Wednesday - Oct. 22 - Community and beer champions recognized

Good morning,

Henry, Marion, Greg, Tannis—I’ve read your emails, and I really appreciate the feedback. To everyone who’s been writing in: we’re reading all your messages about what changes you’d like to see and how we can serve the community better. I promise to respond to each and every one of you—so please, keep the comments coming.

In the meantime, today’s issue features two local stories: a Hope brewery making waves and two civic leaders recognized for the good they’ve done. Enjoy!

– 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

Hope’s Mountainview Brewing brings home double gold at BC Beer Awards

Hope’s own Mountainview Brewing struck gold—twice—at this year’s BC Beer Awards, earning top honours for its Serpent’s Back stouts and cementing its place among BC’s craft beer elite. The wins follow national gold at the Canadian Brewing Awards earlier this year.

→ Read the full story.

Need to Know

📢 Authorities expanded their search for 11-year-old Kai Pavlovic through multilingual billboards across British Columbia, three weeks after the boy disappeared with someone police are working to identify [Black Press Media]

🔍 Officers are seeking information about Paula Eineigel, a 50-year-old Vancouver woman last spotted in Hope on October 4, with relatives worried about her safety [Hope Standard]

👤 A 63-year-old Yale resident has been missing since late August, with Hope RCMP describing Craig Voisin's disappearance as uncharacteristic and concerning to his relatives [Hope Standard]

💔 A 32-year-old mother died from injuries sustained when a pickup truck struck her bicycle on South Parallel Road in late September, with darkness identified as a contributing factor [Fraser Valley Today]

💼 Provincial funding exceeding $3 million will support workforce development initiatives in Langley targeting Indigenous individuals, income assistance recipients, and those facing complex employment challenges [Langley Advance Times]

👮 A pair of enforcement officers began regular downtown patrols in Mission on October 15, working weekday mornings and weekend shifts to monitor sidewalk obstructions and collaborate with police and outreach teams [Mission City Record]

🌰 University researchers are testing evidence-based approaches to resurrect Fraser Valley nut cultivation after disease wiped out thousands of trees, with over 50,000 resistant varieties planted through renewal efforts [Agassiz Harrison Observer]

🐾 A volunteer-run Chilliwack organization will stage multiple holiday fundraisers including a ticketed dinner, ornament gift program, and baked goods sale to sustain services for 500 local animals monthly [Fraser Valley Today]

SPONSORED BY BC DAIRY

When land, culture & food collide

Erik Blaney, a farmer on Tla’amin Nation land, is reviving generations of tradition by planting food, building processing capacity, and nurturing community resilience. He fights climate shocks, systemic barriers, and disconnection — all while turning soil into sovereignty, healing, and hope. Read more.

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What’s New

Two Abbotsford residents honoured with 2025 civic awards

The City of Abbotsford has named John LeBlanc and the late Harry Schmidt as recipients of its 2025 Community Champion Achievement Awards, recognizing their exceptional service, courage, and compassion.

LeBlanc was honoured for his bravery and selflessness during the nine-month search for missing hiker Jordan Naterer in 2021—an act Mayor Ross Siemens said reflected “the highest ideals of community service.” Schmidt, who passed away in 2024, was recognized for his decades of philanthropy, ethical leadership, and humanitarian work, including projects supporting seniors, children, and families in need both locally and abroad.

Both men’s names will be engraved on paving stones along Abbotsford’s Discovery Trail in the Community Champions pavilion.

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🗓 Things to do

Pumpkin Praline Candle Making Workshop: Lupin Lifestyle Co. owner Sarah leads participants in crafting seasonal scented candles on October 22nd from 6-8 PM at 125-1828 McCallum Road in Abbotsford, with materials, fall refreshments, and snacks included for $55 plus GST.

Monty Night Live II: Fraser Valley Stage presents sketch comedy and music performances October 23-25, 29-30, and November 1 at Abbotsford Arts Centre Community Arts Addition, with tickets ranging from $27-$32 for the 19+ show.

Kebab Night with Chef GJ: Chef GJ teaches authentic Indian kebab preparation including beetroot, paneer, chicken, and fish varieties on Thursday, October 23rd from 6-9 PM at 20353 64 Ave in Langley, with pistachio rose ice cream for dessert.

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Catch up

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