Happy Friday, everyone!
From flooding on Sumas Prairie to brewery founders and pop stars joining musicals, today's newsletter brings you a diverse collection of stories from across BC and beyond.
Local Langley News
Legendary Brewer Jakob Tobler Remembered After Passing at 83
British Columbia's craft beer community is in mourning following the death of Jakob Tobler, the visionary co-founder of Okanagan Spring Brewery, who passed away at 83.
Tributes have been pouring in from across the industry for the brewing pioneer whose legacy helped shape BC's now-thriving craft beer landscape.
Tobler's contributions to the province's brewing culture extended far beyond just creating popular beers, as he mentored many of today's successful brewers. His commitment to quality and innovation established standards that continue to influence the industry today.
Salmon Conservation Efforts Grow as Nicomekl Enhancement Society Hosts Release Event
Conservation efforts for local salmon populations will take center stage this weekend as the Nicomekl Enhancement Society prepares for its public salmon release event on April 26.
Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in releasing buckets of young salmon into local waterways as part of ongoing efforts to restore dwindling salmon populations.
The open house event will also feature educational displays about salmon lifecycles, habitat requirements, and the challenges facing these iconic Pacific Northwest fish.
Society volunteers will be on hand to explain their year-round conservation work and how community members can get involved.
New No Frills Opens on Langley Bypass
Langley's second No Frills grocery store opened Thursday on the Langley Bypass (near Olive Garden and David's Bridal), attracting shoppers who appreciate the Canadian-owned discount grocery chain despite recent price-gouging controversies surrounding its parent company.
While many consumers have been choosing No Frills for its Canadian ownership, it's worth noting that parent company Loblaws faced significant boycotts last year over allegations of price gouging amid rising food costs.
New franchise owner Ken Huang, a 30-year veteran of Real Canadian Superstore corporate, celebrated the opening with a $2,500 donation to Big Brothers, Big Sisters Langley and emphasized community engagement as a priority for the 24,000-square-foot store that employs 50-60 workers.
Local Election Candidates Tackle Key Issues in Abbotsford-South Langley Debate
Four of the six candidates running in the Abbotsford-South Langley riding squared off in a spirited debate hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce, addressing critical issues facing the community.
The forum provided voters with valuable insights into each candidate's position on housing affordability, infrastructure needs, and economic development priorities.
Notably absent from the debate were two candidates (Conservative candidate Sukhman Gill and NDP candidate Dharmasena Yakandawela), leaving voters with questions about their platforms and priorities.
Those who did participate engaged in substantive discussions about transportation improvements, flood mitigation strategies, and approaches to healthcare challenges.
Fire Rips Through Rural South Aldergrove Property
Emergency crews worked for several hours to contain a significant fire that broke out at a rural property in south Aldergrove this week.
The blaze drew a substantial response from local fire departments who battled to bring the situation under control and prevent spread to neighboring properties.
Details regarding the cause of the fire have not yet been released, but firefighters remained on scene for an extended period to ensure no reignition occurred. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Delta Couple Shares Dementia Journey to Combat Stigma
A courageous Delta couple has opened up about their personal experience with dementia in hopes of reducing the stigma surrounding the condition.
Their powerful story highlights both the challenges and moments of connection that remain possible despite a dementia diagnosis, offering hope to others facing similar circumstances.
The couple's decision to speak publicly coincides with preparations for the upcoming IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's on May 24, presented by Go Auto.
Their testimony serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and understanding for those navigating dementia.
Mission Artist Carly Rae Jepsen Joins Broadway Adaptation of Teen Classic
BC pop sensation Carly Rae Jepsen is taking her talents to Broadway, joining the creative team behind the musical adaptation of the beloved 1999 film "10 Things I Hate About You."
The Mission-born artist will co-write music and lyrics for the stage version of the teen classic, bringing her distinctive pop sensibility to this nostalgic project.
This marks an exciting new chapter in Jepsen's career as she expands from chart-topping singles to theatrical composition. Her involvement is generating significant buzz around the production, which aims to capture the spirit of the original film while offering a fresh musical take.
TransLink Proposes Largest Transit Expansion Since 2018 to Address Growing Metro Vancouver Needs
TransLink's proposed 2025 Investment Plan, awaiting approval on April 30, aims to deliver the region's most significant transit expansion in seven years with service increases targeted at reducing overcrowding on up to 50 routes.
The plan focuses heavily on growing areas south of the Fraser River, particularly Surrey and Langley, while introducing new service to industrial hubs and extending the North Shore's R2 Marine Drive RapidBus to connect with Metrotown by 2027.
Beyond transit improvements, the proposal includes increased funding for deteriorating regional roads and enhanced infrastructure for walking, cycling, and bus priority lanes—all designed to address Metro Vancouver's surging population needs and set the foundation for longer-term transportation goals.
BC Fruit Growers Receive $5 Million Climate Resilience Boost
Okanagan and Kootenay fruit growers are set to receive $5 million in funding aimed at helping them adapt to climate change challenges that have devastated recent harvests.
The investment will support critical infrastructure including wind machines, heaters, protective netting, and a specialized freeze chamber to test bud hardiness in changing conditions.
This funding comes as a welcome relief to growers who have faced increasing threats from extreme weather events including late frosts, intense summer heat, and rapid temperature fluctuations.
The projects supported by this initiative are designed to create greater resilience in BC's fruit-growing regions, helping ensure the sustainability of local produce.
BC Driver Caught with Forged HOV Permit Faces Criminal Charges
A BC driver has learned the hard way that attempting to cheat HOV lane restrictions can lead to serious consequences, after being caught using a forged permit while driving alone.
The fraudulent document was discovered during a routine traffic stop, resulting in multiple violations that go far beyond simple traffic infractions.
In addition to several traffic tickets, the driver now faces criminal charges related to document forgery. This case serves as a stark reminder that HOV lane enforcement is taken seriously, with potential penalties extending well beyond fines.
Vancouver Island to Host North America's Largest Dog Festival This Summer
Dog lovers across BC are marking their calendars for what's being dubbed the "Coachella for dogs," expected to draw thousands of canine enthusiasts to Vancouver Island this summer.
Day of the Dog is shaping up to be North America's biggest celebration of all things canine, featuring competitions, demonstrations, vendors, and plenty of opportunities for dogs and their humans to socialize.
The event promises a fun-filled atmosphere where four-legged friends are the stars of the show, with specialized activities catering to various breeds and interests.
Organizers are preparing for a record turnout as word of the unique festival continues to spread among pet owners eager for summer adventures with their furry companions.
BC Wineries Adapt Through Collaboration Following Devastating Harvests
In the wake of challenging 2023 and 2024 harvests that saw up to 90% of the provincial wine grape crop lost to extreme weather, BC wineries are finding innovative ways to survive through collaborative approaches.
A temporary relief program now permits wineries to purchase grapes and juice from outside the province for a special "crafted-in-BC" wine program.
This unprecedented collaboration between wineries, growers, and regulators represents a creative response to climate challenges that threatened the industry's viability.
The first white wines and rosés from this initiative are now appearing on shelves, offering consumers a chance to support local businesses while the industry rebuilds.
National Canadian News
Elections Canada Sticks with Paper Ballots for Security and Reliability
In an era of increasing technological concerns, Elections Canada has confirmed it will continue using traditional pen and paper ballots rather than electronic voting machines in the upcoming election.
Officials cite the proven efficiency and security of the paper-based system, which remains highly effective despite its low-tech approach.
The decision comes amid growing global concerns about electronic voting vulnerabilities, with paper ballots offering a tangible, verifiable record that can be manually recounted if necessary.
Elections Canada emphasizes that their current system provides both speed and security, delivering reliable results while maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
Diversity Essential for Addressing Climate Crisis, Experts Argue
A compelling new analysis argues that diversity - in ecosystems, solutions, and human perspectives - is critical to addressing the climate crisis effectively.
The report highlights how diverse approaches and inclusive decision-making lead to more resilient and innovative responses to environmental challenges facing Canada and the world.
Beyond just environmental diversity, the analysis emphasizes that gathering input from varied cultural backgrounds and knowledge systems, particularly Indigenous perspectives, offers valuable insights that have been overlooked by conventional approaches.
This diversity-centered framework represents a significant shift from traditional problem-solving models, suggesting that broader representation is not just socially important but environmentally necessary.
Indigenous Community Fights Mental Health Crisis While Federal Leaders Push Mining Agenda
The Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation in northwestern Ontario continues battling an 11-year mental health emergency, having lost over 5% of their population to suicide and drug poisoning in just three years.
Meanwhile, federal election candidates focus on resource extraction.
Community leaders like former Chief Kathy Kishiqueb and current Chief Jeffrey Copenace emphasize that healing must come through cultural reconnection and land-based initiatives rather than mining development, which has historically harmed their territory.
Despite managing a $100-million trust from past resource development settlements, the community faces reduced federal support for critical mental health programs while being pressured to accept new mining projects that threaten sacred areas—highlighting a disconnect between Indigenous priorities and the resource-focused economic visions dominating the election debate.
Former Alberta Cabinet Minister Pledges Accountability After UCP Expulsion
Former United Conservative Party cabinet minister Peter Guthrie has vowed to hold Alberta's government accountable following his dramatic expulsion from the party caucus.
In a pointed open letter, Guthrie criticized Premier Danielle Smith's leadership and suggested she may be using the federal election to raise her national profile at the expense of Conservative Party efforts.
The ousted minister raised particular concerns about the government's handling of Alberta's healthcare system and fiscal management, promising to continue representing his constituents as an independent MLA.
This internal conflict highlights growing tensions within provincial politics as Alberta navigates its relationship with the federal government.
Planned Obsolescence Under Fire as Right to Repair Movement Gains Momentum
The growing Right to Repair movement is challenging corporate practices of planned obsolescence across Canada, with advocates pushing for legislation that would give consumers greater ability to fix their own devices and equipment.
The movement points to concerns ranging from agricultural equipment that farmers can't repair themselves to medical devices and everyday electronics deliberately designed to be difficult or impossible to fix.
Québec has taken the lead with legislation prohibiting planned obsolescence and requiring manufacturers to make replacement parts available, but advocates say more comprehensive national action is needed.
The issue has particular resonance in farming communities, where equipment breakdowns during critical planting or harvest periods can have devastating economic consequences.
Polar Bear Injures Skier in Remote Nunavut National Park
A harrowing encounter with a polar bear has left a skier injured in Nunavut's remote Auyuittuq National Park, with evacuation efforts complicated by poor visibility that hampered helicopter access.
The incident underscores the unique dangers present in Canada's northern wilderness areas, where wildlife encounters require specialized emergency responses.
Rescue teams faced significant challenges in reaching the injured individual due to the park's extreme isolation and challenging weather conditions. This case highlights the complex interplay between adventure tourism in sensitive ecological areas and safety concerns in Canada's Arctic regions.
Sports News
⚽ Whitecaps Make History with 2-0 Victory Over Messi's Inter Miami
In front of a record MLS-era crowd of 53,837 at B.C. Place, the Vancouver Whitecaps secured a commanding 2-0 win against Inter Miami in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal.
Brian White opened the scoring with a powerful header in the 25th minute, while Sebastian Berhalter added a crucial second goal late in the match to give Vancouver a significant advantage heading into next week's second leg in Miami.
Despite Inter Miami controlling much of the possession with stars like Lionel Messi on the pitch, the Whitecaps' defensive organization and clinical finishing proved decisive in what many are calling a historic night for Canadian soccer.
🏒 Three Vancouver Giants Selected for Team Canada in U18 World Championship Defense
Forward Cameron Schmidt, goaltender Burke Hood, and defenseman Ryan Lin of the Langley-based Vancouver Giants have officially been named to Canada's National Men's Under-18 Team for the 2025 IIHF U18 Men's World Championship.
The trio joins a 25-player roster aiming to defend Canada's gold medal at the tournament running from April 23 to May 3 in Texas, with Schmidt being one of twelve returning gold medalists from last year's Hlinka Gretzky Cup victory.
Canada opens the championship today against Slovakia, with all Team Canada games available to watch on TSN as the young athletes showcase their talents on the international stage in what Hockey Canada describes as "an important step in athlete preparation for the World Juniors."
🏒 Canucks Still Without Practice Facility After 15 Years of Discussion
Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford has admitted that the team's long-promised practice facility could still be years away from reality, highlighting an ongoing infrastructure challenge for the NHL franchise.
The revelation comes as a stark contrast to the Professional Women's Hockey League, which quickly secured practice facilities upon establishing a presence in Vancouver.
This 15-year quest for appropriate training infrastructure raises questions about the organization's facility planning, especially as competitive teams increasingly view state-of-the-art practice venues as essential components of player development.
The ongoing delay stands in contrast to most other NHL teams, which have established dedicated practice facilities separate from their game venues.
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