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Here's your daily dose of local and national news.
Local Langley News
New Nature Park Coming to Rural Langley Township
Exciting developments are underway as Langley Township Council has announced progress on creating a new municipal nature park on the Glen Valley escarpment.
The project, officially named Nathan Creek Wetlands Park, will be located east of 264 Street and south of 80 Avenue, providing residents with a new green space to enjoy. The park will preserve local ecosystems while offering recreational opportunities for the community.
Langley Rail Overpass Struck by Vehicle
A rail overpass in Langley was struck by a vehicle in an incident that has raised safety concerns. While the driver did not remain at the scene of the collision, police confirm they have since spoken with both the driver and the vehicle owner.
Transportation officials are assessing any potential structural damage to the overpass, with rail services continuing to operate with caution in the area.
Langley Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Faces Critical Meat Shortage
A local wildlife rehabilitation center is facing a critical shortage of game meat needed to properly care for recovering animals.
Staff emphasize that wildlife cannot properly grow and recover on typical human food sources like beef or pork, requiring specific nutrition from game meats to thrive. The center is calling on hunters and meat processors to consider donating excess game meat to support these vulnerable animals during their recovery.
Langley Police Seek Man Wanted on Firearms Charges
Langley RCMP have issued a public alert in their search for Jason Carl Lindgren, who is wanted on several firearms-related charges. Authorities are asking the public to be on the lookout but warn against approaching the suspect directly. Instead, anyone with information on Lindgren's whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately through their non-emergency line.
Langley Hosts 1,500 Gymnasts for Provincial Championships
The Langley Events Centre is buzzing with activity as it welcomes 1,500 gymnasts for the 2025 Xcel & Compulsory GymBC championships running April 17-20.
The event showcases talent from across the province and brings a significant boost to local businesses as competitors and their families visit the area. Local gymnastics clubs are particularly excited to showcase their athletes on home territory.
Langley 4-H Members Showcase Skills at Kamloops Event
Twelve members of a local Langley 4-H beef club joined hundreds of other youth at a regional show in Kamloops. The event provided valuable experience for the young farmers as they demonstrated their animal husbandry skills and knowledge. Participants not only competed for ribbons but also built connections with peers from across the province, showcasing the continued importance of agricultural education programs.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
B.C. to Eliminate Second Driver's Test, Extend Restriction Period for New Drivers
The British Columbia government is streamlining its graduated driver licensing system by removing the requirement for a second road test while introducing a new 12-month restriction period before drivers automatically receive their full license.
This change, planned for implementation in early 2026, aims to reduce waiting times that have stretched to months for new drivers seeking road tests.
While the government claims these modifications will improve road safety by addressing inexperienced driver crash risks, legal expert Kyla Lee expresses skepticism, suggesting the changes could generate additional revenue through increased prohibitions and reinstatement fees while potentially compromising proper oversight of developing drivers.
Surrey Council Rejects ALR Exclusion for Golf Course Development
Surrey City Council has voted against supporting the exclusion of a South Surrey golf course from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
The decision came after significant community debate and a crucial statement from Joanne Charles who noted that "portions of that golf course belong to Semiahmoo First Nation." This decision highlights ongoing tensions between development interests and agricultural land preservation in the rapidly growing region.
$124,000 Worth of Contraband Seized at Agassiz Prison
A major security operation at an Agassiz-area correctional facility has resulted in the seizure of $124,000 worth of contraband.
The two-day operation recovered various prohibited items including drugs and electronics that had been smuggled into the facility. Authorities continue to investigate how these items made their way past security, with measures being implemented to prevent future incidents.
Surrey Man's $500K Lottery Win Funds Retirement Dreams
A fortunate Surrey resident is planning an early retirement and a dream trip to Disneyland after winning $500,000 in the Daily Grand lottery. The surprise windfall comes as welcome news in a region struggling with high living costs. So far in 2025, lottery players in B.C. have redeemed more than $2 million in winnings from Daily Grand, creating several life-changing moments for residents.
White Rock Hospital Launches Same-Day Joint Replacement Program
Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock has implemented an innovative surgical same-day discharge program for knee and hip replacements. The program allows eligible patients to recover at home rather than staying overnight in the hospital, reducing hospital crowding while potentially improving recovery outcomes. Healthcare officials say the approach represents a significant advancement in orthopedic care for the region's aging population.
Conservation Officers Euthanize Problem Bear in Maple Ridge
Following repeated livestock attacks including the killing of pet goats named Daisy and Duke, conservation officers have euthanized a problem bear in Maple Ridge. Officials report successfully trapping the bear that had been terrorizing farm animals in the area.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges with wildlife-human conflicts in communities bordering natural areas, particularly as spring brings increased bear activity.
Abbotsford Police Investigate Sexual Assault at Downes Bowl Park
Abbotsford police are investigating a sexual assault that occurred at Downes Bowl Park. According to police reports, a young girl was sexually assaulted by a male suspect believed to be between 15 and 20 years old.
Authorities are increasing patrols in the area and asking anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation and apprehension of the suspect.
National Canadian News
Right-Wing Media Hijacks Post-Debate Press Access, Threatening Democratic Discourse
Far-right media outlets like Rebel News dominated the post-debate press conferences following Wednesday's French-language leaders' debate, securing multiple questions to each party leader while mainstream media struggled for access.
Despite previously being denied accreditation for engaging in advocacy rather than journalism, Rebel News used legal pressure to force their inclusion, allowing them to push loaded questions about gender issues and pipelines. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh refused to engage with Rebel News representatives, citing their spread of disinformation, while the Green Party questioned why they were excluded from debates while partisan outlets received press credentials.
The Leaders' Debate Commission's handling of media accreditation has drawn criticism, with former Harper PMO communications director Dimitri Soudas calling for the commission to be dismantled and debate organization returned to traditional broadcasters.
Canadian Researcher Makes Major Contribution to Global Glacier Study
A researcher from the University of Northern British Columbia has made significant contributions to understanding global glacier loss patterns. The work carries particular significance as Canada is home to nearly one-quarter of Earth's glaciers, making it a critical region for climate research. The findings provide valuable data for predicting water resource changes and developing climate adaptation strategies in northern communities.
Green Party Protests Exclusion from Leaders' Debate
The federal Green Party is challenging its exclusion from upcoming leaders' debates, with co-leaders arguing the decision silences democracy. With 232 candidates officially registered, the Greens are running in 68% of federal ridings, yet have been denied a spot in the primary debate. The situation raises questions about representation thresholds in Canadian politics at a time when environmental issues are increasingly central to voter concerns.
Human Rights Complaint Against School District Largely Dismissed
A family's human rights complaint against a British Columbia school district has been mostly dismissed by a tribunal.
The family of a child with disabilities had alleged that the district failed to properly incorporate necessary accommodations into the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The ruling highlights ongoing challenges in balancing inclusive education needs with available resources in Canadian school systems.
Vote Palestine Platform Aims to Make Gaza Central Election Issue
A grassroots campaign called Vote Palestine has released a platform for the 2025 federal election that has garnered support from 181 candidates.
The platform, guided by Canada's obligations under international law, has received endorsements from 124 NDP candidates, 44 Green Party candidates, and 13 Liberal Party candidates as of April 11.
The initiative aims to make the Gaza conflict a key voting issue in the upcoming election.
Liberal "Wartime Housing Effort" Proposal Draws Criticism
Prime Minister and Liberal party leader Mark Carney's ambitious housing plan is coming under scrutiny for missing key details like implementation timelines and preventing the financialization of housing.
The Liberal platform's "Building Canada Strong" initiative promises to create 500,000 new homes annually, but critics note it omits provisions for non-profits and co-operatives, and lacks tenant protections. Housing advocates argue the proposal doesn't sufficiently address the root causes of Canada's housing crisis.
Sports News
⚽ Vancouver Rise FC Wins Northern Super League Debut
Vancouver Rise FC defeated Calgary Wild FC 1-0 in the inaugural match of the Northern Super League, with Quinn scoring the historic first goal on a penalty kick in the 22nd minute.
An enthusiastic crowd of over 14,000 fans packed B.C. Place to witness this landmark moment for women's professional soccer in Canada. Despite controlling much of the play and creating several scoring opportunities, the home side had to settle for the single goal, which proved enough to secure the win in this historic opener.
⚽ Vancouver FC Faces Uphill Battle Against Cavalry
Vancouver FC's coach acknowledges they are "big underdogs" heading into their match against Cavalry.
The team is currently hampered by visa issues delaying the arrival of key foreign players, leaving them shorthanded for the crucial matchup. Despite these challenges, the coaching staff remains optimistic that their domestic talent can rise to the occasion against one of the league's stronger opponents.
🏒 Canucks Season Ends with Disappointing Finish
The Vancouver Canucks' season has concluded with more of a whimper than a bang as their playoff hopes evaporated.
Veterans Tyler Myers and coach Rick Tocchet have both expressed hopes that the empty feeling of missing the postseason will motivate the team to push harder next year.
The disappointment is particularly acute given the team's promising performances earlier in the season, leaving fans once again wondering what might have been.
⚾ Meet Vancouver Canadians' Rising Star Arjun Nimmala
The Vancouver Canadians have a standout prospect in 19-year-old shortstop Arjun Nimmala, who is proudly embracing his South Asian heritage while belting home runs for the team.
As the Toronto Blue Jays' top prospect, Nimmala is not only focused on climbing to the major leagues but also on being a role model for South Asian youth. His enthusiasm for the team's upcoming South Asian Night reflects his commitment to representing his community in professional baseball.
⚽ FIFA Official Addresses World Cup 2026 Travel Concerns
FIFA executive Victor Montagliani has downplayed concerns that U.S. travel bans or political issues will significantly impact attendance at the 2026 World Cup.
Drawing on Cup history, Montagliani suggests that the tournament's global appeal typically overcomes political obstacles. However, questions remain about how international tensions and travel restrictions might affect the massive sporting event being co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
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