Monday - Feb 9 - Willoughby Elementary replacement

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The Township of Langley is replacing Willoughby Elementary School with a new facility built on parkland next to the Langley Tennis Centre. The Township will fund and build the school itself, while the old site gets transformed into a community centre, public plaza, and green space.

It's an interesting approach to solving the region's school capacity issues — one that came together through a partnership between the Township, the province, and the Langley School District. A feasibility study still needs to determine costs and timelines before the project moves forward.

– Emily

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News & Features

‘Innovative’ partnership between BC and Township of Langley to bring new school to the region

An agreement struck between the Township of Langley, the province and the Langley School District will see Willoughby Elementary School replaced by a new facility. In its place, a community centre, public plaza and green space will be built.

The province said in its announcement that while Willoughby Elementary remains “a safe learning environment for students,” a new school could bring modern features and place students closer to parks and amenities.

The replacement school is slated to be built on six acres of undeveloped Township land, next to the Langley Tennis Centre within the south portion of Yorkson Community Park.

The partnership has been formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), but before the project can move forward, a feasibility study will need to be conducted by the Township to determine costs and timelines. 

If it moves forward, the Township will cover the cost of the new school, while leading its design, permitting and construction.

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Need to Know

👩‍🏫 UFV kinesiology professor Dr. Iris Lesser created inclusive postpartum exercise resources with realistic imagery and videos after finding a lack of support for new mothers returning to physical activity. [UFV]

📹 Mission RCMP officer-in-charge Ted Lewko said body-worn cameras have been a positive change over a year after becoming BC's first detachment to deploy them in November 2024, helping capture evidence and increase public confidence. [Mission Record]

🏒 Canucks Sports & Entertainment and the City of Abbotsford agreed to a five-year extension at Rogers Forum through 2031, with the venue raising over $5.6 million for local causes through the Canucks for Kids Fund's 50/50 program. [City of Abbotsford]

🚗 Abbotsford police arrested a 23-year-old woman after she crashed into a home on Nanaimo Crescent early Sunday morning while impaired, with tests showing she was more than twice the legal limit. [Abbotsford Police]

🎵 Larkk, the solo project of Juno-winning Dear Rouge artist Danielle McTaggart, performs at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on March 5 at 7:30 PM, with tickets starting at $40. [Chilliwack Progress]

🎭 Cabaret theatre production Josephine, a one-woman biographical musical about performer Josephine Baker starring Tymisha Harris, comes to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on March 4 at 7:30 PM, with tickets starting at $29. [Chilliwack Progress]

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🗓 Things to do

Sound Bath: Forest Floor Sound Healing hosts an immersive sound healing experience featuring crystal singing bowls, handpan, and meditative guidance to awaken the body's energy centers on Wednesday, February 11 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mt. Lehman Hall in Abbotsford, no experience necessary.

Open Mic Night: Sidekick Brewing and co-hosts Jakub n' Jules welcome acoustic musicians of all genres for a community music night on Wednesday, February 11 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with performers receiving a free 16oz Sidekick Beer.

Beat the Winter Blues Pub Night: Chilliwack Youth Health Centre hosts a fundraiser at Corky's Irish Pub on Thursday, February 12 starting at 5:00 PM, featuring burgers and fries, a silent auction, mystery balloons, and games, with all proceeds supporting free health services for youth ages 12-26.

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