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Good morning,

Well, just a few hours after writing about the Fraser Valley Regional Library lockout, set to begin at the somewhat unusual hour of 8:43 this morning, the employer and union reached a tentative deal. It’s good timing because, as one reader pointed out, the closure would’ve impacted spring break programming and libraries’ free tax prep services.

More on that below.

– Emily

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Fraser Valley Regional Library and CUPE Local 1698 reached a tentative agreement Thursday, averting a lockout that was set to close all 25 library branches across the region this morning.

The deal came together less than 24 hours before the lockout deadline. FVRL had issued 72-hour lockout notice on Tuesday to more than 300 unionized library workers, threatening to shut down services for nearly 810,000 people across the Fraser Valley.

The tentative agreement, subject to ratification by union membership and FVRL's board, is a four-year contract with total wage increases of 13 per cent—4 per cent in 2025, 3 per cent in 2026, 3 per cent in 2027, and 3 per cent in 2028. That's higher than FVRL's previous offer of 9.25 per cent over three years.

In a statement Thursday, FVRL said the new proposal "worked to address the union's stated concern with the third year wage increase while also working to address FVRL's stated concern with a two-year term meaning that the parties would be renegotiating the entire collective agreement again in a matter of months."

The agreement creates service stability for communities and certainty for FVRL and staff through fiscal 2029 on wages and benefits, the library said.

Keep reading»

Meet Mischa Farivar, a new-generation BC beekeeper rebuilding a legacy operation for modern realities-breeding Canadian queens, reducing import risk, and strengthening hive health through smarter practices. A sharp, practical look at how innovation takes root in an old industry. Read his story.

🏠 BC Housing announced construction will begin within weeks on a $39.9-million, 59-unit Chilliwack housing project for women and children fleeing domestic violence, managed by the Ann Davis Transition Society. Occupancy is expected by early 2028. [Fraser Valley Today]

🛣️ The province will widen Abbotsford's Mount Lehman Road Interchange from three to five lanes as part of ongoing Highway 1 improvements, adding a multi-use path and seismic upgrades. Lanes have already been reduced to two to accommodate construction through end of 2026. [Fraser Valley Today]

🌱 The Fraser Valley Conservancy's Step to It program wrapped up after four years, with 343 volunteers planting more than 5,600 native plants that have since removed an estimated 172 tonnes of carbon dioxide. [Hope Standard]

🧗 Mission Search and Rescue rescued two young people stranded on a rocky ledge at Cascade Falls on March 1, treating them for hypothermia and using a high-angle rope system to bring them to safety. [Mission City Record]

🎓 Trinity Western University in Langley is cutting staff due to federal caps on international student permits, with an unconfirmed report suggesting around 75 employees will be laid off. [Langley Advance Times]

🤝 UFV received $520,000 through the federal Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships program to send Canadian researchers to India to study agtech and cleantech innovation ecosystems over the next two years. [UFV]

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The Comic Strippers: Check out this award-winning improv comedy show featuring a fictional male stripper troupe, hitting the Abbotsford Arts Centre on Saturday, March 7.

"The Teachings of Mutton" Panel Discussion: Head to The Reach Gallery Museum in Abbotsford on March 12 for a fascinating free discussion with three authors exploring the history and cultural significance of the Coast Salish Woolly Dog, a breed raised for its wool and now extinct, with a book signing to follow.

Spring Break at Fort Langley National Historic Site: Make a family day of it at Fort Langley National Historic Site from March 14–29, with daily kids' activities including a scavenger hunt, gold panning, and outdoor games; regular admission applies, free for youth 17 and under.

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