Wednesday - Nov 5 - A preliminary budget breakdown

Morning!

Last night I finally made it to the first Bow & Stern in Abbotsford — a great neighbourhood spot with even better seafood. That was before heading over to the Brad Paisley concert at the Abbotsford Centre (anyone else there?).

Anyway, this morning we’ve got a first look at some key highlights from the federal budget, with more coverage coming your way in the days ahead.

—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.

Feature Story

What the Liberals’ 2025 budget means for B.C.

Ottawa’s new federal budget lays out major spending on housing, energy, and infrastructure—with several measures likely to shape life and work here in B.C. We’ve taken an early look at what stands out for the province.

→ Read our preliminary breakdown of what Budget 2025 means for B.C.

Need to Know

💊 Langley recorded 36 toxic drug deaths by September's end, including five fatalities in September alone, while provincial monthly deaths declined from over 200 two years ago to 158 in September, with fentanyl detected in 70 percent of cases. [Langley Advance Times]

🚔 Four individuals were arrested on October 8 after illegally crossing the border from Lynden, Washington into Abbotsford on foot before being picked up by a waiting vehicle and turned over to Canadian border services. [Mission City Record]

🐔 Chicken farmers in British Columbia's Fraser Valley tested new technology aimed at preventing avian flu spread as cases continued rising at commercial operations in the region. [CBC News]

🏗️ Langley Township council approved pre-zoning along the 200 Street corridor to accommodate up to 43,000 housing units over two decades, permitting buildings between six and 12 storeys near transit hubs and the Langley Events Centre. [Langley Advance Times]

🌧️ Chilliwack experienced its wettest Halloween since 1879 when 39 millimeters of rain fell on October 31, surpassing the previous record of 34.3 millimeters set in 1921. [Chilliwack Progress]

🎵 The original organizers of Bands on the Beach announced the event would return to Harrison Hot Springs on Labour Day weekend, September 5-6, 2026, following a 15-year run under previous management. [The Observer]

🏘️ A one-acre residential development site at 7278 208 Street in Langley's Willoughby area sold for $6 million in May, with the property zoned for apartment development supporting future condominium construction. [Western Investor]

🚨 A Chilliwack police officer was recovering in hospital following an early Sunday collision on Vedder Road when another vehicle drifted into oncoming traffic and crashed into her marked cruiser, with witnesses reporting speed and erratic driving by the other motorist. [Vancouver Sun]

⛰️ Mt. Waddington Outdoors planned to open its 5,000-square-foot flagship location in District 1881 by November 9, marking the outdoor retailer's third store following its original Vedder Road shop and Whistler location. [Chilliwack Progress]

SPONSORED BY BC EGG

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In Terrace, Daybreak Farms is more than a business — it’s a family promise. Kieran McKeown carries forward a three-generation legacy of raising hens and supplying fresh, local eggs to communities across B.C.’s Northwest. From milling their own feed to investing in sustainable practices, Daybreak Farms keeps local food truly local.
Read Kieran’s story as part of the Young Farmers Series.

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🗓 Things to do

Cascadia Remembers: Poppies, Tulips and Maple Leaves: A Remembrance concert on Thursday, November 7 at 7:30 PM at Rotary Hall Studio Theatre commemorates the 80th anniversary of World War II's end and Canada's role in liberating Europe, featuring the Chilliwack Elementary Schools Choir and guest piper Marcus Range, with tickets priced at $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and students.

2026 Grad Class Fundraiser: A fundraising event on Friday, November 8 from 4:00-10:00 PM at Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts - Sumas Mountain Campus features food trucks, crafts, face painting, jewelry, crocheted items, and home decor, with all table fees and door donations supporting the 2026 graduating class's prom and activities.

Songs & Stories with Heidi: An interactive program on Friday, November 8 from 1:00-2:00 PM encourages children's social and emotional learning through participatory songs and stories that help kids challenge unhelpful thoughts and build confidence.

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Catch up

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