City elected officials attend tree planting in Langley, B.C.
Langley City, B.C., elected officials hosted City of Bellingham elected officials on Friday, Sept. 12, for a ceremonial tree planting. “This tree is a symbol of our shared hope,” Mayor Kim Lund said. “Like our connection as neighbors, the tree will grow stronger with time.” Langley City extended an invitation to the event after receiving a letter from the City Council and Mayor in May 2025. The letter, sent to Langley and eight other British Columbia municipalities, expressed Bellingham’s steadfast appreciation and respect for nearly two centuries of peaceful, regional collaboration. City of Bellingham elected officials will host Langley City elected officials for a visit at a future date.
Waterfront projects planned to begin this fall
Boulevard Park shoreline improvements
We’re kicking off an important shoreline restoration project in Boulevard Park this October that will last through the end of the year. This work, set to begin in mid-October, will improve two beaches in the park. It will also increase public access to the coastline, protect the shoreline from effects of rising sea levels, and improve the habitat for local fish. Some areas of the park will be temporarily closed during construction. Visit our project page to learn more and stay updated.
Long-awaited environmental cleanup project and new park development
Work will soon begin on the new Salish Landing Park and an extensive, long-awaited project to clean up the Bellingham waterfront. We’ve selected a contractor to begin on a three-year project that will eventually remove the ugly, white tarps that have been a familiar sight on the south end of Cornwall Avenue. The effort will clean up two contaminated industrial sites and, at the same time, begin the first phase of the new Salish Landing Park, which includes the construction of a small parking area, trails, plantings, and preparation for future park phases. Check our project pages on site cleanup and Salish Landing for more information.
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library Book Sale Sept. 25 – 27
Visit the Lecture Room at the Central Library for the popular Friends of the Library September Book Sale and browse from a huge selection of books, DVDs, and more. There will be items for all ages, and all proceeds benefit your library. Most items are $2. Credit card and cash payments will be accepted. Items are full price 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25 and Friday, Sept. 26. On Saturday, Sept. 27, items are half price 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 1:15 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can fill a bag for $5.
Enter the Essence of Bellingham Photo Competition
The Essence of Bellingham Photo Competition is open! Enter photos that capture the people, places, and moments that make Bellingham special. There are categories for all ages and skill levels. We’ll add photos that capture the “essence” of Bellingham to a Whatcom Museum photo collection. It’s a fun, free way to help preserve images of life in Bellingham for future generations. To submit an entry and see past winners, visit cob.org/eob.
Improving public spaces
Nighttime closures on West Bakerview Road
The westbound lanes on West Bakerview Road between Meridian Street and Cordata Parkway will be closed at night (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.) Sunday to Thursday for the next two weeks as work continues on the Meridian Sewer Main Replacement project. Detour signs will be in place to direct northbound traffic to Kellogg Road and southbound traffic to Telegraph Road. The eastbound lanes on Bakerview Road, as well as sidewalks on both sides, will remain open.
Fairhaven residents will be notified in advance of Padden Creek night work
Work is moving forward at our Padden Creek Fish Passage Improvement Project after delays from two diesel spills in August. Our contractor is working longer hours to complete in-water construction by a deadline set to protect fish. Meeting this deadline is essential to avoid pushing the project into next summer. To help keep things on schedule, City Council approved a noise variance that allows for the option of overnight work, but only if absolutely necessary. If night work is needed, nearby Fairhaven residents will be notified in advance.
