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Happy Friday, friends!
Langley's weather today brings sunny skies (yay!) with temperatures around 10°C, perfect for getting outside and taking yourself for some fresh air.
This morning's roundup covers everything from community park upgrades in Walnut Grove to a federal pipeline controversy drawing fierce opposition from BC and coastal First Nations, plus updates on Xavier's Law advancing through the legislature and the Vancouver Giants' ongoing struggles on the ice.
Feedback Wanted: Walnut Grove Community Park Set for Major Upgrades
The Township of Langley is seeking community input on proposed improvements to Walnut Grove Community Park, with the feedback window closing December 7, 2025.
Walnut Grove Community Park has been serving as a fundamental recreation amenity for the community, and now residents have the opportunity to shape its future.
The Township is inviting all interested parties to review the proposed enhancement plans and share their thoughts through the dedicated project webpage.
This is your chance to have a say in how one of the neighbourhood's key green spaces evolves to meet the needs of families and recreational users.
Everything for a Loonie: Shortreed Elementary's Fundraiser Draws Massive Crowd
A school fundraiser at Shortreed Elementary turned into a shopping frenzy as the PAC hosted an everything-for-$1 sale just in time for the holiday season.
Talk about timing—this fundraiser hit the sweet spot for Christmas shoppers looking for deals. The Parent Advisory Council pulled off an impressive event that saw crowds descending on the school for the chance to snag items at the unbeatable price of just one dollar.
The fundraiser not only helps support school programs and activities but also gives families in the community an affordable way to pick up items during the expensive holiday season. It's community spirit and savvy shopping rolled into one festive package.
Carney risks tanker ban to placate Alberta in doomed pipeline deal
Yesterday, Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta to build a new oil pipeline to BC's coast, despite having no private proponent and fierce opposition from coastal First Nations and the BC government.
Carney promised to "adjust" the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act protecting BC's northwest waters from catastrophic spills, seemingly trying to de-risk the project for potential investors.
The move sparked cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault's resignation and drew condemnation from coastal First Nations, the Bloc Quebecois, and the Green Party—all to appease an Alberta government that has routinely trampled rights using the notwithstanding clause.
BC Green leader Emily Lowan: "This pipeline will never happen, we'll make f**king sure of it"
Carney-Smith pipeline deal slammed by BC Premier, First Nations
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a deal to build a bitumen pipeline to BC's northwest coast, but Premier David Eby says the project has "no proponent, no route, no money, no First Nations support."
The Union of BC Indian Chiefs and Coastal First Nations forcefully rejected the proposal, with Grand Chief Stewart Phillip calling it "deeply irresponsible" and warning "the answer is still no and always will be."
Environmental groups condemned the plan as a climate disaster and economic fantasy, while BC Green MLA Rob Botterell said the proposal ignores Indigenous rights and risks catastrophic oil spills in some of the world's most dangerous waters.
Giants Struggle Continues with 5-2 Loss to Wenatchee
The Vancouver Giants couldn't overcome a disastrous second period in their 5-2 loss to the Wenatchee Wild on Wednesday night.
Sometimes the hockey gods just aren't on your side, and Wednesday was definitely one of those nights for the G-Men. After what appeared to be a competitive start, the second period proved catastrophic as the Giants allowed four consecutive goals, effectively putting the game out of reach. Despite goals from Sparks, who found the net twice, the Giants couldn't mount a comeback against the Wild. The loss extends what has been a challenging stretch for the Langley-based WHL team, who are desperately searching for consistency as they look to climb back into playoff contention.
Xavier's Law Clears First Legislative Hurdle with Overwhelming Support
The B.C. legislature gave first reading to Xavier's Law, legislation that would impose tougher penalties on dangerous drivers, leaving the family behind the initiative "blown away" by the support.
Named after 12-year-old Xavier, who tragically lost his life to a dangerous driver, this proposed law represents a significant step toward safer roads in British Columbia. The legislation aims to close gaps in current traffic laws and ensure that drivers who show reckless disregard for others face consequences that truly match the severity of their actions.
The family's emotional journey from unimaginable loss to legislative advocacy has clearly resonated with politicians across party lines, who came together to support the bill's first reading. While there's still a legislative journey ahead, the unanimous support suggests Xavier's legacy may soon be enshrined in law, potentially saving countless lives.
B.C. Universities Team Up to Tackle Superbug Crisis in Hospitals
Researchers from multiple B.C. universities are collaborating on groundbreaking studies to understand how antimicrobial-resistant bacteria spread within hospital settings, as experts warn these "superbugs" could claim 39 million lives by 2050.
This is the kind of threat that keeps infectious disease specialists up at night—and for good reason. Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the most serious global health challenges of our time, with bacteria evolving faster than we can develop new antibiotics to fight them. The collaboration between B.C.'s top research institutions aims to trace transmission patterns within hospitals, where vulnerable patients are particularly at risk.
Understanding exactly how these resistant bacteria move from patient to patient, or through environmental surfaces and equipment, is critical to developing effective intervention strategies. With the stakes this high—potentially 39 million deaths globally in the next quarter-century—this research couldn't be more urgent or important.
Vancouver Giants Seeking First Win Against Penticton Tonight
The struggling Vancouver Giants (9-14-1-1) head to Penticton's South Okanagan Events Centre at 7:05 p.m. Friday, desperately seeking their first victory against the Vees (11-7-3-2) after three previous failed attempts this season.
It's been a rough stretch for the Giants, who have managed just one win in their last eight games and are winless against the Vees so far this season with an 0-2-0-1 record. After Wednesday's disheartening 5-2 loss to Wenatchee where they allowed four straight goals in the second period, the team needs to find a way to stop the bleeding and regain some confidence. The Vees, meanwhile, are coming off a victory against these same Giants last Friday, making them 11-7-3-2 on the season and sitting comfortably in third place in their conference.
For fans hoping to catch the action, the game will be streamed on Victory+ with radio coverage on Sportsnet 650, with the pre-game show starting at 6 p.m. The Giants return home Saturday to face Everett at the Langley Events Centre at 7:00 p.m., giving them another chance to turn their season around in front of the home crowd.
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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