Table of Contents
The best way to help The Langley Union grow is simple: share this newsletter. Forward it to a friend, mention it to your family, or post it on social media and encourage others to subscribe.
Happy Monday, Langley!
It's a partly sunny 11°C out there to start the week, so enjoy it while it lasts.
The Township is gearing up for two open houses on a big Willoughby Community Plan update focused on transit-oriented development along 200 Street.
On the national stage, Avi Lewis has taken over as NDP leader with a mountain of challenges ahead of him.
Closer to home, Vancouver FC's co-owner is talking up a pivotal fourth season for the Eagles ahead of Saturday's opener at Willoughby Stadium, and the Goldeneyes picked up a gutsy 3-2 win in Toronto.
The Chilliwack Chiefs locked up home ice with a dominant 7-1 playoff tune-up, and there's no shortage of family-friendly Easter fun happening around Langley this weekend. Plenty to dig into today.
Langley Township Plans Open Houses on Willoughby's Transit-Oriented Future
The Township of Langley is inviting residents to weigh in on a major update to the Willoughby Community Plan, with two open houses scheduled for April.
The update centers on transit-oriented development along the 200 Street corridor, where five proposed bus rapid transit stations would anchor new mixed-use neighbourhood hubs.
The first open house is Thursday, April 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Yorkson Creek Middle School (20686 84 Avenue), with a second on Tuesday, April 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Langley Events Centre Banquet Hall (7888 200 Street).
An online feedback form will also be available starting April 9.
Nature Walk Celebrates Indigenous Languages in Langley City
A family-friendly nature walk is set to connect residents with both the natural environment and Indigenous language education this spring.
The event is scheduled to coincide with National Indigenous Languages Day, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn traditional words and phrases while exploring local trails. Families with children are especially encouraged to attend this educational outdoor experience.
The walk aims to foster cultural understanding and appreciation for the Indigenous peoples whose traditional territories include the Langley area. Organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition that strengthens community ties while honoring Indigenous heritage.
Easter Weekend Brings Affordable Family Fun to Langley
It's time to hop into action as Langley rolls out an impressive lineup of free and low-cost Easter activities for families this weekend.
Local organizers have planned a variety of events designed to keep both kids and adults entertained without breaking the bank. From traditional egg hunts to creative craft stations, there's something for everyone looking to celebrate the holiday.
Community centers and parks across Langley will host the festivities, making it easy for residents to find activities close to home. These budget-friendly options prove that memorable Easter celebrations don't need to come with a hefty price tag.
Avi Lewis Wins NDP Leadership, but the Hard Part Starts Now
Avi Lewis has won the NDP leadership race, taking the helm of a party at its weakest point in decades.
Lewis, a filmmaker and climate activist, beat Edmonton MP Heather McPherson on the strength of aggressive fundraising and a more radical policy platform.
But the new leader faces steep challenges: the NDP caucus has shrunk to roughly five or six MPs, Quebec support has all but vanished, and neither leadership candidate demonstrated strong French-language skills.
Lewis has also never won a federal seat, raising questions about his visibility in Question Period and daily parliamentary debate.
The party's supporters argue a strong NDP is essential to keeping progressive issues like healthcare privatization, pharmacare, and refugee rights in the national conversation. Without it, federal politics risks becoming a two-way race between cautious Liberals and an increasingly far-right Conservative Party.
Lewis will need to find a winnable riding, rebuild the party's media presence, and give Canadians a reason to pay attention to the NDP again.
Institutions Invest Billions in U.S. ICE Contractors
Major Canadian banks and pension funds have funneled tens of billions of dollars to American companies that contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The financial ties between Canadian institutions and ICE contractors raise ethical questions about indirect Canadian involvement in controversial U.S. immigration enforcement practices. Many of these contractors provide services to detention facilities and deportation operations.
The revelation is likely to spark debate about the responsibility of Canadian financial institutions to consider human rights implications in their investment decisions. Advocacy groups are already calling for divestment from companies involved in immigration detention.
Vancouver FC Eyes Breakthrough Season as World Cup Approaches
Vancouver FC co-owner Dean Shillington says the Eagles are ready to build on last year's run to the Canadian Championship final.
The Langley-based club opens its fourth CPL season on Saturday, April 4 at Willoughby Stadium, with the FIFA World Cup coming to Vancouver this summer.
Shillington highlighted the team's growing pipeline of talent, pointing to players like Emrick Fotsing and T.J. Tahid who have earned national team call-ups and European transfers.
With a sold-out Concacaf Champions Cup match already behind them this year, the Eagles are betting that World Cup energy will fuel their biggest season yet.
Goldeneyes Snap Skid With Gritty 3-2 Win in Toronto
The Vancouver Goldeneyes ended a two-game losing streak with a 3-2 road win over the Toronto Sceptres on Sunday in PWHL action.
Izzy Daniel led the way with a goal and an assist, while McMahon's second-period tip-in proved to be the winner. Goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer came up big in the third period to shut the door on a Toronto comeback.
The Goldeneyes head to Montreal on Wednesday to take on the Victoire.
Read More
Abbotsford Canucks Playing Spoiler After San Diego Sweep
The Abbotsford Canucks are leaning into their spoiler role with enthusiasm after sweeping San Diego in a weekend series.
The back-to-back victories allowed the Canucks to leapfrog the Calgary Wranglers and claim ninth place in the Pacific Division standings. While playoff hopes may be fading, the team is clearly committed to making life difficult for their opponents.
The sweep demonstrates that the Canucks still have plenty of fight left, even if their postseason dreams are on life support. These wins could prove crucial for team morale and development heading into next season.
Chilliwack Chiefs Dominate Coquitlam to Lock Up Home Ice
The Chilliwack Chiefs delivered a statement performance with a crushing 7-1 victory over Coquitlam on Sunday.
The blowout win wasn't just about padding stats—it clinched home-ice advantage for the Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs. Playing on home ice provides a significant competitive edge, and the team made sure to secure that advantage with authority.
The lopsided score sends a clear message to potential playoff opponents that the Chiefs are rounding into form at exactly the right time. With momentum building and home-ice secured, Chilliwack looks poised to make some noise in the postseason.