It's Friday (hooray!), which means that it's time for a new edition of the Weekend Warmup!

As summer reaches its peak in the Fraser Valley, this weekend brings an incredible lineup of community events, world-class entertainment, and opportunities to celebrate diversity and connection.

From the spectacular Abbotsford International Airshow to Langley's inaugural Pride Day celebration, there's something for everyone to enjoy while building the kind of inclusive, vibrant communities we believe in.

Let's dive in!

Local Langley News

Mayor Pachal's History Video Teases Langley City's Roots

Langley City Mayor Nathan Pachal's upcoming video explores how ordinary people shaped our community's development, from turn-of-the-century gathering spots to the creation of our road system.

The documentary promises to reveal the stories behind neighborhood names like Michaud Crescent and Innes Corners, highlighting how everyday decisions and chance encounters built our city.

This grassroots approach to civic education demonstrates how local leaders can make municipal history accessible and relevant to residents.

By connecting past community organizing to present-day development patterns, Mayor Pachal's project offers valuable lessons for building more inclusive, people-centered neighborhoods.

Century-old barn's restoration wraps up in Langley

A significant piece of Langley's agricultural heritage has been preserved as the Langley Heritage Society completes an extensive restoration of a century-old barn. The Society invested more than $150,000 in the painstaking project to ensure this historic structure remains standing for future generations.

The barn represents a vital connection to Langley's farming past and stands as a testament to the community's commitment to preserving its historical landmarks.

The restoration process involved careful attention to historical accuracy while ensuring the structure will remain sound for decades to come.

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Crash closed TransCanada Highway westbound in central Langley

A serious multi-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck shut down the westbound lanes of Highway 1 in central Langley yesterday. Emergency responders rushed to the scene where one person was transported to hospital with serious injuries.

The accident created significant traffic disruptions throughout central Langley as motorists were diverted to alternate routes while investigators worked the scene.

RCMP are investigating the cause of the crash and asking witnesses to come forward with any information.

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Langley teens turn dirty job into thriving summer business

While most 13-year-olds are soaking up summer break, two enterprising Langley teenagers have transformed a mundane household chore into a booming seasonal business.

The young entrepreneurs have found success by taking on the dirty job of cleaning residential garbage bins, filling a niche service need in the community.

Their business model combines affordability with environmental consciousness, using eco-friendly cleaning products and minimal water waste.

The teens' initiative shows remarkable business acumen and work ethic, setting an inspiring example for youth entrepreneurship in the community.

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Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News

Rain assists firefighters battling Bear Creek wildfire near Harrison Hot Springs

Wednesday's 11 millimetres of rainfall provided crucial assistance to crews fighting the 224-hectare Bear Creek wildfire north of Harrison Hot Springs.

The precipitation slowed wildfire activity and helped reduce the blaze to Rank 1 status, meaning it's now mainly a smouldering ground fire without open flames.

Ground crews are working to establish containment lines on the north flank while another team addresses areas where the fire jumped Bear Creek.

Evacuation alerts remain in effect for the North Cascade Bay Area, and road closures continue between the 9-km and 20-km marks of Harrison East Forest Service Road, with access restricted to residents only.

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Technical teams rescue 2 climbers in the dark on Yak Peak near Hope

A complex overnight rescue operation successfully saved two stranded climbers from the sheer face of Yak Peak near Hope. Rescue teams utilized night vision goggles and sophisticated hoisting equipment to extract the climbers from the treacherous mountain face in challenging darkness conditions.

The operation required collaboration between multiple search and rescue teams who coordinated their efforts to reach the stranded individuals safely.

One of the climbers had suffered injuries after a fall, complicating the already difficult extraction from the steep terrain.

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B.C. Students Win Life-Saving Equipment in Schools Following Grassroots Advocacy

British Columbia will require naloxone kits and defibrillators in all high schools by December, following sustained pressure from students and families affected by preventable deaths.

The policy change represents a victory for working-class folks like the McIntyre-Starkos family, whose advocacy after losing their 18-year-old son to opioid poisoning helped secure life-saving resources for future students.

Student organizer Tobias Zhang's successful campaign for AEDs demonstrates how young people can challenge institutional neglect and demand basic safety measures in public schools.

While advocates push for comprehensive naloxone training, the mandate reflects growing recognition that harm reduction and emergency preparedness are essential public health investments that serve all communities.

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National Canadian News

Métis Leaders Express Cautious Hope After Major Projects Meeting with Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Métis leaders from Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories Thursday to discuss major economic projects aimed at strengthening Canada's economy amid U.S. trade tensions.

While leaders expressed optimism about being included in future economic partnerships, the meeting highlighted ongoing concerns about meaningful consultation after controversial legislation passed in June allowing cabinet to fast-track project approvals while bypassing environmental protections.

The Manitoba Métis Federation refused to attend over disputes about representation, while Métis Nation British Columbia was only invited as an online observer, underscoring persistent divisions within Métis governance structures.

Despite these tensions, attending leaders emphasized their commitment to economic development partnerships that respect Métis rights and sovereignty while building Canada's resilience against Trump's trade war.

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On the frontlines of an effort to save Arctic ice … by drilling into the ocean

A groundbreaking climate intervention project is underway in a small Nunavut community, where researchers are attempting to restore sea ice impacted by global warming through an innovative approach that involves drilling into the ocean.

This community-based initiative represents a direct response to the rapidly changing Arctic environment.

Local Indigenous knowledge has been integrated with scientific approaches in this pioneering effort to preserve the ice that is crucial to northern ways of life.

The project could provide valuable insights into practical climate adaptation strategies for northern communities on the frontlines of climate change.

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Public Healthcare Emerges as Trump-Proof Economic Strategy for Canada

As Donald Trump imposes punitive 35% tariffs on Canadian goods, economists are highlighting public healthcare as a crucial domestic industry beyond his reach that employs three million Canadians and adds $200 billion annually to GDP.

While business elites respond to Trump's economic attacks by demanding smaller government and lower taxes, this approach would weaken the very sectors that could shield Canada from trade disruption.

Public healthcare and education contribute more to Canada's total economic income than key export industries like oil, mining, and auto manufacturing, yet conservative economists dismiss these sectors as "unproductive" because government funding makes productivity harder to measure in market terms.

Rather than continuing the "rip it, strip it and ship it" export dependence that leaves Canada vulnerable to Trump's whims, investing in domestic care sectors offers both economic resilience and protection of the public services that unite Canadians against annexation threats.

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Sports News

🏈 Whyte kicks winning field goal in OT as B.C. Lions trip Hamilton Ticats 41-38

In a thrilling CFL matchup, Sean Whyte's clutch 19-yard field goal in overtime secured a dramatic 41-38 victory for the B.C. Lions over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. This crucial road win improves the Lions' record to 4-5 on the season, giving them valuable momentum in the competitive playoff race.

The back-and-forth contest featured offensive fireworks from both teams before Whyte's decisive kick ended the overtime drama.

This victory could prove pivotal for the Lions as they look to climb the standings in the season's second half.

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🎾 Canada's Victoria Mboko wins National Bank Open title

In a spectacular breakthrough performance, 18-year-old Canadian tennis sensation Victoria Mboko defeated former world #1 Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 to capture the women's title at the National Bank Open. This remarkable achievement marks Mboko's first tour-level championship, coming in just the seventh main draw appearance of her young career.

After dropping the first set, Mboko showed tremendous poise and determination to turn the match around against her more experienced opponent.

Mboko becomes the second-youngest player in the Open era to win this prestigious tournament, announcing herself as a rising star in women's tennis.

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🏊‍♂️ Keep calm and swim on: how a Canadian man conquered the English Channel

Toronto high school teacher Sam Garrison has joined an elite group of only three dozen Canadians who have successfully completed a solo swim across the English Channel. What began as a pandemic stress-relief activity culminated in this extraordinary feat of endurance and determination on July 26-27, as Garrison battled challenging conditions to complete the iconic crossing.

The English Channel swim represents one of the most grueling challenges in open-water swimming, requiring months of intense training and mental preparation.

Garrison's achievement demonstrates the remarkable human capacity to transform personal challenges into monumental accomplishments.

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⚽ Who Scored the Best Goal in July? 👀

The TELUS Goal of the Month competition has returned, showcasing the most spectacular finishes from across the Canadian Premier League during July. Fans have the opportunity to vote for their favorite strike from an impressive collection of contenders, with time running out to cast ballots before the winner is announced.

This monthly feature highlights the technical brilliance and creativity displayed in Canada's top-tier domestic soccer league.

Voters not only get to celebrate exceptional goals but also have a chance to win an epic TELUS prize pack as part of the promotion.

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Weekend Happenings

Friday Aug 8th, 2025

Family Fun Night – Summer Nights in the Township

• Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
• Location: Lynn Fripps Park, 21020 83 Ave, Langley Twp, BC V2Y 0K8
• Description: Join us for Family Fun Nights during Summer Nights in the Township! Enjoy a foam party, bouncy castles, games, activities, food trucks, a DJ spinning hit music and more!

Family Paint Party

• Time: 7:00 pm
• Cost: $45
• Location: Canlan Sports - Langley Twin Rinks, 5700 Langley ByPass, Langley, BC
• Description: Get ready for a night of creativity and relaxation with Paint & Chill at Canlan Sport-Twin Rinks in Langley! Join us for a Paint Nite event where you'll unleash your inner artist while sipping on your favorite drink and chilling with friends.
  
  Our talented artist will guide you step-by-step as you create your own masterpiece on canvas. No experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to have a blast! So grab your friends, grab a drink, and let the paint and chill vibes take over as we create a one-of-a-kind artwork together. See you there!

Abbotsford International Airshow

• Time: 2:30 to 10:00 pm
• Location: Abbotsford International Airport, 30440 Liberator Ave, Abbotsford, BC
• Description: The Abbotsford Air Show's Friday twilight event opens at 2:30 pm with displays and exhibits, followed by aerial performances beginning at 5:00 pm featuring military aircraft including the Snowbirds, CF-18 Hornet, and F-35 Lightning II.
  
  The evening concludes with a spectacular LED drone show at 9:30 pm before gates close at 10:00 pm, offering visitors a full day of aviation demonstrations and entertainment.

The Limit at The Dublin Crossing

• Time: 9:30 pm
• Location: Dublin Crossing Irish Pub, 18789 Fraser Highway, #101, Surrey, BC
• Description: We're thrilled 🔊to announce our upcoming shows at The Dublin Crossing! 🍀
  
  The Limit will be tearing it up on August 8th and 9th.
  
  Get ready for an awesome night of live music! 🎸🎵🎶

Saturday Aug 9th, 2025

Langley Pride Day - Daytime

• Time: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Location: Langley Senior Resources Society, 20605 51 B Ave, Langley, BC V3A 9H1
• Description: Langley Pride Day 2025 takes place Saturday, August 9th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Langley Senior Resources Society, featuring a collaborative celebration between the Senior Resources Society, Senior Pride Social Group, and Langley Pride Society.
  
  The all-ages event includes a flag raising ceremony, vendor market, dance performances, face painting, drag bingo, film screening, and speakers' circle to promote inclusiveness and diversity within the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
  
  This community-driven celebration aims to bring together people of all ages in a fun and entertaining atmosphere that encourages acceptance and community spirit.

Abbotsford International Airshow

• Time: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Location: Abbotsford International Airport, 30440 Liberator Ave, Abbotsford, BC
• Description: The Abbotsford Air Show's Saturday daytime event opens at 9:30 am with displays, exhibits, and food trucks, followed by flying performances beginning at 11:30 am featuring military demonstrations including the Canadian Forces Skyhawks, CF-18 Hornet, and F-35 Lightning II.
  
  The day concludes with the renowned Snowbirds aerobatic team at 4:00 pm before gates close at 5:00 pm, offering visitors a full afternoon of world-class aviation displays and ground exhibits.

Tears of Joy Hot Sauce Expo

• Time: 10:00am to 3:30pm
• Location: 4303 208th Street, Langley City, BC V3A 2H6
• Description: Get ready for the hottest event of the year!
  
  Tears of Joy Hot Sauce Expo has brought together countless BC Hot Sauce Producers and other spicy vendors for everyone to enjoy!

Outdoor Fine Arts Fair and Festival

• Time: 10:30am to 3:00pm
• Location: Douglas Park - 20550 Douglas Crescent,
• Description: Come out to Douglas Park for a free two-day event featuring a variety of arts and culture performances, workshops, demonstrations and more!
  
  Saturday is Kids and Youth day and it features live music, classes, workshops, story-time, food, and musical performances.

2025 Butterfly Release

• Time: 12:30 to 3:00 pm
• Location: Krause Berry Farms, 6179 248 street, Langley, BC
• Description: The Langley Hospice Society & Langley Lodge’s Annual Butterfly Release is hosted by Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery.
  
  This annual fundraising event attracts hundreds of guests who participate in this poignant celebration in the beautiful gardens onsite. Butterflies are released by all ages, in honor of loved ones, in celebration, and in memory – all in support of a great cause.
  
  The event is open to the public, & happens between 12:30pm and 3pm at Krause Berry farms.
  
  Please arrive early, as the event is well attended, & parking will take some time. The Butterfly Release will happen promptly at 1:30pm, & will see 400 Painted Lady Butterflies take flight for the first time amongst the beautiful gardens on the grounds. With limited #’s of butterflies available, pre-ordering is recommended for those who want to participate in the actual release.
  
  Butterflies are $25.00 each, & only limited butterflies will be available onsite at Krause Berry Farms on event day beginning at 11am on a first come, first serve basis so pre order now!
  
  In addition to the spectacular butterflies in flight, this fun & inspirational event will see entertainment, children’s crafts & activities, live music & everything else that Krause Berry Farms has to offer with their wine tasting room, waffle bar, café & market place – there is really something for everyone!!

Green Timbers Day

• Time: 12:00 - 4:00 pm
• Location: Green Timbers Urban Forest Park, 96 Ave, Surrey, BC
• Description: Explore the forest, meet the stewards, and join the fun including:
  
  Live music & lawn games
  Nature walks & pond peeking
  Forest stewards & stories of the past
  Ways to lend a hand & get involved
  Free ice cream (while supplies last).

Langley Pride Day - Evening Show (19+)

• Time: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Location: Langley Senior Resources Society, 20605 51 B Ave, Langley, BC V3A 9H1
• Description: The fun continues into the evening for a 19+ evening of Musical Entertainment featuring Queer As Funk.  Tickets for the evening event are available for sale via Eventbrite. 
  
  Evening entertainment includes: 
  • Soulful Guitarist Ernestine Performance
  • Drag Show
  • Queer As Funk
  • Undercover Band
  • Cash Bar will be available   *Please drink responsibly.

The Limit at The Dublin Crossing

• Time: 9:30 pm
• Location: Dublin Crossing Irish Pub, 18789 Fraser Highway, #101, Surrey, BC
• Description: We're thrilled 🔊to announce our upcoming shows at The Dublin Crossing! 🍀
  
  The Limit will be tearing it up on August 8th and 9th.
  
  Get ready for an awesome night of live music! 🎸🎵🎶

Sunday Aug 10th, 2025

⚽ Vancouver FC vs Pacific FC

• Time: 03:00 PM
• Location: Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre, 7782 200 St, Langley Twp, BC V2Y 1S4
• Description: Come out to support the resurgent Vancouver FC as they take on their regional rival, Pacific FC!

Outdoor Fine Arts Fair and Festival

• Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm
• Location: Douglas Park - 20550 Douglas Crescent,
• Description: Come out to Douglas Park for a free two-day event featuring a variety of arts and culture performances, workshops, demonstrations and more!
  
  Sunday is for all ages and features live music, free artist demo's and talks, food, and more.

Abbotsford International Airshow

• Time: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Location: Abbotsford International Airport, 30440 Liberator Ave, Abbotsford, BC
• Description: The Abbotsford Air Show's Sunday finale opens at 9:30 am with displays, exhibits, and food trucks, followed by aerial performances starting at 11:30 am showcasing military aircraft including the F-35 Lightning II, CF-18 Hornet, and Search & Rescue demonstrations.
  
  The weekend concludes with the celebrated Snowbirds performance at 4:00 pm before gates close at 5:00 pm, wrapping up three days of premier aviation entertainment and static displays.