🎉 Happy Friday, friends!

Today brings a full weekend of possibilities across Langley and the Fraser Valley. From cultural celebrations and foam parties to labour disputes that hit close to home, there's plenty happening in the region.

The Global Festival at McLeod Athletic Park promises to showcase the diversity that makes this area vibrant, while workers in Abbotsford continue their fight for fair wages at both Cascade Aerospace and Rogers Communications.

Those who appreciate public infrastructure will love seeing TransLink's new Mark V SkyTrains roll out just as Langley City gets a $3 million upgrade with new sewer lines.

Whether you're drawn to the Hawaiian cultural workshops at Fort Langley, the legendary water fight between fire rescue and pool staff, or catching Vancouver FC take on Cavalry at Willoughby Community Park, this weekend offers something for everyone.

It's the kind of weekend where you can paint under the stars, learn traditional lei-making, or simply enjoy live music in the park while staying connected to the issues that matter most to working families across the region.

Local Langley News

Global Festival Brings the World to a Langley Park

McLeod Athletic Park is set to transform into an international cultural hub as the 2025 Global Festival prepares to showcase diversity from around the world.

The highly anticipated event will feature music, dance, cuisine, and art representing dozens of global communities.

Organizers have expanded this year's programming to include more interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities, making it the largest multicultural celebration in Langley's history.

Local businesses and community groups have rallied behind the festival, which has become a point of pride for Langley's increasingly diverse population. The celebration highlights how global connections strengthen local communities in an era of increased division.

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Community Serves Up Generosity at Langley Hospice Fundraiser

The Langley Hospice Society's annual fundraising picnic exceeded all expectations this year, thanks to a surprise donor challenge and the heartwarming participation of local firefighters. The special event raised critical funds that will directly support end-of-life care services for Langley residents and their families.

An anonymous benefactor unexpectedly announced a dollar-for-dollar matching gift halfway through the event, instantly doubling every donation made. Meanwhile, Langley firefighters delighted attendees by serving meals and sharing stories about their community involvement.

The hospice provides compassionate care to hundreds of local families each year, and events like these ensure these vital services remain available to all who need them, regardless of financial circumstances.

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Working on the Basics: $3m Sewer Replacement Program

Langley City Council has awarded a $2.98 million tender to PW Trenchless Construction Inc. for a comprehensive sanitary sewer renewal project across multiple locations in the community.

The ambitious infrastructure upgrade includes replacing aging sewer lines along 198th Street between 53rd and 56th Avenue.

The construction will utilize innovative "pipe busting" techniques that minimize street disruption by running new pipes through existing ones. This approach helps preserve road surfaces while efficiently updating critical infrastructure.

An additional $156,180 has been allocated to Binnie & Associates Ltd. for project management, with a $315,000 contingency fund established to address any unexpected issues that may arise during the underground work.

This prudent planning reflects the challenges of working with legacy infrastructure in Langley's established neighborhoods.

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Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News

Abbotsford Faces Two Major Work Stoppages at Local Companies

Over 500 workers across Abbotsford are walking picket lines this week, with Cascade Aerospace employees joining striking Rogers workers in demanding fair compensation.

Unifor Local 114 members, who voted 95 percent in favour of strike action, are pushing for industry-standard wages at the aircraft maintenance facility that services Canada's military fleet.

Meanwhile, Rogers Communications continues to undermine the month-long strike by bringing in out-of-province managers as replacement workers, flouting the spirit of federal anti-scab legislation.

NDP interim leader Don Davies joined Rogers strikers on the picket line Wednesday, highlighting how corporate greed continues to exploit workers while families struggle with rising living costs.

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First Nation Welcomes Return of Cultural Treasures from Royal B.C. Museum

In a historic ceremony marking a significant step toward reconciliation, Victoria's Royal BC Museum has returned 23 sacred artifacts to the Gitxaala Nation.

The repatriation comes after years of advocacy by Indigenous leaders seeking the return of culturally significant items removed from their communities during colonization.

Hereditary chiefs and community members gathered to bless the items, many of which hold profound spiritual and cultural significance to the Nation. These artifacts will now be used to revitalize traditional practices and educate younger generations about their heritage.

This transfer represents part of a larger movement across museums worldwide to address colonial legacies and recognize Indigenous peoples' rights to their cultural property.

The emotional ceremony highlights how these objects aren't merely historical artifacts but living connections to ancestral knowledge and identity.

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TransLink's Mark V SkyTrain Enters Service

Transit history was made Thursday as the first of 47 new Mark V SkyTrains officially entered service on the Expo Line, marking a significant upgrade to Metro Vancouver's rapid transit system.

The sleek new trains feature numerous enhancements including increased capacity, improved accessibility features, and state-of-the-art technology.

Passengers will notice the wider doorways, enhanced digital displays, and more spacious interiors that can accommodate up to 30% more riders than previous models. The trains also incorporate advanced energy recovery systems that significantly reduce power consumption.

TransLink will gradually deploy the remaining 46 Mark V trains over the next four years, eventually replacing many of the aging Mark I vehicles that have served the system since its 1986 launch.

This fleet modernization comes as ridership approaches pre-pandemic levels and system expansion continues.

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National Canadian News

Get Outside, Meet People, Have Fun and Save the World!

A growing movement of community-led environmental action is proving that addressing climate change doesn't have to be all doom and gloom.

Through initiatives like the Butterflyway Project, ordinary people are connecting with neighbors to transform urban spaces into vibrant ecological habitats while building resilient community networks.

These grassroots efforts focus on practical, tangible actions like planting native species gardens, creating pollinator pathways, and rehabilitating degraded urban ecosystems. The approach offers an alternative to the often overwhelming scale of climate politics by emphasizing local agency and visible results.

Participants report that beyond the environmental benefits, these projects foster meaningful social connections and a sense of purpose during a time when many feel helpless about the climate crisis. By planting seeds—both literally and metaphorically—these local initiatives are nurturing community resilience while demonstrating that collective action can still make a difference.

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In the Shadow of Kelowna's Housing Boom, Fragile Ecosystems Depend on Those Fighting to Save Them

As Kelowna's rapid urban expansion threatens some of British Columbia's most ecologically valuable grasslands, a coalition of conservationists and Indigenous groups is pushing for the establishment of a critical wildlife corridor. These rare ecosystems support dozens of endangered species and represent less than one percent of B.C.'s landmass, yet continue to face development pressure.

The proposed wildlife corridor would connect existing protected areas, allowing for species movement and ecological resilience in the face of climate change. However, competing demands for housing in one of Canada's fastest-growing regions have created intense political pressure to approve new subdivisions.

Indigenous knowledge keepers emphasize that these grasslands have been carefully managed for thousands of years and hold significant cultural value beyond their ecological importance. Finding balance between conservation and development requires acknowledging that healthy ecosystems are fundamental to sustainable communities, not obstacles to be overcome.

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Manitoba Renews Provincewide Emergency Order as Wildfires Rage, Forcing Thousands Out

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has declared a provincewide state of emergency as intensifying wildfires force thousands of residents to evacuate from northern communities. The emergency declaration gives authorities expanded powers to access resources and coordinate the massive firefighting and evacuation efforts underway.

Several First Nations are among the most severely impacted communities, with some residents having to be airlifted to safety as road access became compromised. Emergency shelters in Winnipeg and other southern cities are rapidly filling with evacuees, many of whom had just minutes to gather belongings before leaving.

Climate scientists note that the severity and frequency of wildfires in Manitoba have increased dramatically in recent years, consistent with climate change projections for the region. These fires represent part of a concerning pattern of more extreme weather events affecting Indigenous communities who are often on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Read More

Sports News

🏒 Abbotsford Canucks Release 2025-26 Schedule

The Abbotsford Canucks have unveiled their highly anticipated 2025-26 American Hockey League schedule, with 64 of their 72 games pitting them against Pacific Division rivals. The schedule reinforces the team's focus on developing heated regional rivalries that have energized the franchise's growing fanbase.

In a twist to the traditional schedule, the Canucks will also welcome Manitoba and Laval for special inter-division series, providing fans with opportunities to see different playing styles and prospects from other organizations. Home games will heavily favor weekend dates, responding to fan feedback about accessibility.

Season tickets have already seen a 15% increase in sales compared to last year, reflecting growing interest in the AHL affiliate as the Vancouver Canucks' development pipeline continues to produce NHL talent. The organization has strengthened its commitment to community engagement with expanded youth programs and local business partnerships.

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🏉 White Rock, South Surrey Athletes Named to Canada's Rugby Squads

Several local athletes from White Rock and South Surrey have earned prestigious spots on Canada's national rugby teams, showcasing the region's emergence as a hotbed for rugby talent. The women's squad is currently preparing for their second international test match in South Africa, while the men's team is gearing up for a pair of high-profile matches in Edmonton.

The selections reflect years of dedication from these athletes, many of whom developed their skills through local clubs and school programs that have invested heavily in rugby development. Their international appearances will provide invaluable experience against world-class competition.

Rugby's popularity continues to grow across the Lower Mainland, with participation numbers rising significantly in youth programs. The visibility of local players representing Canada on the international stage serves as powerful inspiration for the next generation of athletes in the community.

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Weekend Happenings

Friday Jul 11th, 2025

Music and Art in the Park

• Time: 12:30 PM
• Location: City Park - 4949 207 St, Langley, BC V3A 6Z1
• Description: Come join us for an amazing free, all-ages musical event combined with art. You are invited to bring your own art supplies and enjoy live music while expressing your creativity through painting, sketching, or other art forms. Live music will be played from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.
  
  This free event will take place regardless of the weather. In case of rain, we'll gather under the picnic gazebo located in the north west corner of the city park parking lot off of 207 Street. Don't miss out! 

Outdoor Movie Night: Captain America: Brave New World

• Time: 9:30 - 11:30 pm
• Location: Brydon Park - 198 Street & 53 Avenue, Langley, BC
• Description: Join us for an unforgettable experience of watching your favourite movies under the stars in various parks throughout Langley City. Grab your blanket or lawn chair, bring your family and friends, and enjoy a movie in the park.
  
  All movies begin approximately at sundown and are weather dependent. Additional event information will be posted when it becomes available. Events are subject to change.

Paint Nite: The Beach Calls Me

• Time: 7:00 pm
• 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!

Family Fun Night – FOAM PARTY!

• Time:
• Location: Philip Jackman Park, 27130 32 Ave, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3T2, Canada, Philip Jackman Park, 27130 32 Ave, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3T2, Canada
• 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!
  
  📅 Friday, July 11, 6pm
  📍 Philip Jackman Park
  
  Learn more at tol.ca/summernights

Magic The Gathering Presents: Chocobo Racing!

• Time: 7:00 - 11:00 pm
• Location: 102 - 6375 202 St, Langley, BC, Canada, British Columbia V2Y 1M8, 102 - 6375 202 St, Langley, BC, Canada, British Columbia V2Y 1M8
• Description: Pack some Gyshal Greens and make your way down to Pastime Sports and Games for a brand new draft event! Chocobo Racing has left the world of Final Fantasy, and has arrived at our Langley Location!
  
  Every Friday at 7 PM from June 13 - July 18
  
  Entry Fee 40$ (+Tax) (PRICE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Melo Hearts Duo LIVE at Fort Pub & Grill

• Time: 8:00 - 11:00 pm
• Location: The Fort Pub & Grill, 9273 Glover Rd, Langley Twp, BC V1M, Canada, Langley
• Description: https://allevents.in/langley/event/200028472290533?ref=eventsearch-event-results

Saturday Jul 12th, 2025

Culture workshops: Coconut leaf weaving or Lei making

• Time: 9:00 AM
• Location: Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada, 23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley, Langley Township, BC V1M 2R5, Canada, Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada, 23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley, Langley Township, BC V1M 2R5, Canada
• Description: Join us for a unique cultural experience celebrating the spirit of aloha! Over two days, immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Hawaii and Polynesia through workshops, performances, storytelling, and an Indigenous Artisan Market.
• Workshop Schedule (max 8 participants per session):
  • Pāpale Lau Niu (Coconut Hat Weaving) with Mario Siatris
    • Morning: 9 am – 12 pm
    • Afternoon: 1 pm – 4 pm
  • Lei Wili (Braided Lei Making) with ‘U’i Kahue
    • Morning: 9 am – 12 pm
    • Afternoon: 1 pm – 4 pm

Legendary Water Fight

• Time: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
• Location: Al Anderson Memorial Pool - 4949 207 Street
• Description: The most anticipated event is back! The annual Legendary Water Fight between Langley City Fire Rescue vs Al Anderson Memorial Pool. Please note: Doors open at 1:00pm, event starts at 2:00pm.
  
  Cost to participate is $5.00 per person.
  Regular pool admission rules apply.

Surrey Blueberry Festival 2025

• Time: 11:00
• Location: 5180 152 St, Surrey, BC, Canada, British Columbia V3Z 1G9, 5180 152 St, Surrey, BC, Canada, British Columbia V3Z 1G9
• Description: Event includes:
  • Blueberry UPick
  • Kids Activities (free!) - Bouncy castles, face painting, balloon animals, henna art
  • Farmers Market at The Gables - includes vendors for baked goods, handcrafted products, jewellery, preserves, artisanal finds and much more!
  • Food Trucks & Drinks
  • Live Musical Band

Come spend the day at the farm with us!

Alam Khan In Concert

• Time: 7:30 pm
• Location: 13750 88 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 3L1, Canada, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 3L1, Canada
• Description: As an internationally celebrated virtuoso, Alam Khan stands today as the head of one of the world's most influential and revered lineages of Indian classical music.
  
  He has graced many of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Royal Jodhpur Palace, the Dover Lane Music Festival in Calcutta, and New York’s Lincoln Center Jazz festival, as well as highly acclaimed concerts all over the United States, Canada, Europe and India, in addition to his teaching work with CalArts.
  
  Accompanied by tabla maestro Eman Hashimi, this intimate evening unspools the emotional grammar of Indian classical music—pathos, ecstasy, longing, stillness. At once rooted and searching, traditional and improvisational, their concert is a meditation on continuity and change, an invitation to listen beyond the noise. A rare night where the future awakens the past and asks: shall we play?

Abbotsford Berry Fest 2025

• Time: 12:00 pm
• Location: Downtown Abbotsford, Montrose Avenue & Essendene Avenue, Abbotsford, Canada
• Description: Join us at the 42nd annual Berry Fest in Historic Downtown Abbotsford on July 12th and celebrate our community's renowned title as the Berry Capital of Canada! Shop the vendor market grab a tasty bite from a food truck enjoy live stage entertainment check out all the fun and exciting activities and of course grab some fresh berries!
  
  New this year is a skate park where attendees can watch demos and try it for themselves! For the pie enthusiasts we have multiple competitions happening!

BC Women's Business Network Summer Potluck

• Time: 10:00 am
• Location: Williams Park, 68 Ave & 238 Street, Langley Twp, BC V2Y 2H5, Canada, Langley
• Description: We’d love for you to join us for a casual and fun potluck picnic at beautiful Williams Park in Langley on Saturday July 12th!
  
  This is a relaxed opportunity to connect with fellow women in business from different chapters of the BC Women's Business Network.
  
  Bring your favourite dish to share enjoy some sunshine and get to know like-minded women in an easygoing and supportive setting.

Mainland Markets Night Market at Potters

• Time: 3:00 - 8:00 pm
• Location: Potters Garden Centre, 48 Avenue, Surrey, BC
• Description: Come join Mainland Markets for a fun-filled evening at Potters Garden Centre!
  
  Browse through a variety of stalls offering unique handmade goods delicious food and much more. Enjoy lawn games entertainment and a vibrant summer atmosphere.

West Coast Swing @ DFD

• Time: 8:00 - 11:00 pm
• Location: #3 - 20279 97 Ave, Langley Twp, BC
• Description: We're excited to welcome back DJ Jason Brown to WCS @ DFD this Saturday!
  
  The ac will be going, the music will be flowing and the dance floor will be calling!
  
  Come on out to chill, hang, groove and yes, DANCE!
  
  No pre-dance lessons this evening, however, there will be grapes! 🍇🍇🍇😊
  
  8:00-11:00 pm
  $15 at the door

GET LEI’D BEACH PARTY AT OAK & THORNE

• Time: 9:30 pm - 2:00 am
• Location: Oak & Thorne, 20173 88th Avenue, Langley, BC
• Description: Come join us for a fun-filled beach party at at Oak & Thorne Neighbourhood Public House!
  
  Get ready to soak up the vibes, enjoy refreshing drinks, and dance the night away. Wear your best beach attire and don’t forget to grab a lei at the entrance! It’s going to be a night to remember, so gather your friends and get ready to party Hawaiian style!
  
  Featuring All night drink specials $4 Highballs (2x $7), $6 Tequila, $11 Corona x Tequila, $11 Smirnoff Ice x Lemon Drop, $18 Buckets of Happy Dad (3), $15 For Buckets (3oz), Peach Tea, Long Island Iced Tea, Alabama Slammer and After Dark DJ’s & Guests.

Hands-on workshops: Coconut leaf weaving or Lei making

• Time: 9:00 am
• Location: 23433 Mavis Avenue, Langley, BC
• Description: Experience the spirit of aloha with two immersive, hands-on workshops led by cultural artisans Mario Siatris and ʻUʻi Kahue, visiting from Lahaina, Maui. These master weavers will guide you through traditional Hawaiian practices using one of Moloka‘i’s most cherished natural materials—coconut fronds.
  
  🌴Workshop Options:
  - Ulana Lau Niu (Coconut Leaf Weaving)
  Craft your own pāpale (coconut hat) with Mario Siatris
  
  - Lei Wili (Braided Lei Making)
  Create a beautiful kupeʻe (wristlet) or lei poʻo (head lei) with ʻUʻi Kahue using haku (braided) techniques

Sunday Jul 13th, 2025

⚽ Vancouver FC vs Cavalry

• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre, 7782 200 St, Langley Twp, BC V2Y 1S4
• Description: Experience the excitement of Canada’s premier football league live, purchase your tickets now!

Hoʻopili me Aloha

• Time:
• Location: Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada, 23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley, Langley Township, BC V1M 2R5, Canada, Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada, 23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley, Langley Township, BC V1M 2R5, Canada
• Description: A celebration of Polynesian and Hawaiian culture!
  
  Join us for a unique cultural experience celebrating the spirit of aloha! Over two days, immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Hawaii and Polynesia through workshops, performances, storytelling, and an Indigenous Peoples Market.
  
  This event is brought to you by Fort Langley National Historic Site, in collaboration with “The Spirit of the Pacific Cultural Society (SPCS),” a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii and the broader Polynesian nations.