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Good morning,

Peter Sparanese is retiring after more than 30 years with the City of Abbotsford, including eight as City Manager — the job posting is now open if you know someone who fits the bill.

There's also plenty going on, from free Tuesday concerts in Downtown Langley to a farm animal day camp in Abbotsford.

– 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.

Langley City has picked its first two neighbourhoods for a new initiative designed to help residents connect, look out for one another, and be better prepared for emergencies.

Nicomekl and Douglas were selected through a community vote to take part in the Resilient Neighbourhood Networks pilot, with Nicomekl receiving the highest level of support. Nicomekl will launch first this summer, with Douglas to follow later in the year.

The initiative, which grew out of a Citizens' Assembly recommendation on community safety endorsed by council in February, is built around a simple idea: that neighbours who know each other are better equipped to support one another — in everyday life and in emergencies. Programming will include community meetings, shared meals and activities, and information on local supports and safety resources.

The launch took place at a Social Streets event at Linwood Park, which also marked the completion of new shade sails near the playground — a small but practical addition that makes the park more comfortable for families and caregivers year-round.

"Resilient Neighbourhood Networks are about helping people feel connected and supported where they live," said Mayor Nathan Pachal. "Together, these investments help strengthen a sense of community across Langley City."

Vancouver's largest free festival returns on Saturday, July 11, transforming 10 blocks of West 4th Avenue into an immersive "Khatsahlano Wonderland." From 11 AM to 9 PM, Burrard to Macdonald Street will feature a massive regional music lineup curated by Zulu Records, headlined by local favourites Art d'Ecco and Uncle Strut across multiple outdoor stages.

Beyond the music, attendees of all ages can participate in a White Rabbit Scavenger Hunt to win local prizes, visit the Mad Hatter's creative craft zones, and explore giant chess exhibitions. The festival also boasts over 50 food trucks, lively outdoor patios, and dedicated family spaces like the Khats Kids Zone and Chapman’s Chill Zone. Adults can unwind at several beverage gardens, including a family-friendly Italian Lambrusco garden.

🏫 Two Langley schools and one Abbotsford school are among five in B.C. receiving new prefabricated classroom additions funded by the province, adding a combined 445 student spaces in Langley and Abbotsford alone. [BC Government]

⚾ Two Langley umpires — Barry Danton, 78, and Dan McLaren, 74 — have a combined 121 years of Little League umpiring experience between them, and neither has any plans to retire. [Langley Advance Times]

👔 Abbotsford City Manager Peter Sparanese has announced his retirement after more than 30 years of public service, including eight as City Manager overseeing a $514-million budget. [City of Abbotsford]

🔫 A woman was arrested near Harrison Lake after allegedly pointing a firearm at a group during a campsite dispute, with Agassiz RCMP deploying a boat to reach the remote location. [Fraser Valley Today]

🏥 The District of Hope has approved $40,971 to help fund Hope Specialist Services, a travelling specialist clinic that saw 2,819 patients in one quarter and saved residents nearly $192,000 in travel costs. [Hope Standard]

🏡 Seniors and their families are thinking ahead about a home’s long-term fit for aging in place. This free screening guide helps with the process.*

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Are you ready for a sublime summer weekend full of brilliant music and cool vibes? Come Find Your Folk at the Mission Folk Music Festival, July 24-26 in Fraser River Heritage Park. Hear amazing sounds from near and far, enjoy on-site activities, amenities and much more. Click here for details.

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Little Homesteaders Day Camp at Silverbrook Farm: A hands-on farm animal camp for all ages at Silverbrook Farm in Abbotsford on July 9, with goat milking, animal feeding, and mini farm chores. Lunch included.

Summer in the Courtyard at Willowbrook: Free weekly outdoor programming at Willowbrook Shopping Centre in Langley runs every Wednesday through Friday through August 28, with Sports Days, a Splash Zone, and Movie Nights.

McBurney Plaza Summer Concert Series: Four Tuesdays of free live music at McBurney Plaza in Downtown Langley, running through July 28.

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