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Good morning, Langley!
Wednesday brings partly cloudy skies and a chance of some rain with temperatures reaching 18°C.
Today's roundup features a friendly challenge for our mayors to show transit leadership, Vancouver FC's historic Canadian Championship Final appearance at BC Place, and troubling genocide denialism from a BC Conservative staffer.
We're also highlighting local fundraisers supporting music education, animal rescue, and a young fire victim, plus exciting developments in local sports and important community events.
Go By Transit Week Update: Langley mayors still haven't posted their transit selfies
With just four days left in Go By Transit Week, neither Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward nor Langley City Mayor Nathan Pachal has posted the transit selfie they were challenged to share.
There's still time for both mayors to join the celebration of Metro Vancouver's million transit riders and show Langley that local leadership uses the same buses, trains, and transit services that connect our community every day.
Mayors Woodward and Pachal: Are you heading to tonight's Vancouver FC versus Vancouver Whitecaps game at BC Place? It's the perfect opportunity to snap that SkyTrain selfie and show solidarity with Langley's transit riders!
Langley residents can help make this happen by reaching out to Mayor Woodward and Mayor Pachal on social media or directly, encouraging them to post their transit selfies before Sunday and tag @movementyvr with #GoByTransitWeekYVR.
Read More about Go By Transit Week
⚽ Langley's Vancouver FC face Vancouver Whitecaps in Canadian Championship Final
The Vancouver Whitecaps will face Vancouver FC of Langley in the Canadian Championship Final tonight at BC Place, marking the first time the Whitecaps have played another Metro Vancouver team in competitive action.
The Eagles, who call Willoughby Community Park home just 40 kilometres from downtown Vancouver, are making their first appearance in the national final against the three-time defending champions.
With tickets starting under $20 and a dollar from each sale going to BC Soccer, tonight's derby gives fans a chance to support both professional soccer in the region and youth development across British Columbia.
Township Seeks Community Voices for 2026 Advisory Committees
The Township of Langley is rolling out the welcome mat for residents who want to make their mark on local governance.
Starting now, the municipality is actively recruiting volunteers for its 2026 Council Advisory Committees, offering community members a direct line to influence important municipal decisions. These committees serve as crucial bridges between residents and council, providing expert input on everything from agricultural policy to heritage preservation.
The application process represents a golden opportunity for engaged citizens to contribute meaningfully to Langley's continued growth and development. With the township's population expanding rapidly, fresh perspectives and diverse voices are more valuable than ever.
Interested residents can expect to participate in regular meetings and provide specialized knowledge in their areas of expertise, helping shape policies that will affect thousands of families across the region.
🏒 Vancouver Giants Rally for Langley Music Education
The Vancouver Giants are hitting all the right notes when it comes to supporting local students.
The WHL team has partnered with Langley's music programs for a special fundraising initiative that combines hockey excitement with educational support. Fans who purchase tickets through a designated link will see their money go directly toward enhancing music education opportunities for local students.
But the fundraising doesn't stop at ticket sales – the team is also dedicating proceeds from their famous 50/50 draw to the cause. This dual approach maximizes the potential impact for music programs that often struggle with budget constraints.
The initiative showcases how professional sports teams can become meaningful community partners, using their platform and fan base to support the next generation of musicians right here in Langley.
Fall Festival Brings Dogs, Deals, and Community Spirit to Thunderbird Show Park
October 4th promises to be a tail-wagging good time at Thunderbird Show Park as HugABull hosts their annual fall fundraiser.
The event brings together everything that makes community gatherings special: local vendors showcasing their wares, delicious food options, and of course, plenty of four-legged friends looking for their forever homes. HugABull, known for their dedication to dog rescue and rehabilitation, has crafted an event that celebrates both commerce and compassion.
Families can browse unique local products while potentially meeting their next canine companion, creating a perfect storm of community engagement and animal welfare. The fundraiser format ensures that every purchase and every interaction contributes to the organization's mission of saving and rehoming dogs in need.
Located at the well-known Thunderbird Show Park, the event promises easy accessibility and ample space for both two-legged and four-legged attendees to enjoy a perfect fall day.
BC Conservative staffer condemns Truth and Reconciliation flag in shameful display of genocide denialism
Lindsay Shepherd, a BC Conservative caucus communications officer, called the Truth and Reconciliation flag at the legislature "a disgrace" and claimed Orange Shirt Day "perpetuates untruths about Canadian history" in a Thursday social media post that continues her pattern of residential school genocide denialism.
Shepherd, who helped reshape the Conservative Party into a hard-right populist alternative, deleted her post Friday after the BC NDP noted that three Conservative MLAs, including Stó:lō Nation member Á'a:líya Warbus, participated in raising the very flag she condemned.
The comments echo previous controversies within the party, including former MLA Dallas Brodie's mocking of residential school survivors, which led to her expulsion from caucus, and undermine the documented testimony of over 6,500 survivors heard by Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission between 2007 and 2015.
Community Rallies Around Young Aldergrove Fire Victim
The power of community compassion is on full display as neighbors rally to support a family devastated by tragedy.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help a two-year-old child and his mother rebuild their lives after a devastating house fire on September 19th left their home destroyed and the young child with severe burns. The incident has shaken the tight-knit Aldergrove community, but it has also revealed the incredible generosity that emerges in times of crisis.
The fundraising effort represents more than just financial support – it's a testament to how quickly communities can mobilize when one of their own faces unimaginable hardship. Every donation helps cover medical expenses, temporary housing, and the long road to recovery that lies ahead.
Local residents have stepped forward with both monetary contributions and emotional support, proving that Aldergrove's community spirit burns brighter than any destructive force.
Thanksgiving Food Drive Calls on Langley's Generosity
As families prepare to count their blessings this Thanksgiving, organizers are hoping Langley residents will share those blessings with others.
The annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th, providing community members with a concrete way to help local families facing food insecurity. The timing couldn't be more perfect, occurring just before the holiday that celebrates gratitude and abundance.
Food drives like this one serve as crucial lifelines for food banks and community organizations that see increased demand during holiday seasons. While many families are planning elaborate Thanksgiving feasts, others are struggling to put basic meals on the table.
Organizers are encouraging donations of non-perishable items, with particular emphasis on ingredients that can help families create their own meaningful holiday meals, ensuring that Thanksgiving spirit reaches every corner of the Langley community.
Campbell Valley Horse Arena Needs Major Investment for Safety
The Campbell Valley Equestrian Society faces a significant challenge as their beloved horse arena sits unusable due to deteriorated footing.
CVES has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign targeting $300,000 to completely overhaul the arena flooring that has become unsafe for both horses and riders. The current conditions forced officials to close the facility, leaving local equestrians without a crucial training and competition venue.
The specialized footing required for horse arenas represents a major expense, but it's absolutely essential for preventing injuries to both animals and riders. Poor footing can cause devastating leg injuries to horses, while also creating dangerous conditions for riders during training and competition.
The fundraiser represents more than just facility maintenance – it's about preserving a vital community resource that serves equestrian enthusiasts throughout the Fraser Valley, ensuring that this important sporting and recreational activity continues to thrive in Campbell Valley.
Extortion Crisis Hits Surrey Radio Station in Overnight Shooting
B.C.'s extortion task force is investigating a brazen overnight shooting that targeted a South Asian radio station in Surrey.
Swift Radio 1200 AM became the latest victim in what appears to be an escalating wave of extortion-related violence plaguing the Lower Mainland. The station was hit by gunfire during the early morning hours of Monday, September 29th, in what investigators believe was a targeted attack related to ongoing extortion schemes.
The incident highlights the growing boldness of criminal organizations that are increasingly targeting businesses within South Asian communities. These attacks often involve demands for protection money, with violence following when businesses refuse to comply.
The specialized task force's involvement underscores how seriously law enforcement is taking this trend, which has seen similar attacks on restaurants, businesses, and community centers throughout the region. The radio station shooting represents not just an attack on a business, but on a vital community communication hub that serves thousands of South Asian residents across Surrey and the Fraser Valley.
Public Service Workers Plan Major Vancouver Demonstration
Downtown Vancouver is bracing for a massive show of solidarity as thousands of public service workers prepare to converge today in support of their contract negotiations.
The union representing British Columbia's public service workers expects an impressive turnout as employees from across the province gather to send a clear message about their ongoing contract dispute. The demonstration represents a significant escalation in labor relations, bringing together workers from multiple government departments and agencies.
The timing of this action suggests that negotiations have reached a critical juncture, with workers feeling compelled to take their message directly to the streets. Public demonstrations of this magnitude typically indicate that traditional bargaining processes have stalled and union leadership believes public pressure is necessary.
The convergence will likely impact downtown Vancouver traffic and business operations, but organizers stress that the action is necessary to advocate for fair wages and working conditions for essential public service workers who keep government services running for millions of British Columbians.
B.C. Powwow Celebrates Truth and Reconciliation Through Dance
The healing power of traditional dance took center stage at the annual South Island Powwow, marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with grace and reverence.
The event served as both celebration and commemoration, honoring survivors of residential and day schools while showcasing the resilience and vibrant culture of Indigenous communities across British Columbia. Traditional dancers, drummers, and singers gathered to share their heritage with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous attendees.
Powwows like this one play a crucial role in cultural preservation and education, providing opportunities for younger generations to connect with their roots while offering non-Indigenous visitors a chance to experience authentic Indigenous culture. The timing during Truth and Reconciliation week adds extra significance to the gathering.
The event demonstrates how cultural celebrations can serve as powerful tools for healing and understanding, bringing communities together through shared appreciation for Indigenous traditions that have survived despite historical attempts to suppress them.
🏉 Langley Rugby Star Brooklyn Roddham Selected as RBC Olympic Finalist
Langley's own Brooklyn Roddham has achieved a remarkable milestone by being selected as one of only 100 finalists in RBC's prestigious Olympic development program.
Roddham's selection from a pool of more than 2,500 Olympic hopefuls across the country represents both exceptional athletic talent and the rigorous screening process that identifies Canada's most promising future Olympians. The competition was fierce, with athletes from dozens of sports vying for limited spots in the program.
The RBC program provides crucial support to athletes during the critical development phase of their careers, offering resources that can make the difference between reaching the Olympics or falling short of that dream. For rugby players like Roddham, such support is particularly valuable given rugby's demanding physical requirements and the sport's growing profile in Olympic competition.
Roddham's achievement brings pride to the Langley rugby community and demonstrates the caliber of athletic talent emerging from local programs. Her selection also highlights rugby's continued growth in Canada and the increasing opportunities available to female athletes in the sport at the highest levels of international competition.
🏒 Langley Rivermen Set for Home Opener After Road Trip
The Langley Rivermen are putting the finishing touches on their road trip as they prepare for an eagerly anticipated home opener this Saturday.
Friday's game represents the final test before the team returns to familiar ice in front of their home crowd, giving fans their first chance to see how the Rivermen have gelled during their early season travels. Road trips can be crucial for team building, allowing players to develop chemistry away from home distractions.
The home opener holds special significance for any hockey team, representing the official start of the season for fans who have been eagerly waiting to support their team. For the Rivermen, Saturday's game will showcase both returning veterans and new faces to a crowd hungry for junior hockey action.
The team's performance during their road trip will provide important momentum heading into the home opener, where first impressions can set the tone for fan engagement and team confidence throughout the season. Local hockey fans are encouraged to come out and show their support for what promises to be an exciting season of Rivermen hockey.
Please consider supporting the journalists risking their lives to document genocide by donating to the Gaza Journalist Fund. Every dollar helps cover evacuation costs, shelter, and basic survival needs for those bearing witness to history.
When we fund their survival, we preserve the truth and ensure these critical voices aren't silenced by displacement and deprivation.
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