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Happy Friday, friends!
As we head into the weekend, wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality across our region. Before venturing out to any of the exciting events happening around Langley this weekend, we encourage residents to check purpleair.com for real-time air quality readings in your specific area.
This community-driven monitoring network provides hyperlocal data that can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and protect your health, particularly if you have respiratory conditions or other health concerns.
Despite the smoky conditions, there's still plenty happening in and around Langley to keep our community connected.
From council coffee conversations to swing dancing, local sports, and vibrant markets, this weekend offers opportunities for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. As always, we encourage residents to prioritize their health while staying engaged with the community initiatives that make Langley a place where working people can thrive together.
Local Langley News
Derby Reach Park to Get Bigger Campsite in Langley
Derby Reach Park is set to expand its camping facilities, offering more outdoor recreation opportunities for Langley residents and visitors. The popular riverside destination will soon feature additional campsites to accommodate growing demand for local outdoor experiences.
Park officials have launched an online survey to gather input from local residents about the proposed expansion, seeking community feedback on amenities and facilities that should be included in the development.
The project aims to enhance access to nature while balancing conservation efforts in one of Langley's most treasured natural areas along the Fraser River.
Chilliwack's Last Independent Theatre Demolished for Apartment Development
Demolition of Cottonwood 4 Cinemas was completed this week, clearing the site for a planned six-storey, 150-unit apartment building.
The independent theatre, operated by co-owners Cathy Rayner and Pauline Lamb for 16 years, closed in May when the owners announced their retirement. Chilliwack council gave first three readings to rezone the property from theatre commercial to mid-rise apartment zoning, with the project including reduced parking requirements and small-unit apartments to address housing supply gaps identified in the city's 2020 Housing Needs Report.
While some Amber Drive residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic on the dead-end road, council members praised the development, with Councillor Bud Mercer calling it "absolutely stunning" and a future "showstopper" for Luckakuck Way.
Langley City Opens Multiple Engagement Opportunities This Fall
Langley City Council returns from its August break with several major community engagement initiatives that will shape the city's future for years to come.
The Citizens' Assembly on Community Safety, which has been meeting since March using a lottery-selected group that reflects the community's demographics, will present recommendations this fall and host an open Community Dialogue.
City residents also have opportunities to provide input on the Invest Langley City vision, including plans for a new performing arts centre, expanded Timms Community Centre, and indoor aquatic facility.
Additionally, the city is developing both a new transportation plan and an on-street parking management plan that will require public feedback.
These initiatives represent a crucial moment for residents to advocate for sustainable transportation options, walkable community design, and reduced car dependency through the city's Let's Chat, Langley City engagement platform.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Archway Food Bank Now Supporting 6,000 Clients Monthly as Food Insecurity Rises
The Archway Food Bank is experiencing unprecedented demand, now serving 6,000 clients each month—a dramatic increase from the 3,500 clients they supported in 2022. This surge highlights the growing food insecurity crisis affecting families throughout the Fraser Valley region.
"In the last three years, the number of people coming to our Food Bank for help has almost doubled," said Rebecca Thuro, Manager of Food Security. "We're seeing a greater number of families and individuals from all walks of life who simply can't afford to keep up with the rising cost of living."
The organization reports that donations typically decline during summer months, making it increasingly difficult to meet the growing need as shelves empty faster than they can be restocked.
Drone Collides with BC Wildfire Service Plane Over Cariboo Blaze
In a dangerous incident that could have ended in tragedy, a civilian drone collided with a BC Wildfire Service aircraft during operations over a wildfire in the Cariboo region. The incident occurred Thursday as crews were actively battling the expanding blaze.
The collision involved a bird dog plane that was directing airtankers and other aircraft in the coordinated firefighting effort. Despite the mid-air collision, the plane was able to land safely with no injuries reported to the crew.
Officials have emphasized that flying drones near active wildfires is illegal and extremely dangerous, potentially grounding critical aerial firefighting operations at crucial moments.
Lapu Lapu Day Tragedy Report Calls for Better Vancouver Hostile Vehicle Protection
A comprehensive joint report from Vancouver city officials and police has called for stronger protections against vehicle attacks following the devastating Lapu Lapu Day block party tragedy. The report, released Thursday, makes specific recommendations to enhance safety at public gatherings throughout the city.
Among the key findings are the need for clearer safety planning protocols, improved coordination between event organizers and emergency services, and the implementation of physical barriers at high-risk locations.
The recommendations come in response to the tragic incident that shocked the Filipino community and the entire city, with officials vowing that such preventable tragedies must never occur again.
B.C.'s Long-Promised Watershed Security Strategy is Complete But Not Public
The British Columbia government has completed its long-awaited watershed security strategy but has kept it under wraps for over a year, despite repeated calls from Indigenous leaders for its public release. The comprehensive plan, intended to protect vital water resources across the province, remains unavailable for public scrutiny.
Indigenous communities have been particularly vocal about the need for transparency, as watersheds form critical components of traditional territories and sustain cultural practices that have existed for millennia.
Environmental advocates argue that withholding the completed strategy hinders collaborative conservation efforts at a time when climate change is increasingly threatening the province's freshwater resources.
National Canadian News
Five Ontario First Nations File Human Rights Complaints Over Ongoing States of Emergency
Five First Nations communities in Ontario have filed formal human rights complaints regarding the ongoing states of emergency that have plagued their communities for years.
The unprecedented legal action highlights the severe disparities in emergency services and infrastructure affecting Indigenous populations across the province.
Community leaders point to systemic underfunding and neglect that has left their nations particularly vulnerable to environmental disasters, health crises, and infrastructure failures.
"There is no other emergency service that I'm aware of where that's a standard expectation that you're going to volunteer to go into the worst incidents possible," stated one community representative, emphasizing the unsustainable burden placed on Indigenous emergency responders.
Canada's Hidden Tax Crisis is Stripping $15 Billion from the Economy Every Year
A groundbreaking investigation reveals that Canada loses an estimated $15 billion annually to offshore tax havens and corporate tax avoidance schemes.
This massive revenue drain represents funds that could otherwise support essential public services and infrastructure projects across the country.
The report details how successive Liberal and Conservative governments have created and maintained tax policies that incentivize wealthy individuals and corporations to shift profits overseas, effectively undermining Canada's tax base.
Experts note that closing these tax loopholes would significantly reduce economic inequality and provide billions in additional funding for healthcare, education, and climate initiatives without raising taxes on ordinary Canadians.
Sports News
⚽ Vancouver Rise FC Signs Academy Graduate Jamie Perrault
Vancouver Rise FC has welcomed back 19-year-old Jamie Perrault, a homegrown talent who developed through the former Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Academy before gaining professional experience in Denmark with FC Nordsjælland.
Perrault helped the academy win back-to-back League1 British Columbia titles in 2023 and 2024, and has represented Canada at both U-17 and U-20 levels, including appearances at FIFA World Cups.
The versatile forward/full-back returns to Vancouver after 11 matches with the Danish club, where she scored one goal across league and cup competitions.
Her signing demonstrates the growing pathway for Canadian women's soccer talent, as the newly established Northern Super League provides professional opportunities for players like Perrault to develop their careers at home rather than exclusively abroad.
Weekend Happenings
Friday Sep 5th, 2025
⚽ Vancouver FC vs Valour
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Location: Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre, 7782 200 St, Langley Twp, BC V2Y 1S4
- Description: Come out to support Vancouver FC as they take on Valour!
The Great Gatsby Swing Dance Ball
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: 21667 48 Avenue, Langley, BC V3A 3N1, Canada, 21667 48 Avenue, Langley, BC V3A 3N1, Canada
- Description: Step back in time and join us for a night of glitz, glamour, and toe-tapping tunes at our Annual Great Gatsby Swing Dance Ball! Immerse yourself in the roaring twenties ambiance with dazzling attire, a dance floor ready for your best moves and live music by an 18 piece jazz band “The Moonliters Big Band”.
Andrew Michael Blues Band LIVE @ Newlands Bar & Grill
- Time: 8:30pm
- Location: Newlands Golf & Country Club, 21025 48 Ave, Langley, BC V3A 3M3, Canada
- Description: Get ready to turn up the volume and let loose—Langley's hottest dance floor is calling your name! Every Friday night, Newlands comes alive with the sounds of local live bands, delivering high-energy performances that’ll keep you grooving well into the night.
🎶 Music kicks off at 8:30pm 👣 Bring your moves to the best dance floor in Langley 🍻 Sip, snack, and soak in the vibes with your favourite drinks and bites
Saturday Sep 6th, 2025
Coffee with Council
- Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
- Location: Station Cafe, Timms Community Centre (20399 Douglas Crescent)
- Description: You’re invited to a Coffee with Council, a casual drop-in event for Langley City residents and business owners. Come say hello and to ask a question, provide feedback, or just to connect.
- Councillors in attendance:
Willoughby DAYZ
- Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
- Location: Willoughby Town Centre, 206A Street, Langley Township, BC
- Description: It’s that time of year again!!
- 🐝Willoughby DAYZ is in it’s 9th year and we are excited to see you all!
- We will once again have our Passports so you can visit all participating businesses and enter to win prizes.
- We will also have face painters, glitter tattoo artists, balloon twisters, a crazy hair station, games, Edward the Magician, the Fun GymBus and more.
Her Preloved Market
- Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
- Location: 6050 176 St, Surrey, BC V3S4E7
- Description: Her Modern Shop is excited to host another Her Preloved Market. This is an exclusive second hand clothing event. Shop over 50+ personal closets of clothing ranging from XS-3XL.
Hosted at the local Shannon Hall in Cloverdale.
Grab your besties, your fur baby, our human baby and mark your calendars!
Cash or e-transfer will be most closets preferred method of payment. - Things to note:
- 1) Cash or e-transfer is preferred for the personal closets.
- 2) Bring your own bag.
- 3) Get there early! Doors will open at 11AM.
- 4) This location is dog friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Vancouver Rise FC vs Calgary
- Time: 4:00pm
- Location: Swangard Stadium, 6100 Boundary Rd, Burnaby, BC V5S 3R1
- Description: Come out to support Vancouver Rise as they take on Calgary FC!
Sunday Sep 7th, 2025
🔥 WARFAZE 🔥
- Time: 6:00pm
- Location: Bell Performing Arts Centre, 6250 144th Street, Surrey, BC
- Description: The legends of Bangladeshi rock, WARFAZE, are coming to Vancouver for the very first time! Experience the raw energy, iconic guitar riffs, and unforgettable anthems —all LIVE on stage!
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