Langley Township just earned a pretty cool designation. Bee City Canada has certified the Township as a bee-friendly municipality, recognizing its ongoing commitment to protecting pollinators and their habitats.

Recent projects include a new pollinator garden at Steele Park and a pollinator field at Otter Park.

The Township is now one of nine B.C. communities with the designation. Not bad, Langley.

If you've ever wondered why it takes so long for a new small business or housing project to get off the ground in Langley City, part of the answer has been council approval timelines.

City Council recently gave three readings to a bylaw that would let staff approve smaller development projects without going through the full council process.

Moral of the story: smaller housing and commercial projects should move a bit faster now.

If you haven't caught a Vancouver FC match at Willoughby Stadium yet, this weekend is a great excuse to go.

Vancouver FC hosts the HFX Wanderers on April 4 at 4:00 p.m., followed by a matchup against Forge FC on April 12 at 4:00 p.m.

The club also added some serious firepower this off-season. New signing Lys Mousset brings 99 Premier League appearances to the CPL.

Tickets start at just $20.26 for adults and $12 for youth. Parking is free. It's professional soccer right in the Fraser Valley and one of the better live sports experiences in the area.

Grab tickets at showpass.com before the match day price increase kicks in.

Hot pot has been having a hot moment in the Lower Mainland, and Langley now has one of the best spots in the region to try it (this place is my personal favorite).

The concept is simple and fun: you choose your broth, pick your ingredients, and cook everything right at your table. It's a great option for groups, date nights, or anyone who wants something a little different on a Friday evening.

I typically spend $18 to get a full pot, rice, and free ice cream at the end.

Where: 20202 66 Ave #130, Langley Township
Hours: Mon to Thu 11am to midnight, Fri to Sun 11am to 1:30am
Phone: 604-510-1888

Loft Country Farms (2640 248 St, Langley Township) is running Easter activities April 3 to 6 from 9am to 5pm. Expect egg hunts, horse-drawn carriage rides, pony rides, and a fun zone for kids. Advance adult tickets are $16.50, kids are $19.50. Purchase here.

Easter Egg Hunt and BBQ at Douglas Park (20550 Douglas Cres, Langley City) is free and running Saturday April 4 from 11am to 2pm. Hosted by Southgate Church and City Collective, it features kids activities, a barbecue, prizes, candy, and a large Easter egg hunt at 1pm. FREE

Free Easter in Aldergrove at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 265 (26607 Fraser Hwy) on Saturday April 4 from noon to 2pm. The event includes a hot mini donut truck, a visit from the Easter Bunny, a balloon artist, a 360-degree selfie station, cookie decorating, and stuffed bunny giveaways. FREE.

Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Fraser Valley Cider Company on Saturday April 4 from 10am. Easter crafts and treats for kids, photos with the Easter Bunny, and a cider tasting for adults. A more relaxed option if you want something smaller and farm-style. Purchase Here.

The Township is also running Easter activities for all ages at its recreation and arts and culture centres from Friday April 3 to Monday April 6. Check tol.ca for registration details as some sessions fill quickly.

Farm Country Brewing Board Game Night - Every Thursday through April 9 Strategy board games with a host on hand to walk newcomers through. Drop-in tickets are $14, with a free first session using the promo code "INTRO." Purchase Here.

Western Canada Sports Collectors Convention | Fri Apr 10, 4:00 PM Langley Events Centre. One of the bigger sports memorabilia events in the region. Worth a visit if you're into hockey cards, jerseys, or signed collectibles. Purchase Here.

Vancouver FC vs Forge FC | Sun Apr 12, 4:00 PM Willoughby Stadium at Langley Events Centre. Tickets from $20.26 at showpass.com.

Markus Naslund Autograph Event | Sat Apr 11, 1:00 PM 102-6375 202 St, Langley. A Canucks legend, in Langley. Hockey fans won't want to miss this one. Purchase Here.

Fort Langley Village Farmers Market Opening Day | Sat Apr 18 (mark your calendar now) The Fort Langley Village Farmers Market opens for the season on Saturday April 18 from 9:00 AM at 9025 Glover Road. One of the best Saturday morning traditions in Langley. More on this in our next issue.

That's it for this week. Hope you have a great Easter weekend, Langley.

Know someone who'd enjoy this? Forward it their way! It's free and always will be.

See you next week,
Aldo