Five Protests Hit One City on Valentine's Day
Up to 45,000 gathered as five protests converged in Vancouver, from the Women's Memorial March to Global Day of Action, in massive downtown demonstration.
Vancouver Protest
By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | February 16, 2026
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Downtown Vancouver witnessed an extraordinary convergence of social movements last Saturday as up to 45,000 demonstrators gathered for multiple causes, prompting one of the largest police deployments the city has seen for public demonstrations.
A City in Motion
The day began with the 35th Annual Women's Memorial March, a solemn procession that has taken place every Valentine's Day since 1992. Starting at Main and Hastings in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, marchers honoured Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ people who have been murdered, gone missing, or experienced violence. The march originated after Cheryl Ann Joe of the shíshálh Nation was found murdered on Powell Street, and has grown considerably over three decades.
Taking place on the traditional territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam Nations, the march carries particular significance in a city grappling with the disproportionate violence faced by Indigenous women and gender-diverse people.
Breaking down Statistics
In 2023, overall, at least several hundred "regular" (cisgender non-LGBTQ) women were among the victims in the 189 total women/girls killed, far outnumbering any documented LGBTQ murders (likely 0–very low single digits for trans/gender-diverse, and minimal for gay/lesbian based on available tracking). The tracking for 2024 has still not been released, so this article references 2023 numbers.
Regarding the claim that LGBTQ people are targeted and murdered more often than cisgender people: The 2023 data does not support this in Canada, either in absolute numbers or per capita. LGBTQ individuals make up roughly 4–5% of the population (per Statistics Canada surveys), yet they represented a tiny fraction of homicide victims. In contrast, women (mostly cisgender) accounted for a significant share of gender-related killings.
However, non-lethal targeting was elevated: Police-reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation rose sharply to 860 in 2023 (a 69% increase from 2022, the previous peak), with over half specifically targeting gay and lesbian people. Hate crimes targeting gender identity/expression also increased (by 37% in some reports). This indicates higher vulnerability to bias-motivated violence short of homicide, but not to lethal violence at rates exceeding those for cisgender women in femicide contexts.
Global Causes, Local Voices
Meanwhile, approximately 45,000 people gathered at David Lam Park in Yaletown for the Global Day of Action, a coordinated international protest calling for regime change in Iran. Demonstrators chanted against Iran's clerical leadership and protested government repression as widespread protests inside Iran have faced violent crackdowns.
The rally revealed deep divisions within the Iranian diaspora community. Protesters carried the lion-and-sun flag used before the Islamic Republic came to power in 1979, along with photos of those killed in recent unrest. Yet the day also exposed competing visions for Iran's future: some Kurdish protesters called for the toppling of the Iranian government with chants rejecting both the Ayatollah and monarchist restoration, while others voiced support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah.
A Crowded Downtown
The Global Day of Action was one of five separate rallies taking place in the downtown core on Saturday. Among them were a Solidarity for Venezuela rally and a protest against what demonstrators characterized as an illegitimate Ugandan government.
Vancouver Police deployed dozens of extra officers in anticipation of the protests. Officers on bicycles, motorcycles, in vehicles, and on foot managed crowds and facilitated peaceful protests. Police worked with organizers to minimize disruptions, though travelers in the downtown core experienced delays from crowds and road closures.
What This Means for Visitors and Residents
Vancouver's commitment to protecting the right to peaceful assembly means large demonstrations are a regular feature of civic life. For sports fans and tourists visiting the city, understanding this context is essential:
Safety Considerations: Vancouver Police take public safety seriously during large demonstrations, deploying significant resources to ensure peaceful protests. While crowds may cause traffic delays and road closures, the city's experience managing demonstrations means these events typically proceed without incident.
Civic Engagement: These protests reflect Vancouver's position as a diverse, globally-connected city where communities feel empowered to voice concerns about both local and international issues. The diversity of causes on a single day—from Indigenous justice to international human rights—demonstrates the breadth of civic engagement.
Navigating the City: During major protest days, visitors should expect: public transit delays in the downtown core, temporary road closures (particularly around gathering points like David Lam Park and the Downtown Eastside), and increased police presence. Checking Vancouver Police social media or local news before traveling downtown can help avoid disruptions.
Respecting Sacred Spaces: The Women's Memorial March is a particularly solemn event. The Downtown Eastside, while a vibrant community, is also a neighborhood dealing with profound challenges including poverty, addiction, and violence against vulnerable populations. Visitors should approach these areas and events with respect and sensitivity.
Saturday's protests highlighted Vancouver as a city where Indigenous justice movements, international human rights causes, and democratic expression coexist—sometimes uncomfortably, but always protected. For those visiting or living here, these gatherings are part of the civic fabric, requiring patience, understanding, and a recognition that public space belongs to everyone with something to say.
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