Happy Friday, friends!
Today's going to be another beautiful sunny day with temperatures reaching a toasty 23°C.
Please be mindful that Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for this upcoming weekend. Expect high temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s Celsius are expected from Saturday through early next week.
To stay cool, keep your home cool by closing curtains or blinds, use fans to pull in cooler outdoor air, and seek cooler spaces if you experience heat illness symptoms like heavy sweating, cramps, or fainting.
Here's your daily roundup of news from Langley and beyond, including some exciting sports developments for the weekend ahead.
Local Langley News
Langley Society Marks Anniversary During Pride Month
Pride Month kicks off with a series of celebratory events throughout Langley this June.
Local LGBTQ+ organizations are commemorating their milestone anniversaries with community gatherings planned throughout the month.
Festivities include family-friendly events, educational workshops, and the annual Pride parade scheduled for later in the month, bringing together allies and community members in celebration of diversity and inclusion.
The anniversary celebration highlights Langley's growing commitment to creating a more inclusive community for all residents.
Langley Township Plans to Connect Fragmented Bike Path Network
Langley Township council has approved a motion to develop a comprehensive plan for linking the disconnected multi-use paths and bike lanes throughout Willoughby, addressing gaps created by uneven development patterns.
The initiative will identify funding sources to bridge missing connections and maintain an updated map tracking remaining gaps in the pedestrian and cycling network.
As these paths are connected, council recognizes the need to add painted lane markings to prevent conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians, similar to issues seen on Vancouver's Seawall.
Biggest High School Track Meet in Canada Begins in Langley
The 2025 BC High School Track & Field Provincial Championships has kicked off at Langley's McLeod Athletic Park, bringing thousands of student athletes from across the province to compete in what's being called the largest high school track meet in Canada.
The prestigious event showcases the talents of British Columbia's top young athletes across various track and field disciplines, with many participants hoping to catch the attention of university scouts and advance their athletic careers.
Local businesses are experiencing a welcome boost as visiting teams, families, and spectators fill hotels and restaurants throughout the competition.
Township Seeks Solutions for Century-Old Heritage Oak Trees in Murrayville
Langley Township council is exploring ways to assist Reunion Townhomes residents with the maintenance of 10 heritage oak trees planted in 1911 for the original Belmont Superior School, despite a staff report confirming the trees remain the strata's legal responsibility.
The century-old Belmont Oaks are protected under a restrictive covenant and listed on the Township's Community Heritage Register, requiring their preservation as a "character defining element" of the former school site.
Council has deferred the matter to June 23rd for further discussion, with Mayor Eric Woodward noting that after 114 years, the trees can wait a few more weeks for a workable solution.
Grant Removes Barrier to Learning for Aspiring Young Artists
A partnership between TELUS foundation and Langley Arts Council is opening doors for young artists this summer. The special youth initiative will provide accessible arts education to children who might otherwise face financial barriers to participation.
The program offers instruction across various artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, and performance, with experienced mentors guiding young participants in developing their creative talents.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of arts education in fostering well-rounded development and self-expression in young people.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Chilliwack Mural Festival Expands Downtown Street Party Programming
The 2025 Chilliwack Mural Festival will feature an extended free street party on August 15-16 in District 1881 and Mill Street, showcasing diverse performers spanning country, Afrobeats, pop, R&B, and Latin genres across two main stages.
The expanded festival includes live mural painting, a 20-foot community graffiti wall, interactive art activities, and a community LEGO mural, celebrating the creation of 10 new murals throughout the broader August 7-17 festival period.
With artists from across the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, and beyond, the weekend event aims to bring vibrant free entertainment and creative connection to downtown Chilliwack's growing arts scene.
New Report Finds Wait Times in B.C. Emergency Rooms Continue to Climb
A troubling new report reveals that emergency room wait times across British Columbia are steadily increasing, with significant variations between facilities. Mount St. Joseph's Hospital in Vancouver boasts the shortest ER wait times in the province, while Abbotsford Regional Hospital has the longest waits.
Healthcare advocates point to staffing shortages, increased patient volumes, and systemic challenges within the healthcare system as contributing factors to these extended wait times.
The provincial health ministry has acknowledged the report's findings and promised to implement targeted improvements at the most affected facilities.
Opinion: Biodiversity is the Foundation of a Stronger B.C. — It's Time We Treated It That Way
Unlike many other provinces, British Columbia still lacks standalone legislation to protect its rich biodiversity despite growing evidence that healthy ecosystems are fundamental to economic resilience, community wellbeing, and long-term security.
Environmental experts argue that BC's world-renowned natural landscapes and diverse wildlife face mounting pressures from development, climate change, and resource extraction without adequate legal protections.
The opinion piece calls for comprehensive biodiversity legislation that would balance conservation with sustainable economic activity and respect for Indigenous rights and knowledge.
Fraser Valley Libraries Champion 2SLGBTQIA+ Stories During Pride Month
Fraser Valley Regional Library is celebrating Pride Month with curated book displays, community events, and participation in local Pride festivals throughout the summer across multiple Fraser Valley communities.
The library system emphasizes its year-round commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ patrons and staff, offering diverse reading recommendations spanning all genres and age groups.
FVRL provides specialized reading lists, Pride-themed programming, and streaming collections through Kanopy, responding to growing demand for authentic queer representation in literature and media.
National Canadian News
Carney Government Moves to Dismantle Internal Trade Barriers
The Liberal government introduced the One Canadian Economy Act on Friday, promising to eliminate federal trade barriers and fast-track major infrastructure projects from five years to two years for approval in response to Trump's tariff threats.
The legislation would recognize provincial standards for goods, services, and skilled labour as meeting federal requirements, potentially opening up job opportunities for workers while strengthening Canada's economic sovereignty.
While the bill addresses longstanding barriers that have fragmented the Canadian economy, it still requires provincial cooperation to enable workers to move freely between provinces, highlighting the limitations of federal action alone.
Canadians Rally to Support Wildfire Evacuees Across Prairies
With over 30,000 people evacuated across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta due to 209 active wildfires, Canadians are stepping up through Red Cross donations that will be matched by federal and provincial governments until June 27th.
Here is the link where you can donate.
Beyond monetary contributions, evacuees desperately need practical supplies like baby formula, diapers, toiletries, and transportation assistance, while Indigenous communities face disproportionate impacts and require targeted support through organizations like the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Métis federations.
Local volunteers are also mobilizing to care for displaced pets through temporary shelters and rescue operations, as communities work together to provide both immediate relief and long-term recovery support for those forced from their homes.
'Watershed Moment': Provincial Unions Support First Nations Protesting Bill 5
In a remarkable display of solidarity, provincial unions across Ontario have united to support northern First Nations communities protesting the controversial Bill 5. The legislation, which passed today, has drawn widespread criticism from Indigenous leaders who say it undermines treaty rights and environmental protections.
First Nations representatives describe the union support as a "watershed moment" that demonstrates growing recognition of Indigenous sovereignty issues among labor organizations. The coalition represents a powerful new alliance in the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights.
Protesters warn that the fight against Bill 5 will continue through legal challenges and peaceful direct action if necessary.
Makivvik Calls for Nunavik to Become Its Own Federal Riding
Makivvik Corporation, representing Inuit in northern Quebec, is advocating for Nunavik to become a separate federal electoral district. The push comes after persistent issues with voting access during federal elections highlighted systemic barriers to democratic participation in the vast northern region.
Currently, Nunavik is part of the massive Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou riding, which spans over 850,000 square kilometers and combines communities with vastly different demographic profiles and needs.
Creating a dedicated Nunavik riding would ensure more effective representation for Inuit communities and address longstanding electoral challenges unique to the Arctic region.
Sports News
⚽ B.C. Lions: Aiming High with Canadian Supply for the Season Opener
The BC Lions are set to kick off their Grey Cup quest with a star-studded home opener this Saturday that will feature rap legend Snoop Dogg firing up what's expected to be a crowd of more than 50,000 fans at BC Place.
Canadian receiver Justin McInnis and quarterback Nathan Rourke are looking to leverage their homegrown connection to ignite the offense in what will be a historic CFL matchup – the first opening week game featuring Canadian quarterbacks starting for both teams.
Safety measures have been significantly enhanced following April's Lapu Lapu Day festival tragedy, with coordinated efforts between the Lions, Vancouver Police Department, and city officials to ensure crowd safety.
🏀 Vancouver Bandits hosting Girls & Women In Sports game on Saturday night
The Vancouver Bandits are hosting their fourth annual Girls & Women in Sports Basketball Camp on Saturday, June 14 at Langley Events Centre.
This inclusive event welcomes girls basketball players of all ages and skill levels for development training and fun basketball instruction.
Each session will accommodate up to 30 athletes and includes a game ticket, food and beverage voucher, and entry to a pre-game women in sports speakers panel featuring inspiring female athletes and sports professionals.
This celebration of women's sports comes as participation in female athletics continues to grow across British Columbia, with initiatives like this helping to nurture the next generation of women athletes.
🏒 PWHL Vancouver Expansion Team Lands Star Power, Signing Sarah Nurse
The PWHL's Vancouver expansion team has made a major splash by signing Canadian women's hockey star Sarah Nurse. This high-profile acquisition signals the league's commitment to establishing competitive new franchises at both the Pacific Coliseum and in Seattle.
Industry observers praise the PWHL's expansion rules, which were specifically designed to ensure new teams can immediately compete with established franchises by providing access to top talent. This approach contrasts with traditional expansion processes that often leave new teams struggling initially.
Nurse's signing is expected to drive substantial fan interest and ticket sales as women's hockey continues its rapid growth in popularity throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Weekend Happenings
Friday Jun 6th, 2025
Rainbow Rodeo – Honky-Tonk Dance
- Time: 7:30pm to 10:30pm
- Location: Fort Langley Community Hall, 9167 Glover Rd, Langley Township, Langley, BC
- Description: Round up your pals for an old-school, boot-stompin’ hoedown to celebrate Queer country music at Fort Langley Hall! Featuring an all-star line up of BC country Queers: Outlaw country dance band The Unbranded (Chilliwack), classic crooner Elise LeBlanc (Victoria) sassy banjo picker Leah Barley, and gender-bending troubadour Beastie (East Van). Special guests include cowboy Drag King heartthrob “Butch Sassidy”. (Vancouver)
My Cousin's 'Country' Wedding
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: BEZ Arts Hub, #102 - 20230 64th Ave., Langley, BC
- Description: All ages community dance party. Best Dressed Competition. Dance lesson. We think there's something special that happens at a wedding...everyone enjoying the dance floor together - freedom and fun for everyone!
Family Paint Party
- 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!
Saturday Jun 7th, 2025
Adult Dungeons & Dragons
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Location: Murrayville Library , 100 22071 48th Avenue Langley BC V3A 3N1
- Description: Explore the mysteries of the lost necropolis of the Storm King. What horrors and treasures lurk within the stone walls, waiting to be claimed?Join us as we travel through a fifth-edition Dungeons & Dragons adventure.
Car Free Day Surrey
- Time: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Location: 137 St, between 72nd Ave & 74th Ave - Surrey, BC
- Description: We are excited to announce Car Free Day Surrey returns on June 7! Head to 137th Street to see the street transformed into a pedestrian paradise with multiple stages, artisan vendors, local merchants, and family-friendly fun!
This FREE event will celebrate the businesses with storefronts on 137th with extended patios and booths, in addition to multiple activities for people to take part in on Saturday, June 7th, 2025 between Noon and 8pm.
EVENT FEATURES
Live Entertainment
Family Entertainment & Activities
Climbing wall
Vendor Market
Food trucks
DETAILS
Saturday, June 7, 2025
NOON-8PM
Location: On 137th Street between 72A Ave & 74 Ave
Free Admission for everyone
Rain or shine event
Sunday Jun 8th, 2025
Sunday Social Hangout
- Time: 4:00pm
- Location: High-Knoll Driving Range and Mini Golf, 4955 192st · Surrey, BC
- Description: Let’s switch things up and have some fun with a casual round of 18 holes mini golf! ⛳️ Whether you're competitive or just in it for the laughs, it’s a great way to hang out and enjoy a laid-back Sunday afternoon together.
No need to be a pro - just come as you are and let's enjoy the game, some laughs and good company.
Drop In Rate: $14 per person (putter included).
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