learning Has No Age Limit
Kwantlen Polytechnic University's TALK program is welcoming seniors aged 50 and up for educational sessions that prove you're never too old to learn something new.
The program offers courses on a diverse range of topics, creating an intellectually stimulating environment for older adults who want to stay engaged and continue their education.
Participants gather to explore subjects that interest them, share experiences, and connect with like-minded learners in their age group. The initiative recognizes that retirement doesn't mean the end of curiosity or the desire for personal growth.
TALK provides a welcoming space where education becomes a social and enriching experience for the 50-plus community.
Tragedy Strikes Kootenay Pass as Avalanche Claims Snowmobiler's Life
A 23-year-old man has died after an avalanche swept away two snowmobilers in the Kootenay Pass area of British Columbia.
Creston RCMP responded to the incident, which saw both riders caught in the deadly snowslide in the backcountry terrain. One snowmobiler managed to survive the avalanche, but tragically the young man could not be saved despite rescue efforts.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present in British Columbia's backcountry, even for experienced winter recreation enthusiasts.
Authorities continue to urge all backcountry users to check avalanche conditions, carry proper safety equipment, and never venture out alone.
Carney Strengthens Canada-India Ties with Energy Partnership Announcement
Prime Minister Mark Carney sat down with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, emerging with a series of agreements aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.
The meeting focused heavily on energy partnership opportunities between the two nations, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and economic collaboration.
The announcement represents a significant diplomatic effort to strengthen Canada-India relations following a period of tension between the countries.
Trade, clean energy technology, and educational exchanges were among the key areas of discussion.
The agreements signal Carney's commitment to rebuilding international partnerships and positioning Canada as a reliable global partner in the energy transition.
Canadian Navy Submarine Competition Enters Critical New Phase
The race to build Canada's next fleet of submarines has hit a major milestone with both finalists submitting their formal proposals by Monday's deadline.
The competition represents one of the most significant military procurement decisions in recent Canadian history, as the aging Victoria-class submarines need replacement.
Both competing companies have spent months preparing detailed bids that outline their vessels' capabilities, construction timelines, and economic benefits to Canada. The proposals will now undergo rigorous evaluation by defence officials and procurement specialists.
The decision will have far-reaching implications for Canada's naval capabilities and Arctic sovereignty for decades to come.
Anand Stays Quiet on Legality of U.S.-Israeli Strikes Against Iran
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand declined to state whether Canada considers recent U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran to be violations of international law.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Anand carefully avoided taking a firm position on the legality of the coordinated attacks, instead emphasizing Canada's broader concerns about regional stability.
The minister's reluctance to comment reflects the delicate diplomatic balance Canada must maintain between supporting allies and upholding international legal principles. The strikes have sparked debate globally about the boundaries of self-defense and preemptive military action.
Anand's non-committal stance suggests the government is still assessing the situation and consulting with legal experts before making an official declaration.
Iran Needs Solidarity, Not a U.S.-Backed Monarchist Revival
After the deadliest crackdown on protesters in Iran's modern history, hundreds of thousands marched across Canada (including Vancouver), but protest organizers calling for U.S. military intervention are pointing in a dangerous direction.
Iranian-Canadian voices Donya Ziaee and Samira Mohyeddin push back on the idea that Western bombs or a monarchist revival led by Reza Pahlavi, son of the U.S.-backed shah ousted in 1979, could deliver the freedom Iranians are fighting for.
The Canadian government has refused to rule out supporting U.S. military action, raising alarms about history repeating itself.
What Iranians need, the podcast argues, is genuine international solidarity, not regime change on the West's terms.
This podcast was recorded before the United States launched its war on Iran, but the speakers largely anticipated that an attack was coming.
It remains essential listening now, particularly for its sharp analysis of Reza Pahlavi, who has surged in popularity among Far-Right circles following the death of the Ayatollah Khamenei.
Pahlavi's growing profile as a potential Western-backed replacement should raise serious questions for anyone who remembers what his father's U.S.-supported reign actually looked like for ordinary Iranians.
Abbotsford Canucks Double Up on Shootout Victories in Alberta
The Abbotsford Canucks are inching closer to a playoff spot after sweeping a weekend series against the Calgary Wranglers with matching 3-2 shootout victories.
Both games followed an identical script, with the Canucks outshooting their opponents and showing resilience when regulation time couldn't separate the teams. The back-to-back shootout wins demonstrated the team's composure under pressure and their ability to execute in high-stakes situations. With each win crucial to their playoff positioning, the Canucks are peaking at exactly the right time in the season.
The sweep in Alberta gives Abbotsford valuable momentum and confidence as they push toward securing a postseason berth.
Vancouver Giants Fall to Kamloops Despite Solid Effort
The Vancouver Giants couldn't overcome a series of penalties that gave Kamloops too many power-play opportunities in a 4-3 road loss.
Despite the final score, the Giants played what their coaching staff described as "a pretty good game," showing moments of strong play and competitive spirit. The difference came down to special teams, with the Blazers capitalizing on their power-play chances while the Giants couldn't stay out of the penalty box.
The Giants team will need to tighten up their discipline as they continue their WHL campaign.