April 2025: In the Face of Darkness, Vancouver Stands Resilient

After Vancouver’s ‘darkest day,’ a city is united in compassion

April 2025 will forever be etched in my memory—not just for the many moments of civic pride and community celebration, but for the tragedy that unfolded near its end.

On the evening of April 26th, just hours after a joyful Lapu Lapu Day block party celebrating the vibrancy and resilience of Vancouver’s Filipino community, our city was shaken by a senseless and devastating act of violence. I arrived on the scene not long after the attack. As Deputy Mayor, I stood alongside my Council colleagues at a news conference held by the Vancouver Police Department, trying to find the words to express our collective grief. It was one of the darkest days in our city’s history.

The next morning, I was asked by the Mayor’s Office to attend the Vancouver Sun Run opening ceremony. Standing before nearly 50,000 runners, I asked the crowd for a moment of silence in honour of the lives lost. We paused in grief and solidarity. I shared these words:

“Lapu-Lapu is a cultural hero of the Philippines, a person who represents the strength and resilience of the Philippine community… Our hearts go out to all of those whose lives were lost, to those injured, to their families, and to the entire Filipino community. By being here this morning, you represent the resilience and strength of our city.”

What followed in the days after was profoundly moving: a city united in compassion. Hundreds gathered at Kensington Park to mourn, reflect, and stand with Vancouver’s Filipino community. I continue to hold those affected close to my heart.

And while we continue to process this tragedy, I also want to reflect on a month marked by moments of hope, pride, and civic leadership.

At the first day of the month, I had the honour of welcoming Air Canada’s inaugural direct flight from YVR to Manila—a historic milestone that deepens our city’s connection to the Philippines and the broader Asia Pacific region.

April was also Sikh Heritage Month in Vancouver, a time to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Sikh Canadians. I was pleased to support Council’s vote to make this an annual observance, affirming that diversity is one of our city’s greatest strengths.

From South Vancouver to Chinatown, I attended community events that celebrated heritage and service—including the 100th anniversary of the Chin Wing Chun Tong Society and the vibrant Vaisakhi parade, where I brought greetings from the City to thousands in attendance.

We also honoured legacies this month—like the story of Benson Flores, the first recorded Filipino immigrant to Canada, commemorated at Mountain View Cemetery with a city proclamation and heartfelt tribute.

And as part of our support for the creative industries, I joined City representatives for an exclusive screening of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere—shot in Vancouver, Kamloops, and Nanaimo. This acclaimed HBO series not only showcases the talents of local crews and creatives, but also the cinematic beauty of our province.

What a thrill to help announce that professional women’s hockey is coming to Vancouver! As Deputy Mayor, I was honoured to stand alongside community leaders, PWHL executives, and the incredible Vancouver Angels U11 girls team to welcome the league’s first-ever expansion franchise. The new team will call the Pacific Coliseum home—returning elite women’s hockey to the iconic “Rink on Renfrew.” With passionate local support, a rising generation of young players, and near gender parity in BC Hockey, Vancouver is more than ready. I can’t wait for that first puck drop!

Innovation was a major theme in April. I joined MLA Gavin Dew and local tech leaders at City Hall to discuss how we can better support founders and break down the systemic barriers holding back Vancouver’s innovation economy.

Later in the month, I listened in on a forward-looking panel hosted by SAP and Invest Vancouver at SAP’s Yaletown office. The discussion, themed Shaping B.C.’s Future in Tech, featured Hon. Diana Gibson of the Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Ministry and leaders from across government, academia, and industry. They explored ideas for scaling B.C.’s innovation economy, even as we confront global pressures like the Canada–U.S. trade dispute.

I also had the honour of joining Mayors Mike Hurley and Richard Stewart at the Vancouver Real Estate Forum. A standout moment for me as a city councillor. We tackled topics on housing, taxes, and infrastructure—plus the importance of partnerships with First Nations as part of our city’s future. “Reconciliation isn’t just symbolic—it’s justice.” Thanks to Walter Pela of KPMG Canada for moderating a thoughtful panel.

April also marked the announcement of a new Vancouver Economic Growth Task Force, where I stood with leaders from business, government, and Indigenous communities. Together, we are committed to cutting red tape, boosting productivity, and improving quality of life for all Vancouverites. More news on this item is coming in June.

There were moments of remembrance too. At Mountain View Cemetery, I marked Vimy Ridge Day, honouring the legacy of those who served. And in East Vancouver, I joined Councillor Lenny Zhou at the Hopehill Housing Gala, that helped raise over $80,000 for seniors’ affordable housing.

Art and culture continued to uplift our city. A highlight was witnessing the raising of Thomas Cannell’s “Spaal’” (Raven) sculptures at Broadway and Alma—a powerful collaboration between Musqueam art and modern urban design. As spring blossoms reached full bloom, I also found time to appreciate the quieter beauty of our neighbourhood streets.

As cherry blossoms bloomed and neighbourhoods came alive with colour, I was reminded again why I love this city. Even in our darkest hours, there is beauty. Even in our grief, there is strength.

While nothing can erase the pain of the tragedy we endured, I believe this month revealed something deep and true about Vancouver: we are a city that rallies, that grieves together, and that finds strength in unity.

To Vancouver’s Filipino community: your pain is our pain. Your strength is our strength.

And to all Vancouverites: thank you for continuing to show what it means to be a resilient, caring, and united city.

And as your city councillor, I remain committed to building a Vancouver where everyone feels seen, safe, and supported.