Friday - November 14 - Your holiday season plans are set

🌧 High 8 °C

Good morning,

The holiday season is starting to sparkle across the Fraser Valley—light displays, markets, and festive gatherings are popping up everywhere. If you’re looking for ways to get into the spirit close to home, today’s guide will help you plan your next stop.

We’re also celebrating a long-standing local tradition: the Abbotsford Shotokan Karate Dojo, which has shaped generations of students and marks 30 years under Sensei Harry Sidhu’s leadership.

Enjoy today’s stories, and maybe start pencilling in a few festive outings for the weeks ahead.

– William

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Traffic & Weather

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News

Inside Abbotsford’s oldest karate dojo

For nearly 50 years, Abbotsford has been home to one of the province’s most enduring karate traditions—now celebrating 30 years under Sensei Harry Sidhu. The Abbotsford Shotokan Karate Dojo has trained thousands of students, earned provincial titles, and maintained a rare direct connection to Japan’s leading karate authority. Today, we look at the dojo’s long local history, its impact on the community, and why its influence stretches far beyond the mat.

Read the full story →

Need to Know

🎓 New Directions English Language School graduated over 700 students from more than 60 countries on October 28, celebrating newcomers who completed language instruction from pre-literacy through LINC 8 levels. [New Directions]

🎅 Realtor Sherry Saran is hosting her sixth annual Pictures with Santa fundraiser on November 15 at Alpine Tree Farm to benefit Canucks Autism Network, offering complimentary photos with emergency vehicles and local vendors. [Langley Advance Times]

🏫 Chilliwack's board of education considered purchasing a 6.8-acre property at 5303 Promontory Road for approximately $9.5 million to build a second elementary school for the community's 850 students. [Chilliwack Progress]

🍪 Tim Hortons locations across Abbotsford, Mission, and Deroche pledged half of Smile Cookie sales from November 17 to 23 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley. [Mission City Record]

🥫 St. Joseph's Food Bank in Mission faced a $100,000 shortfall with donations down 70 percent, despite serving 925 households in October and recovering 122,000 pounds of food. [Mission City Record]

🔫 Abbotsford Police investigated bullet holes discovered November 12 at a closed business on King Road, marking the ninth shooting in Abbotsford since September 1. [Agassiz-Harrison Observer]

🌌 The Aurora Borealis displayed vivid red and green lights across Agassiz-Harrison on Remembrance Day, November 11, marking another rare Northern Lights appearance in the Fraser Valley. [Agassiz-Harrison Observer]

🏠 Chilliwack real estate sales dropped 25.8 percent in October 2025 to 178 units sold, while the average home price fell 5.3 percent to $739,510. [Fraser Valley Today]

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In the Valley

Your guide to Fraser Valley holiday events

The Fraser Valley comes alive with festive cheer this holiday season. Whether you're hunting for unique gifts at local markets, enjoying dazzling light displays with family, or soaking up the spirit of the season at community events, there's something for everyone. Here's your guide to making the most of the holidays close to home.

What’s coming up →

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🗓 Things to do

Abbywood Presents: A Love Actually Movie Night: A screening of "Love Actually" (2003) on Friday, November 14 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Ripples Estate Winery & New Wave Distilling includes one beverage per person and a shareable charcuterie box, with tickets priced at $65 per pair.

Louis Riel Day: A Celebration of Métis Culture and Legacy: A celebration of Métis culture on Saturday, November 15 from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM at Fort Langley National Historic Site features Métis artists, traditional games, Indigenous-inspired cuisine, and artisan vendors.

Parallax(e): Perspectives on the Canada–U.S. Border: An exhibition exploring the history and impact of the 49th parallel through historic boundary survey materials from 1857-1862 alongside contemporary works by Indigenous and regional artists, running through May 30, 2026.

Catch up

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