🌧️ High 17C

Good morning,

A campfire ban is now in place across the Fraser Valley — earlier than anyone would like. Also in today's newsletter: a beloved Chilliwack mural defaced on Red Dress Day, road safety grants for six local communities, and a missing Abbotsford man police are hoping the public can help locate.

On a personal note, I’m taking a little time off to spend with my own mum at the start of the week, so we’ll be back in your inboxes on Wednesday.

– Emily

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🌤 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.

A fire ban was officially put in place for the Coastal Fire Centre, which includes the Fraser Valley, on Thursday. The ban includes category 1, 2 and 3 fires, which includes campfires and larger open fires.

It’s unusually early for a category 1 (campfire) ban — the last three years, these fires weren’t prohibited until July. But a spell of hot, dry weather in April and May has brought summer conditions to spring.

A week ago, temperature records were broken across B.C. — Abbotsford experienced temperatures more than 10C above normal.

This heat caused 10 new wildfires to start in the province during the first weekend in May, including one near Cultus Lake, which is now being held. At the time of writing, there are currently 31 active wildfires in B.C.

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The heart of Fort Langley will come alive July 25 & 26 with the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival, featuring two full days of free music, art, and Indigenous culture programming. This popular annual event offers a spectacular weekend for everyone—from jazz fans and families to seniors.

Saturday kicks off with the infectious Mardi Gras Strolling Parade and two full days of music on two outdoor stages - the Community Hall Main Stage and the Youth & Emerging Artists at the Historic CNR Station. Enjoy strolling bands throughout the Village and an Arts & Culture Zone at the Post Office greenspace, offering interactive workshops for all ages. It’s a fabulous weekend of community and creativity!

Explore the free schedule: fortlangleyjazzfest.com

🔍 Abbotsford police are asking for help locating 49-year-old Emin Hodzic, last seen April 28 near McCallum Road and Highway 1. [Fraser Valley Today]

🛣️ Six Fraser Health region communities will share $110,000 in Vision Zero road safety grants, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Skowkale First Nation, and Sumas First Nation. [Fraser Health]

⚖️ The BC Cattlemen's Association is seeking to intervene in a legal challenge to BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, citing concerns about co-governance models and land tenure security. [Abbotsford News]

🚨 Chilliwack RCMP are seeking witnesses after two assaults on Wells Road on May 3 left an adult injured and a youth in serious condition. [CTV News]

🚗 A Hope motorist who tried to walk away from a traffic stop was caught, found to be unlicensed and in possession of drugs, and issued several violation tickets. [Fraser Valley Today]

🌸 A family-friendly celebration of spring! Spring into the Season features children’s activities, community booths, farm experiences, and more at EcoFarm.*

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Lam's Ear Floral Pop-Up at Sidekick Brewing: Local grower and certified floral designer Sumeuy from Lam's Ear Floral sets up a flower cart at Sidekick Brewing on May 10 with ready-made bouquets, while supplies last.

Mermaid Paint Class at Corky's Irish Pub: Shiny Things Paint Class hosts a mermaid-themed paint and bling night at Corky's Irish Pub on May 16, with supplies and instruction included. Participants choose from two mermaid designs on the night. Must be 19+, $40. Register at [email protected].

From Rationing to Ravishing — Fashions from 1939 to 1959: Fashion historian Ivan Sayers presents a look at fashion from the wartime era to the postwar boom at Carman United Church in Chilliwack on May 23.

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