☀️ High 27C

Good morning,

With wildfires forcing evacuations across B.C., the BC SPCA has been working to reach animals whose owners had to leave them behind — 108 pets taken in so far, with 28 already back home.

And on a lighter note, there's a flower workshop at Greendale Acres on Thursday and salsa nights in Chilliwack this week and next.

– 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.

Archway Community Services is hosting its fourth annual Welcome Day event on September 14 at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, as part of Welcome Week — a national celebration of inclusion and community.

The free, family-friendly evening runs from 5:30 to 9 PM. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to explore a service fair featuring local organizations before the official welcome ceremony begins at 7 PM.

This year's ceremony includes a panel discussion with Mayor Ross Siemens, School District Superintendent Nathan Ngieng, and Abbotsford Police Chief Constable Colin Watson, along with a keynote address by Tammy Brandsma and Hani Kambal.

Whether you're new to Abbotsford or have lived here for years, the event is open to everyone.

Join the Fraser Valley Wine Collective for the Summer Sampler at Chapter Estates Winery on Saturday, August 22, from 1–4pm. Enjoy a fun afternoon of wine, beer and spirits, sunshine and good company. Tickets start at $12.50 and include two drink tokens. Tickets at chapterestates.ca/events. This is a 19+ event.

🚂 A man was struck and killed by a train near the Yale Road overpass in Chilliwack on August 15 — the third fatal train incident near that location since January 2025. [Vancouver Sun]

💔 A child died after being struck by a driver in a parking lot on Simon Avenue in Abbotsford on August 13. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. [CTV News]

🐾 The BC SPCA has taken in 108 pets displaced by wildfires across B.C., with animal protection officers going beyond fire lines to rescue and care for animals left behind by evacuees. [Kelowna Capital News]

⚖️ Two men have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the 2025 gang-related shooting death of Taran Pandher, who was killed while riding in a taxi in Langley. [Canadian Press]

🎰 A 44-year-old Ontario man is in custody after allegedly robbing the Cascades Casino in Langley, assaulting employees, and smashing slot machines before being arrested on the premises. [Gambling911]

🚗 A Rosedale woman received a 90-day driving prohibition after her SUV was struck by a train near Mission when she mistook the tracks for a road while impaired. [CTV News]

🏡 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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UFV Public Art Unveiling in Mission: UFV students unveil new public art along 2nd Avenue in Mission on August 19, at the parking lot between the Archives and Museum. Free to attend.

Tuesday Salsa Nights at The Grand Hall: Beginner salsa, merengue, and bachata lessons followed by open social dancing at The Grand Hall in Chilliwack on August 18 and 25. $15, capped at 45 people — register in advance.

Golden Hour Flower Workshop at Greendale Acres: Florist Vanessa Oddy leads an evening flower-harvesting and arranging workshop at Greendale Acres on August 20, with golden hour photography and light refreshments. $45.

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