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Good morning, friends!
It's a rainy Thursday in Langley with temperatures eventually rising to around 17°C.
The rain is supposed to let up in the early afternoon, so you might not need to bring an umbrella if you're heading out tonight to meet Township Mayor Eric Woodward at Murrayville Community Hall.
Provincial workers continue their strike for fair wages as all liquor and cannabis stores remain closed, while at the legislature, important firefighter health protections are moving forward.
We've also got updates on Langley City Council tackling summer heat dangers and Elections BC handing out fines to Conservative candidates who broke election rules.
Langley City Council addresses summer indoor cooling, Grade Crescent improvements, and traffic calming policies
Langley City Council heard a Metro Vancouver presentation on protecting residents from increasingly hot summers due to climate change.
The presentation highlighted a gap in provincial building code requirements that mandate temperature controls for new buildings but leave older apartments without protections against dangerous heat.
Grade Crescent resident Bruce Downing presented an ambitious list of neighbourhood improvements including full sidewalks, bike lanes, enclosed drainage ditches, and traffic calming measures.
Council committed to a comprehensive response within 30 days and noted that an expanded multi-use path is being considered for the 2026 capital budget.
Council upheld its traffic calming policy requiring at least 10 resident signatures after rejecting a petition for 201A Street that fell short of this threshold, maintaining a reasonable barrier to ensure genuine community support for changes to street design.
Rat Problem Reaches New Heights in Langley Community
Fraser Health Authority reports a concerning surge in rodent-related complaints throughout Langley, with residents increasingly frustrated by unwelcome furry visitors.
The spike in complaints appears linked to recent restrictions on rodenticide use and lingering effects from the pandemic that disrupted normal pest control routines. Health officials are working with local authorities to address the growing issue before it becomes a larger public health concern.
The situation highlights broader challenges facing communities as they balance environmental protection measures with effective pest management strategies.
Township of Langley hosts "Meet the Mayor" community events this week
Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward is holding a series of free public events where residents can ask questions about any issues and hear directly about municipal initiatives underway and planned for the community.
The first session took place Wednesday evening at Aldergrove Kinsmen Centre, with tonight's event scheduled for 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Murrayville Community Hall.
A final session will be held Tuesday, October 14 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Willoughby Community Hall, with no registration required for any of the events.
Fire Prevention Week Puts Spotlight on Battery Safety in Langley
Local fire officials are focusing their Fire Prevention Week efforts on battery safety education, addressing a growing concern in residential fire incidents.
The annual awareness campaign, running through October 11, emphasizes proper battery storage, charging practices, and disposal methods. Fire departments across Langley are conducting community demonstrations and distributing educational materials to help residents understand the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and other power sources.
Officials note that battery-related fires have become increasingly common, particularly with the proliferation of electronic devices, e-bikes, and other rechargeable equipment in homes.
Langley MLA's firefighter cancer screening bill advances in legislature
Fort Langley-Walnut Grove MLA Misty Van Popta's private member's bill to establish comprehensive cancer screening for firefighters has passed second reading and now moves to committee stage.
The legislation addresses the alarming statistic that 94 per cent of firefighter deaths in Canada between 2015 and 2024 were caused by occupational cancer.
Bill M214 would require development of a health screening plan for firefighters, regular reviews of the plan, and examination of existing workers' compensation regulations to better protect those who face elevated cancer risks from their work protecting communities.
Professional Soccer Player Chronicles Championship Season Journey
A young professional soccer player with Langley-based Vancouver FC shares intimate details about life during their remarkable season.
The player's diary reveals the dedication, sacrifices, and emotional highs and lows that defined their journey from training camp through the playoffs. The candid account provides rare insight into the mental and physical demands of professional soccer, including the pressures of performing at the highest level.
The championship run created memories that will last a lifetime, according to the player, who describes the experience as transformative both personally and professionally. The diary entries capture the camaraderie among teammates and the support from the Langley community throughout the historic season.
B.C. Wheelchair Curling Champion Inducted into Disability Hall of Fame
Ina Forrest, a decorated wheelchair curling champion from British Columbia, will be inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame in Toronto.
The four-time Paralympic medalist and six-time World Championship winner represents one of three individuals being honored Thursday for their outstanding achievements and contributions to disability sports. Forrest's remarkable career has inspired countless athletes and helped elevate the profile of Paralympic competition in Canada.
Her induction recognizes not only her competitive excellence but also her role as an advocate for accessibility and inclusion in sports. The ceremony celebrates her legacy as a trailblazer who has opened doors for future generations of Paralympic athletes.
Elections BC fines billionaire Chip Wilson, BC Conservative MLA Larry Neufeld, and two other Conservative candidates for 2024 election violations
Billionaire Lululemon founder Chip Wilson was fined $600 for erecting unauthorized anti-NDP signs outside his Vancouver-Point Grey property during the provincial election, including one that compared the NDP to communists.
BC Conservative MLA Larry Neufeld received a $200 penalty for posting campaign videos and signs without proper authorization, while Surrey City Centre candidate Zeeshan Wahla was fined $250 and former MLA Gwen O'Mahony $150 for similar violations.
The penalties highlight a pattern of Conservative-affiliated candidates and supporters flouting basic election transparency rules, with Wilson's meager $600 fine amounting to pocket change for an oligarch worth $6.1 billion.
B.C. public service strike closes all liquor and cannabis stores as workers fight for fair wages
More than 23,000 provincial workers are now on strike as the B.C. General Employees' Union escalated job action to shutter all remaining liquor and cannabis retail locations as of Wednesday, standing firm in their demand for wages that keep pace with the cost of living.
The unions are seeking an eight per cent wage increase over two years (four percent per year) while the government has offered a meager four per cent, forcing workers who've shown months of patience to take this difficult but necessary step.
While the strike creates challenges for restaurants and businesses that can't restock alcohol inventory, the responsibility for resolving this dispute rests squarely with a government that needs to return to the table with a serious offer that respects the workers who serve British Columbians every day.
Surrey Schools Seeks Baby 'Teachers' for Innovative Empathy Program
Surrey School District is actively recruiting newborn babies and their parents to participate in the unique Roots of Empathy program.
The innovative educational initiative brings babies into elementary classrooms as "teachers" to help students develop emotional intelligence and empathy skills. Over the course of a school year, children observe the baby's development while learning about emotions, relationships, and caring for others.
Research has shown the program significantly reduces aggression and bullying while increasing prosocial behaviors among participating students. The visiting babies and parents become integral parts of the classroom community, fostering connections that benefit everyone involved.
Blue Jays Advance to American League Championship Series with Victory over Yankees
The Toronto Blue Jays are heading to their eighth American League Championship Series after defeating the New York Yankees in a thrilling playoff series.
Toronto's 5-2 victory completed a four-game series win, marking the team's first ALCS appearance since 2016. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led the charge with an exceptional .529 batting average throughout the series, demonstrating the offensive firepower that carried the Blue Jays through the postseason.
The victory sets up a championship series matchup against either the Detroit Tigers or Seattle Mariners, depending on the outcome of their ongoing series. Canadian baseball fans are celebrating the Blue Jays' return to championship-level play after years of rebuilding.
Digital Influencers Dominated Election Discourse Online
A comprehensive new report reveals that social media influencers, rather than traditional news outlets or politicians, had the "loudest voices" during Canada's recent federal election.
The analysis shows a fundamental shift in how political information spreads online, with content creators and influencers reaching larger audiences than established media organizations. This trend represents a significant change in the political communication landscape, raising questions about information quality and democratic discourse.
The findings highlight the growing importance of social media platforms in shaping public opinion and political outcomes. Experts suggest this shift requires new approaches to media literacy and election oversight to ensure voters receive accurate, reliable information.
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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