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- Wed - Jan 14 - Where Langley tax dollars are going
Wed - Jan 14 - Where Langley tax dollars are going
Plus, Juno-nominated sisters bring Celtic music to Chilliwack
Emily Edwards
January 14, 2026
🌧 High 10C
Good morning!
Langley City has approved its 2026 budget with a 5.82% property tax increase focused on community safety and infrastructure. Today's feature breaks down where that money is going—from new firefighters and police officers to an extended swimming season at Al Anderson Memorial Pool—and what Council's priorities mean for the growing community.
Plus, if you're looking for ways to get out this week, we've got a great lineup: learn to make the perfect matcha latte, catch Juno-nominated folk duo Cassie & Maggie in Chilliwack, or pick up some pruning tips from Brian Minter.
– Emily
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News & Features
Langley City adopts 2026 budget focused on safety, infrastructure
Photo: Unsplash
Langley City Council adopted its 2026-2030 Financial Plan on Sunday with a 5.82% property tax increase focused on community safety, recreation, and infrastructure maintenance.
The plan adds two firefighters to meet growing demand and population growth, bringing the total added over the past four years to nine. It also adds two police officers to support response times and visible policing, bringing the total added over the past four years to five.
Al Anderson Memorial Pool will open April 13 this year, extending the season by 25 days to provide more opportunities for lane swims, aquafit classes, swimming lessons, and public swimming.
The budget also continues investment in roads, utilities, parks, and essential services to maintain infrastructure as the community grows.
Need to Know
🚌 Construction begins this month on an $8.1 million Highstreet Transit Exchange on Mt. Lehman Road in Abbotsford, featuring five bus bays and a multi-use pathway, with completion expected by summer 2026. [City of Abbotsford]
🍲 Community Angels Food and Housing Support Society plans to expand its Seniors Food Support Program to Hope, Sunshine Valley, and Boston Bar for seniors aged 60+ with household incomes under $26,000. [Hope Standard]
🎬 Mission's Reel on the River Winter Film Series screens five Toronto International Film Festival films at Silvercity Cinema on Mondays at 7:00 PM from January 19 through March 2. [Mission Record]
⚖️ Three men pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the May 2022 killings of Arnold and Joanne De Jong in Abbotsford, with Crown alleging the suspects were motivated by debt and deposited forged cheques after the murders. [Fraser Valley Today]
🔥 Chilliwack firefighters battled a fully involved barn fire on Fairfield Island early Monday morning with no injuries to firefighters, civilians, or animals. [Fraser Valley Today]
🔔 The Winter Bells Campaign raised $24,514 for the Agassiz-Harrison Community Services Food Bank in its second year, surpassing last year's $15,000 total. [Agassiz-Harrison Observer]
🚍 BC Transit added more buses and service hours to the Fraser Valley Express route starting January 4, including new morning and afternoon weekday trips and additional weekend service. [Chilliwack Progress]
🚒 A $2.8 million renovation of the 25-year-old Aldergrove fire hall began in January, upgrading facilities to meet current standards and accommodate 24/7 operations. [Langley Advance Times]
🌿 New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean energy — no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*
*Sponsored Listing
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🗓 Things to do
Matcha Workshop w/ Kim Moran: A hands-on workshop on Friday, January 17 at Studioture in Abbotsford teaches matcha preparation techniques with attendees receiving a curated box including matcha bowl, bamboo whisk, and sifter for $79.
Cassie & Maggie: JUNO-nominated Nova Scotian sisters perform two shows on Sunday, January 18 at Bozzini's Restaurant in Chilliwack, featuring Celtic folk music, Gaelic songs, and step dance for $29.50.
Pruning Ornamentals, Berries & More: Brian Minter leads a free pruning demonstration on Saturday, January 17 at Minter Country Garden covering evergreens, flowering shrubs, vines, and berries with registration required.
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