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The Fraser Valley is getting its own artificial intelligence community — and its first gathering is tonight in Langley. Meanwhile, Hope Brigade Days opens today with a full weekend of events ahead, including Finger Eleven on Saturday night. A good excuse to head to Hope if you haven't been lately.

– Emily

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The Fraser Valley is getting its own community dedicated to artificial intelligence.

Langley technology entrepreneur Darren Coleman has launched FV+AI, a new regional chapter within the BC + AI Ecosystem Association, with its first gathering set for Sept. 9 in Langley.

The group is intended to bring together business owners, professionals, students, educators and residents interested in understanding how artificial intelligence is already changing workplaces and industries across the region.

“AI is no longer a future conversation for the Fraser Valley. It is a today conversation,” Coleman said.

Coleman, founder and CEO of Langley-based Coleman Technologies, said part of the motivation is that much of the activity surrounding AI is still happening outside the Fraser Valley, even as the technology begins affecting businesses and workers locally.

“AI is moving incredibly quickly, but a lot of the conversation and activity is centred outside the Fraser Valley,” Coleman told the Fraser Valley Current.

Keep reading»

🚌 BC Transit has launched a new digital booking system for handyDART in Chilliwack and the Central Fraser Valley, allowing riders to book, modify, or cancel trips through a mobile app or online — the first of 28 B.C. communities to make the switch. [Spare]

🐱 The Langley Animal Protection Society has launched what it calls Canada's first National Kitten College, offering free training sessions on caring for neonatal and orphaned kittens. [Global News]

🏍️ A motorcyclist was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after a collision with an SUV at George Ferguson Way and Gladys Avenue in Abbotsford on Wednesday afternoon. [CTV News]

🏟️ The City of Chilliwack will take over management of Heritage Park from Tourism Ch'illiwack effective April 1, 2027, after a 15-year partnership. [City of Chilliwack]

🏈 Abbotsford council has directed staff to advance site and design work on a 39-acre parcel at 1010 Lefeuvre Road for future sports and recreation amenities, following the ALC's rejection of the King Road site. [City of Abbotsford]

🏡 Adult children of Seniors are helping their parents decide whether to age in place. This free guide helps everyone figure it out together.*

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Hope Brigade Days: Hope's annual community festival returns September 11–13, with live music, a demolition derby, motorcycle stunt shows, Finger Eleven headlining Saturday night, and a 50-vendor Briggie Bazaar. Note road closures around Kawkawa Lake Road and the parade route on Saturday.

The Baby Tyler Show: Seasoned puppeteer Ingrid Hansen of Fraggle Rock and Sesame Workshop fame brings her surreal puppet show to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on September 13.

Campfire Stories with Haunted History BC: Authors Gina Armstrong and Victoria Vancek share eerie local legends and haunted history at Clearbrook Library on September 16, with LED campfire lighting and a projected starry canopy. Ages 12 and up.

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