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Hello, friends!
It's a chilly and rainy Wednesday here in Langley, with temperatures hovering around 8°C.
Today's roundup brings news of a significant healthcare investment for our community and the resilient return of the Emilio Finatti pizzeria!
We also have fresh signage at the rebranded Rogers Forum in Abbotsford and a Vancouver Giants prospect competing on the national stage.
Plus, updates on a tragic pedestrian fatality in Chilliwack, ongoing efforts to ensure public safety following a bear attack in Bella Coola, and federal government plans to support Canada's steel industry amid U.S. tariffs.
Langley Receives Boost from New Health Endowment Fund
Langley is set to benefit from a newly established health fund that promises to improve local healthcare services.
The Guru Nanak Dev Endowment Fund held a special ceremony to honour its founding donors, recognizing their commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the community.
The timing of the announcement on this significant day adds special meaning to the initiative.
While details about the specific allocation of funds are still emerging, the endowment represents a long-term investment in Langley's healthcare system. The fund's establishment reflects the growing needs of the community and the generosity of local philanthropists.
Founding donors were celebrated for their vision and commitment to ensuring future generations of Langley residents have access to quality healthcare services. The endowment structure means the fund will continue to generate support for healthcare initiatives for years to come.
Emilio Finatti Pizzeria returns with food truck after fire closure
A beloved Langley pizzeria was forced to close in August after a fire broke out in the building next door.
Emilio Finatti Pizzeria, widely considered one of the best pizza shops in all of Langley, still doesn't have a permanent new location. But the owners have found a way to keep serving their community.
Their "Crust Cruiser" food truck is now set up at Mainland Motors here in Langley. As of this past weekend, they're back to making a consolidated menu of their most popular pizzas, bringing their beloved pies back to hungry Langley residents while they search for a permanent home.
Rogers Forum Gets New Signage in Abbotsford
The formerly-named Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre has a new name: Rogers Forum.
The newly renamed Rogers Forum in Abbotsford is sporting fresh signage as the venue prepares for its first event under the new name.
Installation crews have completed work on the exterior branding for the facility, which was previously known by a different name. The rebranding represents a significant partnership with Rogers Communications and marks a new chapter for the popular venue.
A concert scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, will be the inaugural event held under the Rogers Forum name. The timing of the signage installation ensures that concertgoers will be among the first to experience the newly branded facility.
The venue continues to serve as a major entertainment and sports destination in the Fraser Valley, hosting everything from concerts to hockey games. The partnership with Rogers is expected to bring enhanced amenities and programming to the facility.
Vancouver Giants Prospect Ryan Lin Competes in CHL USA Prospects Challenge
Vancouver Giants defenceman Ryan Lin is representing the WHL at the prestigious 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge this week in Calgary and Lethbridge.
The 17-year-old right-shot defenceman was one of the first players selected for Team CHL after being identified by NHL Central Scouting as a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. Lin currently leads all WHL defencemen with 28 points in 24 games this season, showcasing the offensive skills that have made him one of the league's most exciting young players.
Adding to the honour, Lin was named an alternate captain for the two-game series against the U.S. National Under-18 Team. The best-on-best showcase provides NHL scouts an opportunity to evaluate top draft-eligible talent in a competitive international setting.
Last year's inaugural CHL USA Prospects Challenge proved to be an excellent predictor of draft success, with 16 of 22 Team CHL players selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Games are being broadcast live on TSN and RDS, with Lin looking to make his mark on the national stage.
Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Chilliwack
Chilliwack RCMP have confirmed a fatality after a pedestrian was hit by a semi-truck near the intersection of Vedder Road and Luckakuck Way.
RCMP Sergeant Greenley confirmed that Vedder Road has since reopened following the tragic incident that occurred on Tuesday evening.
The collision between the pedestrian and the commercial vehicle prompted a significant emergency response and road closure while investigators worked to piece together what happened.
Details about the victim's identity have not been released, and the investigation into the circumstances of the collision remains ongoing. Authorities are working to determine factors that may have contributed to the fatal incident.
The area near Vedder and Luckakuck is a busy corridor in Chilliwack, and police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward with information.
Vancouver's 'Zero Means Zero' Austerity Budget Passes Despite Historic Opposition
Mayor Ken Sim's ABC Vancouver majority pushed through a controversial budget promising homeowners zero property tax increases, despite warnings from opposition councillors that the cuts will hurt vulnerable residents and essential services.
More than 600 people signed up to speak against the budget.
The passed budget raised concerns about the removal of baby changing tables from public washrooms, prompting parents to bring their infants to city hall in protest over what they saw as cuts to family-friendly services that would disproportionately affect working parents and caregivers.
Opposition councillors warn the budget's $120 million in unspecified "savings" could mean job losses and reduced support for those who need it most, while utility fees will still rise by 4.2 percent.
The budget cuts 14 percent from planning and sustainability, 12 percent from arts and culture, and redirects $8.3 million from energy retrofits that help low-income housing residents cope with extreme heat, all to deliver tax relief primarily benefiting wealthy property owners ahead of the 2026 election.
Second Grizzly Bear Captured Following Bella Coola School Attack
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has captured a second grizzly bear in Bella Coola following a bear attack that injured students near a local school.
Both captured bears will be fitted with tracking collars before being relocated far from the community, officials confirmed. The proactive approach aims to balance wildlife conservation with public safety in the coastal community where human-bear encounters are an ongoing concern.
However, the search continues for the specific bear believed to be responsible for attacking the pupils. Conservation officers are working diligently to identify and locate that animal, using various tracking methods and community reports.
The incident has heightened awareness about bear safety in Bella Coola, where grizzlies are part of the natural ecosystem. By relocating the two captured bears with tracking technology, conservation officers can monitor their movements and ensure they remain away from populated areas while continuing the search for the bear that posed the immediate threat to students.
Federal Government Plans Support for Steel Industry Hit by U.S. Tariffs
The federal government is preparing to announce new measures to support Canada's steel industry, which has been significantly impacted by U.S. tariffs.
Expected announcements from government officials include plans to limit foreign steel imports into Canada and reduce interprovincial rail freight rates. These measures aim to help domestic steel producers remain competitive while facing economic pressures from American trade policies.
The steel industry has been particularly hard hit by tariffs imposed by the United States, creating challenges for Canadian manufacturers and their workers. The proposed support package represents a multi-pronged approach to strengthening the sector's resilience and competitiveness.
By limiting foreign imports and reducing transportation costs between provinces, the government hopes to create a more level playing field for Canadian steel producers.
The measures could have significant implications for manufacturing jobs and industrial capacity across the country, including facilities in British Columbia and the broader Western Canadian region.
People who are actively employed now make up nearly one in five food bank visits across Canada, more than people reporting no income at all.
The Archway Food Bank in Abbotsford serves over 6,200 people each month (including 38% children) and needs to raise $1.3 million before year's end to keep providing nutritious food hampers to neighbours who've exhausted every other option.
Please donate to ensure no family in our community goes hungry this winter.
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