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Good morning, Langley!
With mostly sunny skies and temperatures topping out around 14°C today, it's a mixed bag of news across our community and the broader Fraser Valley.
Today's roundup covers important developments in homelessness services, ongoing health crises, local sports achievements, and significant provincial policy decisions affecting seniors and workers.
From coordinated care initiatives to government funding cuts, these stories highlight both progress and persistent challenges facing our region.
Langley City moves toward coordinated homelessness services as fragmented system gets overhaul
Yesterday afternoon, Langley City Council heard from Kyle Mellish of Lu'ma Native Housing Society and federal homelessness strategist Warren Chan about coordinated access, a system designed to fix decades of fragmented service delivery.
Mayor Nathan Pachal reports the system launched earlier this year with Stepping Stone, Lookout Society, and Encompass Support Services, and will assign individual case workers to advocate for each person experiencing homelessness, helping them navigate BC Housing, health authorities, and non-profits.
While organizations like the Salvation Army's Gateway of Hope still need to connect, the client-first approach is expected to fully launch early next year, offering coordinated support to address crises that government neglect has allowed to fester for a generation.
Overdose Crisis Continues to Impact Langley Communities
The overdose crisis shows no signs of slowing down in Langley, with the Coroner's Service reporting 31 drug-related deaths as of August this year.
The numbers represent a troubling increase locally, even as provincial statistics show some signs of flattening. These deaths highlight the ongoing challenges faced by communities across the Fraser Valley in addressing the toxic drug supply.
Each number represents a life lost and a family forever changed by this devastating crisis.
Glen Valley rower William Low brings home gold from Canada Cup
William Low, a Fort Langley Youth Rowing Society (FLYRS) member from Glen Valley, earned recognition from Langley Township council after winning gold at the 2025 Canada Cup regatta in London, Ontario.
The young athlete led B.C.'s mixed eight rowing team to first place in August and also secured bronze with the four-man team.
Low, who has served as a volunteer instructor with FLYRS, will join the University of Victoria rowing team this fall, continuing a legacy that began when the Township built new rowing facilities in Fort Langley back in 2008.
Langley Advance Times Releases Their Voting Guide for Upcoming Langley Township Byelection
Langley Township residents have an important civic duty coming up, and it's time to get informed about the upcoming byelection process.
The Langley Advance Times' guide covers many aspects of the election that voters need to know, from candidate information to polling locations and voting procedures. Local democracy works best when citizens are engaged and informed about their choices.
Whether you're a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, having the right information ensures your voice is heard in shaping the community's future.
Langley Rivermen face grueling four-game stretch after shutout loss to Blackfalds
The Rivermen fell 4-1 to the Blackfalds Bulldogs on Friday night at George Preston Arena, with Shane Purves scoring a late consolation goal against his former team.
Now Langley faces a demanding schedule with four games in six days, starting Tuesday at 1 p.m. against Cranbrook Bucks at the Abbotsford Centre for Showcase week, followed by Thursday's matchup with Sherwood Park (also at Abbotsford Centre), Saturday's road game in Port Alberni, and concluding with a home matinee against the Spruce Grove Saints on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at George Preston Arena.
The Saints will be making their first-ever trip to Langley, giving local fans a chance to see the visiting Alberta squad on home ice.
SFU Surrey Unveils Site for New Medical School
A significant milestone in medical education has been reached with the official unveiling of Simon Fraser University's new medical school location in Surrey.
Applications for the program opened Tuesday, marking a new chapter in addressing the physician shortage across British Columbia. The Surrey campus represents a strategic investment in training more doctors closer to where they're needed most in the growing Fraser Valley region.
This development is expected to have far-reaching impacts on healthcare delivery throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond.
BC cuts pandemic funding for long-term care despite warnings of bed shortages and staffing crisis
Health Minister Josie Osborne is ending $429 million in pandemic supports for long-term care providers on October 31.
The decision dismisses warnings from operators that cuts will devastate facilities already struggling with chronic staffing shortages. Non-profit and private providers say they've relied on the funding to cover overtime and agency staffing gaps, with some 900 beds now at risk.
The government is breaking its promise to maintain support until a new funding model is implemented.
BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt reports the province already faces a 2,000-bed shortfall projected to balloon to 16,000 beds within a decade.
Osborne insists the five-year-old program has run its course, offering vague assurances about workforce training while rural communities like Smithers watch exhausted staff and families scramble to fill care gaps that government underfunding created in the first place.
Abbotsford Investing Half a Billion in New Animal Health Centre
The province is making a massive $496 million investment in veterinary infrastructure with a new animal health centre planned for Abbotsford.
The facility will replace the current 25-year-old centre that has served the region well but is showing its age in meeting modern demands. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, bringing state-of-the-art capabilities to support animal health across the Fraser Valley.
This investment reflects the critical importance of animal health services to both agricultural communities and pet owners throughout the region.
Climate advocates, Indigenous leaders, and striking workers unite against Eby's fossil fuel agenda
Progressive movement leaders gathered at the BC Legislature last week to condemn Premier David Eby's government for abandoning climate commitments in favor of LNG expansion.
Organizers erected a 17-foot inflatable effigy of Eby hugging smokestacks labeled "LNG" and "OIL."
The province admits it will miss both its 2025 and 2030 climate targets while approving the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline without consent from Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs.
The government is also backing the American-owned Ksi Lisims LNG terminal that will siphon nearly $4 billion in subsidies by 2030.
Meanwhile, 22,000 BCGEU workers remain on strike for a sixth week as the government offers bare minimum wage increases while funneling billions to foreign fossil fuel corporations.
Stand.Earth's Kiki Wood called the LNG approvals and fast-tracking legislation "an outright betrayal" of promises made to young people and Indigenous communities.
Wilderness Committee's Torrance Coste noted the gap between the NDP and Conservatives on climate is "getting narrower and narrower."
Abbotsford Canucks Perfect Through First Two AHL Games
The Abbotsford Canucks have started their AHL regular season in style, posting consecutive victories over the Henderson Silver Knights to go 2-0.
The strong start bodes well for the Vancouver Canucks' development pipeline, as prospects and veterans alike demonstrate their readiness to contribute at the professional level. These early wins provide momentum and confidence for what the organization hopes will be a successful season.
The performances against Henderson showcase the depth and talent within the Canucks system, giving fans reason for optimism about the future of the franchise.
Vancouver Rise FC Extends Winning Ways Against Montréal
Vancouver Rise FC secured their 11th victory of the season with a solid performance against the Montréal Roses on October 11th at Stade Boréale.
The win continues the club's impressive campaign and demonstrates their consistency at the highest level of women's soccer in the region. Playing away from home, Rise FC showed the character and quality that has made them a formidable opponent throughout the season.
The victory adds another chapter to what has been a remarkable year for the Vancouver-based side as they continue to build momentum.
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