Friday - December 5 - Keeping kids safe

And Stuff the Cruiser returns.

🌧️ High 6°C

Good morning!

I’m off to Greendale Acres tonight—will I see anyone there? It’s one of my favourite spots to visit this time of year.

In today’s issue, we’re featuring Pat McDermott, the Abbotsford crossing guard recently named one of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guards for 2025. It’s a well-deserved honour for someone who’s made a real impact in his community.

– William

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Traffic & Weather

🌤 Local forecast: Langley | Chilliwack | Abbotsford | Hope | Mission

🚘 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google, and find DriveBC’s latest updates.

🛣 Click here for links to road cameras across the Fraser Valley, including those for the Coquihalla, Highway 7, Hope-Princeton, Fraser Canyon, and Highway 1 in Langley and Abbotsford.

News

Abbotsford crossing guard named one of Canada’s favourites

Pat McDermott, who has helped students cross safely at Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts – North Poplar for 25 years, has been named one of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guards for 2025. He is one of only three winners nationwide, selected from a record 814 nominations submitted from five provinces.

Need to Know

🎓 UFV is modernizing its non-credit course registration system with an Amazon-style online platform that allows students in continuing education and trades programs to browse and enroll 24/7, starting with select programs before expanding to all non-credit students. [UFV Today]

🎅 Langley's annual Santa Shuffle moved to Noel Booth school this year after last year's route flooded, with the 5km fun run and 1km walk taking place on Saturday, December 6 at 10:00 AM followed by a pancake breakfast. [Langley Advance Times]

🚔 Chilliwack RCMP's 16th annual Stuff the Cruiser returns on December 6, 13, and 20 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at seven local grocery stores, collecting non-perishable food, new toys, and cash donations for community food banks. [Chilliwack Progress]

⚖️ Sentencing for Gary Losch, convicted of killing Chelsey Gauthier of Abbotsford in 2017, was adjourned to allow completion of a Gladue report addressing his Indigenous heritage, with the Crown recommending 14 years and defence suggesting eight to 10 years. [Agassiz-Harrison Observer]

🚨 BC Highway Patrol launches its month-long "Light up the Province" impaired driving campaign on Saturday, December 6 starting at 8:00 PM with roadblocks throughout the province using mandatory alcohol screening and enhanced commercial vehicle checks. [Fraser Valley Today]

🅿️ Mission council paused planned downtown parking changes and covered new signage after businesses requested a delay, with the city now working toward a memorandum of understanding with the Downtown Business Association over the next three to four months. [Mission Record]

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In the Valley

Updated weekly: Your guide to Fraser Valley holiday events

Holiday magic is happening all across the Fraser Valley this season. From tree lighting ceremonies and festive markets to concerts, parades, and family-friendly celebrations, there's no shortage of ways to embrace the spirit of the season. We've just updated this list with even more events—check out the new additions and keep sending us your community happenings to include!

🗓 Things to do

Live Music with Jeff Bowman: Enjoy holiday tunes and classic favourites on Saturday, December 6 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM at Minter Country Garden's Seasonal Plant House.

The Local Thread Artisan Market: A festive gathering on Sunday, December 7 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Evergreen Hall (9291 Corbould Street, Chilliwack) features free professional photos with Santa, a Kids Corner with hot chocolate and letter-writing station, over 40 local vendors, and food trucks.

Christmas Movie Trivia at Old Yale Abbotsford: Test your festive film knowledge on Sunday, December 8 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Old Yale Brewing (33738 Laurel Street, Abbotsford) with registration at 5:00 PM and trivia starting at 6:00 PM, with tickets available in groups of 4 or 6 for $11 per person.

Have an event to tell us about? Email [email protected].

Catch up

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