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Happy Friday, Langley!
Today we'll see some concerning weather as Environment Canada warns of moderate rain and strong southeast winds gusting up to 80 km/h, with 10 to 20 mm of rainfall expected before conditions ease this evening.
Power outages, localized flooding, and difficult travel conditions are possible as the strong frontal system moves through.
Today's roundup covers sluggish byelection turnout ahead of Saturday's main voting day, the school district's search for names for two new facilities, and the Vancouver Giants' Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Langley Events Centre.
We've also got updates on Langley City's budget considerations, provincial labor disputes, and international trade tensions affecting Canadian businesses.
Township Byelection Sees Sluggish Early Voting Turnout
Early voting for the Langley Township council byelection has gotten off to a rather lackluster start, with turnout numbers looking pretty anemic so far.
The main voting day is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, which means there's still time for residents to make their voices heard.
But the low early voting numbers might be a sign that voter engagement isn't quite where it should be for this important local race.
Local elections often see lower turnout than their federal and provincial counterparts, but they're arguably where individual votes can have the most direct impact on daily life.
Here's hoping Saturday brings out more civic-minded residents to the polls.
School Naming Committee Seeks Community Input for Two New Educational Facilities
The Langley School District is turning to the community for help in naming two brand-new educational facilities set to serve the growing Smith area.
Both a secondary school and middle school are in the works, and district officials want local residents to have their say in what these institutions will be called. The naming process is expected to wrap up by February, giving plenty of time for thoughtful community input and consideration.
This is always an exciting milestone for any growing community - the chance to put a lasting mark on educational institutions that will serve families for generations to come.
Langley Rotary Club Doubles Down on Lunch Costs for Noble Cause
The Rotary Club of Langley Central has cooked up a clever fundraising scheme that's as simple as it is effective.
At their regular meeting, club members were asked to pay double for their lunch - with the extra funds going directly toward the global fight against polio. It's a small ask that could make a big difference in the ongoing battle to eradicate this devastating disease.
Sometimes the most impactful fundraising ideas are the ones that don't require elaborate planning or fancy events - just a group of committed people willing to dig a little deeper into their pockets for a worthy cause.
Langley City Council weighs service expansions in 2026 budget proposal
Langley City Council is considering service enhancements for 2026, including hiring additional emergency personnel and extending the Al Anderson Pool season.
The proposed additions total over $2.4 million and include two new firefighters, two RCMP members, and several administrative positions to support the growing city.
Council will begin debating which enhancements to include at their November 17th meeting, with public input opportunities to follow.
Provincial Wildfire Service Joins Growing Public Sector Strike
The BC Wildfire Service and Ministry of Forests have joined the expanding BCGEU strike, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing labor dispute.
The provincial government insists this won't hamper their ability to respond to new or ongoing fires, but the timing is certainly less than ideal as we head into what can still be an active wildfire season. The strike is part of a broader labor action affecting multiple government services across the province.
These kinds of public sector strikes always create a delicate balancing act between workers' rights to fair compensation and the public's need for essential services. Let's hope both sides can find common ground sooner rather than later.
MLA Faces Fierce Criticism Over Land Acknowledgement Ban Proposal
One B.C. MLA named Brodie has found themselves in quite the political hot water after proposing legislation that would ban public officials from making Indigenous land acknowledgements.
The bill was met with swift and resounding opposition from critics across the political spectrum, who viewed it as an unnecessary and potentially harmful piece of legislation. In the end, the proposal was decisively defeated in the legislature.
Land acknowledgements have become a standard practice at many public events and government meetings as a way to recognize Indigenous peoples' historical and ongoing connection to the land. This proposed ban struck many as a step backward in reconciliation efforts.
Filipino Community Still Seeking Justice Six Months After Festival Attack
Six months have passed since a devastating attack at a Vancouver Filipino festival, and the community is still grappling with the aftermath while seeking closure.
Rev. Francis Galvan, pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Delta, has been walking alongside community members through what he describes as a blur of grief, confusion, and frustrated waiting. The April 26 incident shattered what should have been a celebration of Filipino culture and heritage, leaving lasting scars on the tight-knit community.
The lack of resolution or clear answers about the attack has made the healing process even more difficult for those affected. Community leaders are calling for more support and transparency as they work to rebuild trust and move forward while honoring the memory of what happened that day.
Prime Minister Carney Embarks on First Asian Diplomatic Tour
Prime Minister Mark Carney is setting off on his first official trip to Asia since taking office, with stops planned for both ASEAN and APEC summits.
The trip is part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen Canada's trade relationships and diplomatic ties in the Asia-Pacific region. Given the current global economic climate and trade tensions with other partners, diversifying Canada's international relationships has become increasingly important.
This inaugural Asian tour will be closely watched as an indication of how the Carney government plans to position Canada on the world stage, particularly in relation to key Asian economies that represent huge opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.
Trump Administration Abruptly Ends Trade Negotiations with Canada
President Trump has declared that trade talks with Canada are officially over, citing ongoing disagreements about tariff arrangements as the primary reason for walking away from negotiations.
This sudden termination of trade discussions puts significant pressure on Canada's economic relationship with its largest trading partner and creates uncertainty for businesses on both sides of the border.
The breakdown in talks could have far-reaching implications for everything from lumber exports to energy trade.
Canadian officials will now need to reassess their trade strategy and potentially look to other international partners to offset any negative impacts from this diplomatic setback. The timing couldn't be worse as both countries are still dealing with post-pandemic economic recovery challenges.
Vancouver Giants Host Hockey Fights Cancer Night Against Portland
The Vancouver Giants are hosting their Hockey Fights Cancer Night as they take on the Portland Winterhawks at Langley Events Centre on Friday evening.
The event will feature lavender-themed elements throughout the game, with players using special lavender tape during warm-ups and staff wearing daffodil pins to show their support. Fans can fill out 'I Fight For' cards at designated booths, creating a meaningful display of solidarity with those affected by cancer.
A special ceremonial puck drop will be performed by nine-year-old Everly, who attends Camp Goodtimes - a camp designed specifically for children battling cancer. The second intermission will feature a Chuck-a-Puck fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly to support Camp Goodtimes and its mission to help kids with cancer just be kids.
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