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Hello, friends!
Sorry for missing yesterday's roundup, travel and a packed work day got the best of me. But we're back with a solid lineup today!
We've got a look at how Langley Prairie became its own city after being ignored by the Township, plus updates on a defamation lawsuit, Vancouver soccer making history, an emergency alert test coming your way, a beloved recycling program closing after 42 years, and new Indigenous-led housing projects across B.C.
How Langley Prairie broke away to become Langley City
Frustrated by a Township council that refused to invest in basic infrastructure like sidewalks, sewer lines, and streetlights, Langley Prairie residents took matters into their own hands in the 1950s.
Mayor Nathan Pachal's latest history video explores how neglected property owners staged a political rebellion that forever changed the region's map.
One bold vote transformed an ignored community into an independent city fighting for its own voice.
Township Launches Community Program to Keep Streets Clear This Winter
Township of Langley residents now have a chance to roll up their sleeves and become drainage heroes in their own neighbourhoods.
The Township has officially launched its Adopt-a-Catch Basin Program, inviting residents, local businesses, and community groups to take responsibility for keeping catch basins clear of leaves and debris. While Township crews work diligently to maintain streets and drainage systems across the municipality, the program provides an opportunity for community members to pitch in and help prevent flooding issues during heavy rainfall. Participants can adopt a catch basin near their home or business and commit to regularly clearing it of leaves, especially during fall and winter months when debris accumulation is at its peak.
The initiative not only helps maintain proper drainage throughout the Township but also fosters a sense of community ownership and environmental stewardship. It's a small act that can make a big difference when storm drains get overwhelmed during the region's notoriously wet weather.
Lawyers hunt for missing defendant in Township defamation case
One of nine defendants in a defamation lawsuit brought by Langley Township Mayor Eric Woodward and two councillors remains elusive, forcing the plaintiffs' lawyers to ask the court for permission to tape legal documents to his door.
Jean Francoi Louis Hardy is accused of helping spread allegations that a "political insider" got a special deal on Township fire trucks, but process servers haven't been able to locate him despite hiring a skip tracer.
The lawsuit, which began against anonymous "John Does" last spring before naming specific defendants in September, stems from videos and posts claiming corruption in last year's fire truck purchase.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Vancouver Rise FC claim first-ever Northern Super League championship
Vancouver Rise FC made Canadian soccer history by rallying from a 1-0 deficit to defeat AFC Toronto 2-1 in the inaugural Northern Super League Final. The third-seeded Rise overcame the regular season champions after a crucial weather delay killed Toronto's momentum and defender Jasmyne Spencer made a goal-line save that shifted the match. Holly Ward scored the championship-clinching goal in the second half, while goalkeeper Morgan McAslan earned Finals MVP honors after stopping seven of eight shots on target. It caps a remarkable year for Vancouver soccer, with the Whitecaps also enjoying their best MLS season in years.
Your Phone Is About to Buzz: Emergency Alert Test Coming to B.C.
Don't panic when your phone suddenly starts making alarming noises on November 19th—it's just a test.
British Columbia residents, including those in Langley, will receive an emergency alert test message on their cellphones, as well as through radio and television broadcasts. The test is part of the province's ongoing efforts to ensure the Alert Ready system is functioning properly and can effectively reach residents during actual emergencies such as natural disasters, public safety threats, or other critical situations. The system is designed to override regular programming and send alerts directly to devices, ensuring maximum public awareness during genuine emergencies.
While test alerts can be startling when they interrupt your day, they serve an important purpose in confirming the infrastructure works when British Columbians might really need it. The province experiences various emergency situations throughout the year, from wildfires and floods to severe weather events, making a reliable alert system absolutely essential for public safety.
Abbotsford-Mission Recycling Program Says Farewell After 42 Years
An era is coming to an end for Fraser Valley recycling as a beloved program prepares to close its doors.
The Abbotsford Mission Recycling program is hosting a special Open House and Community Appreciation Day on Saturday, November 22nd from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the depot on Valley Road in Abbotsford.
The event offers residents a final opportunity to tour the facility before regular operations conclude at year's end and to celebrate the program's remarkable 42-year history of environmental stewardship and inclusive employment. Run by Archway Community Services, the program has served the City of Abbotsford since 1983 and Mission since 1986, processing over 10,000 tonnes of material annually.
Hot dogs and drinks will be available by donation with proceeds supporting the Archway Food Bank, and attendees will learn about the program's significant impact on sustainability and community employment opportunities.
For the dedicated staff, many of whom have worked at the depot for years, the closure is bittersweet—though management reports that 12 team members have already secured new employment. A new contractor will take over operations in January 2026, but the sorting will relocate outside of Abbotsford, marking the end of local processing.
B.C. Unveils New Indigenous-Led Affordable Housing Projects
British Columbia is expanding its commitment to Indigenous-led housing solutions across the province.
The provincial government has announced new "For Indigenous, by Indigenous" affordable housing projects in five B.C. communities: Cranbrook, Fort Nelson, Smithers, Chilliwack, and Vernon. These initiatives represent a significant step toward addressing housing challenges facing Indigenous communities while ensuring that projects are designed, built, and operated by Indigenous peoples themselves. The approach recognizes that Indigenous communities are best positioned to understand and address their own housing needs, incorporating cultural considerations and community priorities into development plans.
The projects will provide much-needed affordable housing units in each community while also creating construction jobs and long-term employment opportunities for Indigenous residents. By placing control of these housing developments directly in the hands of Indigenous organizations and communities, the province is supporting self-determination and culturally appropriate solutions to the ongoing affordable housing crisis affecting Indigenous peoples throughout British Columbia.
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