Vancouver residents are experiencing an escalation in the Middle East, a unique floating home is up for sale off the island’s coast, and the women’s soccer club Rise has received a prestigious award.
Fear and hope: how Vancouver’s diaspora is coping with the escalation in the Middle East
As the world watches the widening conflict in the Middle East, for Vancouver’s Lebanese and Iranian communities this is more than news — it’s a personal tragedy and deep anxiety for the fate of loved ones. The escalation between Israel, Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah is forcing Canadians with Middle Eastern roots to relive the traumas of past wars and look to the future with dread.
Artist Marie Houri, who fled Lebanon in 1975 after the civil war began, watches with pain as history repeats itself. In a CBC piece she shares her memories: “My father was killed in Lebanon… and at 14–15 I saw things I should never have seen.” Her sister and brother-in-law are safe for now, but fear is growing. “A month ago who could have thought the Middle East would be on fire again?” Houri says. She stresses the long-term consequences of war: behind every death is a broken family, and it will take years to rebuild. Her personal story of loss mirrors the current humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, where, according to aid groups, about half a million people have already been displaced by Israeli airstrikes. Lebanon’s honorary consul in Vancouver, Nicholas Kahwaji, describes a desperate situation: people are constantly on the move following evacuation orders, shelters are overcrowded, and food may run short. He urges Ottawa to push for a ceasefire, scale up humanitarian aid and ease family reunification in Canada. The federal government says more than 24,000 Canadians have registered in Lebanon, and over 700 have requested assistance to leave. In response, Global Affairs Canada is offering charter flights and reserved seats on commercial planes, and the Canada Border Services Agency has temporarily suspended removals to Lebanon and Israel due to the unstable situation.
At the same time, part of Vancouver’s Iranian community greeted news of the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei in a U.S. and Israeli strike with celebrations. Masoud Zamani, a representative of the group “Mission for My Homeland,” called it the death of a dictator who ruled with an iron fist. Around 2,500 people gathered at a rally outside the Vancouver Art Gallery to welcome what Zamani called a turning point for Iran. He recalled years of harassment and repression against protesters, in which activists say thousands were killed. “We hope for a free, democratic Iran,” he said, claiming that under totalitarian regimes war became a “necessary evil.” But for Marie Houri, war is only suffering and displacement. She sums up the region’s shared pain: “Many Lebanese, Iranian, Syrian, Palestinian, Jewish families… we are all wounded.” These two voices from Vancouver — fear of the conflict spreading and hope for political change — reflect the complex and contradictory reality in which diasporas endure a homeland crisis, torn between past trauma and an uncertain future.
Floating fortress in the wilderness: unique houseboat for sale off Vancouver’s coast
Far from the urban bustle, off the wild shores of Vancouver Island, a truly unique property has hit the real estate market — a large floating home that combines seclusion with touches of luxury. This dwelling, more like a spacious villa than a traditional float-home, proves that off-grid living can be comfortable and even chic.
According to Vancouver Is Awesome, a two-storey float-home in Nootka Sound off the west coast of British Columbia is for sale. Named Hoiss Point, the house impresses with its size: 2,600 square feet of living space, which is rare for such constructions. Inside are four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Despite being only three years old, the asking price is CAD 1.6 million. What’s included for that price? Full comforts: a gas fireplace, a billiards table, laundry facilities and a fully equipped kitchen. There is also a fish-cleaning station, emphasizing the location’s character.
A key feature of this home is its full autonomy. Situated in a remote waterway and not connected to central utilities, it relies on modern technologies. Solar panels supply power, and there is radiant floor heating for comfort during colder months. The term “off the grid” means the property does not depend on centralized electricity, water or sewage systems, using alternative sources — a deliberate choice for living close to nature.
The location defines the property’s character. It lies on the traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples. The nearest community is Gold River, but direct access is not simple. A more logical route, especially by water, is to the village of Tahsis. Famous Tofino is not too far either, though, as the article notes, travel there can be dangerous in stormy weather. The site’s seclusion is also underscored by its proximity to the historic Cougar Annie’s Gardens, adding an aura of mystery.
The listing notes potential commercial appeal due to commercial zoning. That opens possibilities not only for private use but also for creating a small sport-fishing lodge. Thus, this floating home is not just an exotic residence but a ready-made business project in one of Canada’s most picturesque and untouched coastal areas, offering the future owner a unique blend of seclusion, self-sufficiency and investment potential.
Vancouver soccer club Rise awarded “Best of British Columbia”
In sports there are moments that recognize not only on-field victories but also significant contributions to the community. That’s the kind of recognition recently received by a team symbolizing growth and professionalism in women’s soccer.
Vancouver’s soccer club Rise was awarded the prestigious “Best of BC” by Sport BC at the 58th annual ceremony held March 5, 2026. The event, emceed by Scott Russell of CBC, celebrated outstanding achievements in amateur sport across the province for 2025, including athletes, coaches, teams and officials. The award, supported by the provincial government, is presented to the team or individual who best represented British Columbia nationally or internationally in professional or amateur sport. As noted by Abbynews.com, Vancouver Rise FC’s success is directly tied to their triumph in 2025, when the team won the inaugural Diana Matheson Cup in the Northern Super Leagues (NSL). This is especially significant given that the NSL is Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league, debuting that same year. In addition to the Vancouver club, the league includes teams from Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, marking a new era for women’s soccer in the country. Anne Kang, British Columbia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, congratulated all finalists, stressing that their dedication inspires those around them and demonstrates how sport brings people together to build a stronger, more inclusive future. For context, the Diana Matheson Cup is the top trophy of the new league, named after the well-known Canadian soccer player, symbolizing continuity and the growth of women’s sport. Vancouver Rise FC now head into their second season, with their first home match set against AFC Toronto — a reminder of the NSL final, which Rise FC won 2–1. This award is not only recognition of past achievements but also a powerful incentive for further development, underscoring the growing popularity and importance of professional women’s soccer in Canada. The full list of Sport BC award winners is available on the organization’s website, which also highlights other provincial athletes such as competitors from Surrey and a player from Maple Ridge, demonstrating the diversity of British Columbia’s sporting talent.
