Monday - November 17 - Four years ago this week

🌧 High 8 °C

Good morning.

This week marks four years since the devastating 2021 floods—a moment that reshaped lives, farms, and neighbourhoods across the Fraser Valley. The City of Abbotsford has shared a detailed update on its long recovery efforts, noting that nearly all of its major repair and resiliency projects are now complete. You can read their full post here: Flood recovery nears completion, four years later.

In today’s issue, we also have local news from across the Valley—including a new $72 million investment to build homes in Abbotsford, and an updated roundup of upcoming events.

– William

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Traffic & Weather

🌤 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.

News

Feds commit $72M for 234 new homes in Abbotsford

This week, the feds announced $72 million for two local housing projects, with the province, city and non-profits adding to the pot. One project on Horn Street is already rising; the other, The Douglas, will bring 130 new units to George Ferguson Way. Both aim to ease pressure on a rapidly growing city where demand for rentals keeps climbing.

Read the full breakdown on both projects →

Need to Know

💡 The Langley Advance Times invited residents to submit Christmas light displays for its annual holiday list, while Aldergrove prepared for its November 23 tree lighting ceremony and light-up contests. [Langley Advance Times]

🧁 The Camp River Ladies Circle scheduled their annual Tea and Bake Sale for November 29 to raise funds for a new fire-alarm system at the community hall. [Chilliwack Progress]

🚛 One person was transported to hospital in critical condition after a semi-truck jack-knifed on the Coquihalla Highway near Lac Le Jeune on November 12, closing southbound lanes for several hours. [CFJC Today]

⚡ Over 2,300 customers lost power in Chilliwack and Abbotsford on November 13 after a utility pole fire on Keith Wilson Road, with most power restored by 7:00 PM. [Chilliwack Progress]

🤸 Mission's Alec Ikeda was selected to represent Canada at the Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in the Philippines from November 20 to 24. [Mission City Record]

🏫 Construction began on Smith Secondary and Smith Middle schools in Langley's Willoughby area, creating 2,800 student spaces on the province's first Lower Mainland joint campus, set to open in fall 2027. [BC Government]

💵 Chilliwack RCMP warned businesses about cpunterfeit $100 bills marked "Prop Money" or "Copy" with serial number GKV9181892 appearing at grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants in Chilliwack and Hope. [Agassiz-Harrison Observer]

🎰 Chilliwack couple Joyce and Brandon Cheshire won $500,000 in the October 10 Lotto Max Extra draw and initially didn't believe their ticket was real until they verified the numbers online at home. [Hope Standard]

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In the Valley

Updated weekly:
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

Crochet Workshop: Winter Hat: A crochet workshop on Wednesday, November 19 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Fox & Thistle Mercantile in Chilliwack teaches participants to make a winter hat with materials provided, priced at $45.

DIY Seasonal Wreath Workshop: A wreath-making workshop on Wednesday, November 19 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Everything Wine in Abbotsford features guided instruction with all materials, wine tasting, and seasonal snacks, priced at $65 plus GST.

Christmas Cookie Exchange with Chef Taniyaa: A holiday baking class on Thursday, November 20 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 20125 64 Ave in Langley features small groups making different cookie recipes, with participants taking home an assortment to share.

Catch up

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