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Good morning Langley!
Clouds roll over the Lower Mainland today with a 60 per cent chance of showers and a high of 13°C.
Today's roundup brings a mix of local politics, community spirit, and bigger-picture issues affecting our region.
The Township by-election is heating up as candidates tackle Fort Langley's heritage future, there's routine water maintenance happening in Langley City's South Zone, and Halloween is bringing out the best in our neighbourhoods.
We're also looking at new research on climate anxiety hitting close to home, celebrating community builders getting their due recognition, and questioning whether the province's rush to build a $6-billion power line is really about serving the public good or just greasing the wheels for resource extraction.
Township By-Election Heats Up as Candidates Share Visions for Fort Langley
Six Township by-election candidates have shared their visions for protecting Fort Langley's historic character amid provincial housing pressures.
Most candidates emphasized the urgent need to update Fort Langley's community plan, which hasn't been refreshed since 1987, while balancing growth with heritage preservation.
Responses ranged from calls for stronger heritage designations and design guidelines to community-led planning processes that center Indigenous voices and local input.
The election takes place Saturday, October 25, with advance polling on October 21.
Langley City Flushes Water Mains in South Zone Through Year's End
Langley City is conducting routine water main flushing in its South Zone from October 20 through December 31 as part of regular maintenance.
Residents may notice temporary water discolouration and low pressure during the work, though this poses no health risk and can be cleared by running cold water until it turns clear.
The flushing removes sediment buildup, improves water quality, and helps identify problem areas in the system while extending the life of infrastructure components.
City operations staff will supervise the work and direct flushed water to city drains, with questions answered at 604.514.2910.
Halloween Spirit Takes Over Chang's Taekwondo with Spooky Family Fun
Aldergrove families gathered for the annual Trunk or Treat Halloween event at Chang's Taekwondo, creating a safe and festive atmosphere for local children.
The community event showcased the Halloween spirit in full swing, with families coming together to celebrate the spooky season. Young martial artists and their siblings enjoyed a night of costumes, treats, and community connection.
The event highlights how local businesses like Chang's Taekwondo serve as community hubs, bringing neighbours together for memorable celebrations that strengthen local bonds.
Aldergrove Family Turns Halloween Into Heartwarming Food Bank Drive
The Stamnes family is transforming their Halloween celebration into a community-minded food bank donation drive.
Instead of just collecting candy, they're inviting trick-or-treaters to bring non-perishable food items for local families in need.
This creative approach combines Halloween fun with community support, as their entire street joins in celebrating the spooky season with purpose.
The initiative demonstrates how small acts of creativity can make a significant impact, turning a traditional holiday into an opportunity for community giving and support for those who need it most.
Vancouver Giants Hockey Players Shine on Preliminary NHL Draft Watch List
Five Vancouver Giants players have earned spots on NHL Central Scouting's preliminary players to watch list for the 2026 NHL Draft.
Defenceman Ryan Lin from Richmond leads the pack with an 'A' rating, indicating potential first-round selection.
The list also includes forwards Tyus Sparks, Tobias Tomik, Aaron Obobaifo, and Brett Olson, each bringing unique skills to the ice.
Lin's exceptional performance includes 53 points in 60 games as a 16-year-old rookie, making him just the second player to achieve such numbers in 35 years.
The recognition highlights the strong development program within the Giants organization and bodes well for these young athletes' professional futures.
Fraser Valley Horror Enthusiasts Find Comfort in the Spine-Chilling
Fraser Valley Regional Library's Reading Adviser Sally explains why horror literature provides unexpected comfort and community connection.
Contrary to popular belief, scary stories offer a safe space to process difficult emotions while building bonds between readers who share the thrilling experience. The library system offers horror options for all ages, from spooky picture books to visceral adult fiction.
Horror's therapeutic qualities include providing controlled fear experiences, fostering imagination, and creating shared adventures between readers.
The genre's centuries-long presence across cultures demonstrates its fundamental role in human storytelling and emotional processing.
BC Proposes Extended Medical Leave to Support Working Families
British Columbia is looking to amend the Employment Standards Act to provide workers with 27 weeks of unpaid medical leave and job protection.
The proposed changes would bring BC in line with other Canadian jurisdictions, recognizing that serious health issues often require extended time away from work. This initiative aims to protect workers from losing their jobs during medical emergencies while ensuring they can focus on recovery.
The legislation would provide crucial security for families facing health crises, allowing them to prioritize healing without fear of unemployment. The move demonstrates BC's commitment to supporting working families through life's most challenging moments.
Study Reveals How Many Canadians Experience Severe Climate Anxiety
New research shows 2.3 per cent of Canadians suffer from clinically meaningful climate anxiety that disrupts their daily lives.
The study found rates were highest among Indigenous respondents at 5.6 per cent, likely reflecting both disproportionate climate impacts on Indigenous communities and cultural worldviews recognizing the connection between human and planetary health.
A separate survey of Canadian teens found 37 per cent believe climate change is affecting their mental health, with young people describing fears about an uncertain future, wildfire seasons, and frustration over corporate inaction.
Researchers warn that severe climate anxiety may still be underestimated in Canada, potentially leaving public health systems unprepared to address this growing mental health crisis.
Vancouver FC Caps Undefeated Streak with Season-Ending Draw
Vancouver FC concluded their season on a high note, maintaining their impressive undefeated streak with a 2-2 draw against Cavalry.
The team's remarkable run of six consecutive games without a loss showcases their resilience and tactical improvement throughout the season.
This strong finish builds momentum heading into the off-season and demonstrates the squad's growing chemistry and confidence.
The draw against Cavalry provided an exciting conclusion to what has been a development year for the club, with players gaining valuable experience and fans witnessing steady progress on the pitch.
BC Conservative Caucus Shrinks as Yet Another MLA Walks Away
The Conservative Party of BC lost its fifth MLA in seven months after Penticton-Summerland representative Amelia Boultbee quit the caucus, citing leader John Rustad's deteriorating leadership.
Boultbee accused Rustad of running the party through intimidation, pointing to allegations of fraudulent membership sign-ups and heavy-handed caucus meetings where he told her to "get the F out" if she disagreed.
Rustad dismissed the criticism and suggested Boultbee was struggling with mental health issues, a comment that drew rebuke from fellow Conservative MLA Brennan Day for weaponizing health conditions.
Boultbee will sit as an Independent and says she would rejoin the party under different leadership, warning that Rustad is handing the NDP the next election.
Auditor General Investigates Military Recruitment and Cybersecurity Gaps
Canada's Auditor General is releasing comprehensive reports examining critical gaps in military recruitment processes and national cybersecurity preparedness.
The deep dive investigation comes at a time when Canada faces significant challenges in maintaining adequate military personnel levels while protecting against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. These dual challenges represent major national security concerns requiring immediate attention.
The recruitment analysis will likely reveal systemic issues preventing the Canadian Armed Forces from meeting staffing targets, while the cybersecurity review examines vulnerabilities in government digital infrastructure.
These reports are expected to provide crucial recommendations for strengthening Canada's defense capabilities both in traditional military readiness and modern digital warfare preparedness.
Vancouver Giants Goaltender Burke Hood Named WHL "Goalie of the Week"
Vancouver Giants netminder Burke Hood has been named the Mary Brown's Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Week following an exceptional weekend performance.
The 18-year-old New York Islanders draft pick went 2-0-0-0 with a stellar 1.50 goals-against average and .955 save percentage, stopping an impressive 64 of 67 shots. His standout performances included a 35-save effort in a 5-2 win over Wenatchee Wild and a clutch 29-save performance against the defending champion Medicine Hat Tigers.
Hood has been on fire recently, going 3-0-0 in his last three starts with a .949 save percentage. Hood's recognition comes just as he reached the 50-game milestone in his WHL career, showcasing his development as a top-tier goaltending prospect.
The Giants now boast points in four straight games (3-0-0-1), with Hood's stellar play providing the foundation for their recent success and building momentum for upcoming challenges.
BC Government Fast-Tracks $6-Billion Power Line to Fuel Northern Development
The provincial NDP introduced legislation to accelerate construction of the North Coast Transmission Line, a massive power project aimed at unlocking mining and industrial development across northwest BC.
The three-phase project will stretch from Prince George to Bob Quinn Lake, with the first two phases costing $6 billion and promising 9,700 jobs plus nearly $10 billion in annual economic activity.
The government is bypassing the BC Utilities Commission review process, with Premier David Eby arguing the project's public benefit is obvious and the region has been underserved for too long.
Critics may question whether sidelining regulatory oversight to fast-track power for LNG facilities and resource extraction truly serves the public interest, or simply prioritizes corporate profits over ratepayer protection and meaningful climate action.
Archway Community Services Announces 2025 Award Nominees
Sixteen individuals and organizations have been nominated for the 2025 Archway Community Builders' Awards, honoring those who strengthen the Fraser Valley through leadership and volunteerism.
The awards, established in 2006, recognize both established community builders and emerging changemakers who are younger, new to the region, or beginning their journey of giving back.
The ceremony takes place Thursday, November 6 at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium with doors at 5:30 pm and the program starting at 6:30 pm.
Tickets are available now at Archway.ca/CBA-Ticket, with light refreshments served at the event celebrating generosity and community impact.
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