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Happy Friday, Langley!
Today's forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a high of 16°C, perfect weather for exploring what's happening around our community.
This morning's roundup brings essential updates on infrastructure disruptions from BC Hydro's expansion projects, the ongoing Canada Post strike affecting local mail service, and troubling developments in public safety including a music teacher's guilty plea for criminal harassment and renewed calls for interpreter access following a fatal police shooting in Surrey.
We've also got exciting news about fall educational programs at Salishan Place and guidance for environmentally responsible pool drainage.
BC Hydro prepares major expansions to power Langley's growth
BC Hydro is digging up streets across Langley City for a series of infrastructure projects that will double substation capacity by 2029 to support the region's rapid growth.
Fraser Highway between the Surrey border and 201A Street is currently under construction to power the SkyTrain extension, while 53rd Avenue and 200th Street will soon face disruptions for the McLellan Substation expansion.
Residents on 200th Street, already weary from a decade of utility work, can expect more construction headaches as multiple agencies coordinate projects around underground infrastructure.
School Programs Ready to Welcome Educators at Salishan Place
Educators in Langley can now book their fall 2025 school programs at the historic Salishan Place by the River.
The Township of Langley is offering five different hands-on learning experiences designed to connect students with local history and Indigenous knowledge. Programs include an Archaeology Adventure for grades 6-7, Colonization of the Fraser Valley for grades 4-7, a 1920s Schoolhouse Experience at Lochiel Schoolhouse in Campbell Valley Regional Park for grades 3-6, plus self-guided nature and heritage walks suitable for all ages.
School programs officially begin on Wednesday, October 8, and early booking is strongly encouraged to secure preferred dates. The curriculum-connected offerings provide students with immersive educational experiences that bring the region's rich cultural heritage to life in an engaging, interactive format.
Langley Prepares for Halloween with Spooky Display Map
Halloween enthusiasts in Langley now have their ultimate guide to the season's best frights and delights.
A comprehensive roundup has been compiled featuring the most impressive Halloween displays across the community, along with key events happening throughout the scary season. The map showcases everything from elaborate yard decorations to family-friendly festivities, helping residents and visitors navigate the best spooky experiences the area has to offer.
Whether you're looking for spine-tingling scares or wholesome Halloween fun, this curated collection ensures nobody misses out on the community's most creative and entertaining seasonal displays.
ICBC Invests $325,000 in Langley Traffic Safety Improvements
Road safety gets a significant boost in Langley thanks to a substantial investment from ICBC.
The insurance corporation has allocated $325,000 toward 15 different safety projects implemented in partnership with both Langley City and the Township of Langley. These initiatives represent a collaborative effort to address traffic safety concerns and reduce the risk of accidents across the region.
The funding supports various infrastructure improvements and safety measures designed to protect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. This investment demonstrates ICBC's commitment to proactive accident prevention rather than simply responding to incidents after they occur.
Township Releases Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Drainage Guidelines
Township residents with pools and hot tubs now have official guidance for responsible seasonal drainage.
As property owners prepare to drain and clean their aquatic systems between seasons, the Township has issued important environmental reminders. Most storm water drainage systems in the area flow directly into local creeks and rivers, making proper disposal practices crucial for protecting waterways.
Swimming pools and hot tubs often contain chemicals and other substances that can harm aquatic ecosystems if improperly discharged. The new guidelines help residents understand environmentally responsible drainage methods that protect the community's natural water resources while allowing for necessary seasonal maintenance.
Letter Carriers Continue Strike Action in Langley
Canada Post letter carriers in Langley remain on the picket lines as their work stoppage enters its second week.
The walkout began on September 25 and continues to affect mail delivery throughout the community. Local postal workers are part of a broader labor dispute involving issues of working conditions, compensation, and service delivery standards.
The ongoing strike has created disruptions for residents and businesses who rely on regular mail service. Postal workers have been visible on local picket lines, seeking public support for their position while negotiations between the union and Canada Post continue.
Fraser Valley Music Teacher Awaits Sentencing for Criminal Harassment
A Fraser Valley music teacher faces sentencing after pleading guilty to criminally harassing two teenage girls.
Bevin van Liempt admitted to the charges in what represents a concerning breach of trust between educator and students. The case has drawn attention to the importance of safeguarding measures in educational settings, particularly in one-on-one instruction environments like music lessons.
In the past, van Liempt taught at Bakerview Music Academy and other organizations between Abbotsford and Chilliwack.
Criminal harassment charges typically involve patterns of behavior that cause fear or distress to victims. The sentencing phase will determine appropriate consequences while considering the impact on the young victims and the broader educational community.
Surrey Police Shooting Death Prompts Calls for Better Interpreter Access
A fatal police shooting in Surrey has sparked demands for 24/7 access to professional interpreters during crisis situations.
Advocacy organizations argue that language barriers can escalate dangerous situations and that police need immediate access to qualified translators. The incident has highlighted the challenges facing diverse communities when communicating with law enforcement during high-stress encounters.
The push for improved interpreter services reflects broader concerns about equity and safety in police interactions with immigrant and multicultural communities. Professional interpretation could potentially de-escalate situations and prevent tragic misunderstandings during crisis responses.
B.C. Conservative Staffer Fired After Disparaging Reconciliation Day
B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad ordered the firing of staffer Lindsay Shepherd on Wednesday after she made disparaging comments about Reconciliation Day.
The incident has sparked controversy about the party's commitment to Indigenous reconciliation and appropriate conduct from political staff. Shepherd's comments were deemed unacceptable by party leadership, leading to her immediate dismissal.
The swift action by Rustad suggests an attempt to distance the party from the controversial remarks, particularly given the sensitive nature of Indigenous relations in B.C. politics. The firing has raised questions about vetting procedures and the party's overall stance on reconciliation issues.
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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