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Hello, Langley!
With rainy skies overhead today, it's a perfect moment to catch up on what's happening across our community.
This week brings important opportunities for civic engagement, from advisory committee applications to input on aquatic facilities, alongside local sports action and inspiring stories of residents making their mark.
Meanwhile, a crucial byelection approaches in the Township, youth services get a fundraising boost, and one Aldergrove farmer proves that garlic growing can be more than just a side hustle.
News Around Langley
Langley Township seeks community voices for advisory committees
The Township of Langley is recruiting residents who want to make a tangible difference in their community through service on several advisory committees.
Positions are available on the Agricultural Advisory Committee (including a youth spot for those with farming or agritourism experience), Heritage Advisory Committee, Recreation, Culture, and Parks Advisory Committee, and Seniors Advisory Committee (with a youth position for ages 16-24).
These volunteer roles offer two-year terms and provide meaningful opportunities to influence decisions on issues that matter to Langley residents.
Applications are due by October 24, 2025, and can be submitted online at www.tol.ca/committee or by mail to the Township Clerk at 20338-65 Avenue.
Langley's Drive Gala Raises Funds for Vulnerable Youth
The annual Drive Gala is back, putting the spotlight on raising critical funds for children and youth facing abuse in the Langley community.
This foundation fundraiser serves as a vital lifeline, providing essential support services for some of the area's most vulnerable young people.
The gala brings together community members, local businesses, and advocates to make a tangible difference in the lives of kids who need it most.
Event organizers are hoping this year's turnout will surpass previous fundraising efforts, given the increasing demand for youth support services in the region.
Langley City wants your input on expanding aquatic recreation
Langley City is asking residents to help shape the future of community swimming and recreation as it explores whether to expand the Al Anderson Memorial Pool or build an entirely new indoor aquatic facility.
With significant population growth expected over the next 25 years, the city is conducting a feasibility study to determine what kinds of programs and facilities residents need, from family swimming and lessons to therapeutic programs and fitness classes.
Residents can share their feedback through an online survey (available until October 24 at LetsChat.LangleyCity.ca/aquatics) or at several in-person pop-up events happening through early October at the pool, No Frills grocery store, and Timms Community Centre.
Vancouver FC Secures Second Consecutive Victory at Home
Vancouver FC continued their winning streak with another impressive victory, this time defeating the Halifax Wanderers in Sunday's match played in Langley.
The team's back-to-back wins demonstrate a significant turnaround from earlier season struggles, giving fans plenty to cheer about at the home venue.
The Wanderers, despite putting up a solid fight, couldn't match Vancouver FC's momentum and tactical execution.
This victory positions Vancouver FC favorably as they head into the final stretch of the season, with team morale clearly on the upswing.
Meet Aldergrove's Garlic Growing Queen
One Aldergrove resident has turned her hobby farm into a garlic-growing empire, proving that this pungent bulb is far more than just a kitchen staple.
Her passion project has evolved into a thriving small business that supplies local restaurants and farmers markets with premium-quality garlic varieties.
The self-proclaimed "Garlic Queen" grows multiple cultivars, each with distinct flavor profiles and growing requirements that she's mastered over years of trial and error.
Her success story highlights the potential for small-scale agricultural ventures in the Fraser Valley, where fertile soil and favorable growing conditions make specialty crops like garlic particularly viable.
Vancouver Giants Fall to Victoria in Power Play Nightmare
The Langley Giants had a rough night on the ice, surrendering five power play goals in their loss to Victoria.
Special teams proved to be the Giants' Achilles heel, as their penalty kill unit struggled mightily against Victoria's potent power play attack.
The lopsided special teams battle essentially decided the outcome, with the Giants unable to stay out of the penalty box long enough to mount any sustained offensive pressure.
Next up for the team is a road trip to Swift Current, where they'll need to address their discipline issues and shore up their penalty killing if they hope to get back in the win column.
Political Newcomer Seeks to Bring Disability Perspective to Township Council
Jami Watson, a former Port Coquitlam resident, is running for the open Langley Township council seat with a mission to bring much-needed disability representation to local government.
Watson's candidacy in the October 25th byelection centers on ensuring that accessibility and disability issues receive proper attention in municipal decision-making.
Her platform emphasizes the importance of having lived experience with disability challenges inform policy discussions that affect the entire community.
The byelection comes at a crucial time for Township council, as several major infrastructure and development projects are on the horizon that could significantly impact accessibility throughout Langley.
Other Stories We're Reading
Regional
Fraser Valley Today Staff
The Canadian Press
Bhagyashree Chatterjee
National
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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