If you’ve been walking around downtown Vancouver this weekend, you’ve probably noticed the vibe is a little more intense than usual. Honestly, between the massive protest crowds at the Art Gallery and the grim update from the Canucks, there is a lot to catch up on. The latest news in Vancouver BC right now is a mix of heavy politics, some pretty tragic local accidents, and the usual "how on earth can we afford to live here" updates from City Hall.
I'm sitting here looking at the sheer volume of stuff happening today, Sunday, January 18, 2026. It’s a lot. We’ve got major traffic shutdowns on the horizon, a tragic death on the local mountains, and a real estate market that's doing something... well, weird.
The Protests Taking Over Downtown Right Now
You can’t miss it if you’re anywhere near Robson Square. Thousands of people have descended on the Vancouver Art Gallery and surrounding blocks. There are at least 11 different demonstrations planned for this weekend alone. While some are local, like the ongoing "ICE Out" rallies, a huge portion of the crowd is here in solidarity with the uprising in Iran.
Sgt. Steve Addison from the VPD mentioned they’ve put out an extra 130 officers just to keep things from boiling over. They actually had to step in between two opposing groups yesterday to stop things from getting physical. If you were planning on driving through the core today, maybe don't. Transit or walking is your best bet, though even the sidewalks are basically wall-to-wall people.
Tragedy at Cypress Mountain
On a much heavier note, we're waking up to the news of a tragedy on the North Shore. An 18-year-old from Maple Ridge died after falling about 50 feet from a chairlift at Cypress Mountain.
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West Vancouver police are still looking into what exactly happened. It’s the kind of news that stops you in your tracks, especially during a season when everyone is just trying to get outside and enjoy the snow. Our hearts go out to that family; it’s just an unthinkable way for a weekend to end.
The Canucks’ Historic Slide
Let’s talk sports for a second, though it’s not exactly "cheer-worthy" news. The Vancouver Canucks are currently staring down a 10-game losing streak. Yes, ten.
They’re playing the New York Islanders tomorrow, and the stats are honestly painful to look at. They have a -53 scoring differential. If you’re a fan, you’re probably used to the roller coaster, but this feels like a particularly steep drop. Elias Pettersson and Kiefer Sherwood are trying to keep the wheels on, but with only 16 wins all season, the energy at Rogers Arena is getting pretty tense.
Broadway is About to Become a Parking Lot
If you commute along Broadway, listen up because this is going to affect your life for a while. Starting January 26—next Monday—the city is closing the block between Main and Quebec streets for four months.
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They are tearing down the temporary "traffic deck" (that bridge-like thing you’ve been driving over) as part of the Broadway Subway Project. Basically, the 99 B-Line is going to be detouring onto East 8th Avenue. TransLink is warning people to expect at least five to ten minutes of extra travel time, but anyone who knows Vancouver traffic knows that "five minutes" usually means twenty.
Why this closure matters:
- It’s a 24/7 shutdown of that specific block.
- Buses and cars are being shoved onto side streets that weren't built for this volume.
- Construction noise is going to be constant from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., six days a week.
Vancouver Real Estate: A Weird "Goldilocks" Moment?
The latest news in Vancouver BC regarding housing is actually a bit of a plot twist. According to the Greater Vancouver Realtors, sales in 2025 were the lowest they’ve been in twenty years. People just aren't buying like they used to, partly because of those massive trade tensions and tariffs that hit us last year.
But here’s the kicker: prices haven't completely crashed. They’ve "eased" by about 4.5%. The benchmark price for a home in Metro Vancouver is still sitting at $1,114,800.
Phil Soper, the CEO of Royal LePage, is calling this a "Goldilocks" window for buyers. Why? Because inventory is actually up by about 14% compared to last year. There’s more to choose from, and interest rates have stabilized a bit. It’s not exactly "cheap," but it’s the first time in a decade where buyers actually have a tiny bit of leverage.
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New Rules for Homeowners and Hospital Expansion
City Hall has been busy too. They just greenlit a massive two-tower expansion for Vancouver General Hospital. It’s a huge project that we desperately need, but expect more cranes in the skyline for the next few years.
Also, if you own a home, check your mail. The Province is sending out those Speculation and Vacancy Tax declaration letters this month. You have until March 31 to declare your status. If you forget, you might end up with a tax bill you don't actually owe.
The housing minister, Christine Boyle, claims this tax has helped add 20,000 units back into the rental market since 2018. Whether you believe those numbers or not, the government is leaning hard into it, with tax rates for foreign owners set to jump to 3% soon.
Moving Forward: What You Should Do Now
Vancouver is moving fast right now, and the landscape is shifting literally and figuratively. To keep your sanity and your wallet intact over the next week, here’s the move:
- Plan your commute: If you usually take Broadway, start testing out your 8th Ave or 12th Ave detours now before the full closure on the 26th.
- Declare your taxes: Don't let that Speculation Tax letter sit under a pile of junk mail. It takes five minutes to do online and saves you thousands.
- Support local food: The Hot Chocolate Festival kicked off yesterday and runs through February 14. With 162 different drinks across the city, it’s a good excuse to get out of the rain.
- Check the mountains: If you’re heading to Cypress or Grouse, keep an eye on the safety updates. The recent tragedy is a reminder that conditions can change fast, even for experienced locals.
The city feels a bit heavy today, but there’s still plenty of stuff happening to keep us busy. Stay safe out there on the roads, and maybe give a Canucks fan a hug—they clearly need it.