🌤️ High 24C

Good morning,

Hope is going all out for the FIFA World Cup Final this weekend with a free community celebration running July 17–19: concerts, live painting, football matches, and more.

There's also a night market in Abbotsford on Friday. And if you're already thinking about the following weekend, Chilliwack Ribfest returns to Vedder River Park July 24–26. UFV alumni should also read on for a community event later this month.

– Emily

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🌤 Local forecast: Langley | Chilliwack | Abbotsford | Hope | Mission

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🛣 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.

Fraser Health recorded the highest number of toxic drug deaths in BC in May, according to new data from the BC Coroners Service (BCCS). Thirty-five people died in the health authority that month—12 more than the second-highest total, recorded in the Island and Vancouver Coastal health authorities.

Fraser Health was the only authority in the province to record a higher death toll in May 2026 than in May 2025. 

However, the number of deaths so far this year is significantly lower than the first five months of 2025. From January to May, 166 people (25 female, 141 male) died from toxic drugs in the Fraser Health region, compared with 223 over the same time frame last year. 

This downward trend was seen across BC, where 109 people died of toxic drugs in May—an average of 3.5 deaths a day. This marked the lowest monthly death toll in the province since February 2020. 

So far in 2026, 630 British Columbians have died of toxic drugs—nearly 20 per cent fewer than the 775 deaths recorded from January to May last year. 

The two substances most linked to drug deaths in Fraser Health are fluorofentanyl (a synthetic opioid more potent than fentanyl) and methamphetamine.

The BCCS says the death rate among people aged 19 to 59 has declined significantly in the province since 2021, while the death rate among people 60 and older has remained “relatively stable.”

🔫 A year-long Abbotsford drug investigation ended with 12 kg of drugs, a handgun, body armour, and $60,000 in cash seized. A 36-year-old man faces multiple charges. [CTV News]

🚰 A boil water advisory remains in effect for Hope's Silver Creek Water System after E. coli was detected, pending further test results. [District of Hope]

⚽ UFV is hosting an Alumni Night at the Langley Events Centre on July 24, with alumni invited to watch Vancouver FC take on Cavalry FC. [UFV]

👨‍⚕️ Abbotsford welcomed 26 new family doctors in 2025, with 80 per cent of residents staying local after training — a bright spot amid a broader provincial physician shortage. [Fraser Valley Today]

🔍 Abbotsford police are asking for help locating 32-year-old Ksenia Horsley, last seen July 11 near Sevenoaks Shopping Centre. Call 604-859-5225. [Fraser Valley Today]

🚁 A drone near the Brunswick Complex wildfire temporarily grounded all aerial firefighting operations on July 11. Flying drones within five nautical miles of a wildfire can result in fines up to $25,000. [Hope Standard]

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Kickin' It in Hope: A free weekend of community events in Hope from July 17–19, featuring concerts, live painting, a movie screening, community football matches, and a late-night shopping stroll along Wallace Street — all leading up to the FIFA World Cup Final.

Foodie Fest Night Market: A free evening market at 2884 Gladys Ave in Abbotsford on July 18, with local food vendors, shopping, and live entertainment from 4–9 PM.

Chilliwack Ribfest: The fourth annual Ribfest returns to Vedder River Park in Chilliwack from July 24–26, with BBQ, local artisans, and community entertainment. Admission by donation, with proceeds supporting the Chilliwack Huskers.

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