Vancouver stands in solidarity with Paris attack victims

Residents of Vancouver have been showing their support for the victims of Friday’s terror attacks in Paris.

While no Canadians were killed in the attacks, there is certainly a strong connection between B.C. and the”‘City of Light.”

A vigil in downtown Vancouver got underway at 7:30 p.m. Saturday to remember those who died.

Pierre Touzel with the Assembly of French Abroad helped plan the vigil at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Hundreds turned out, saying it was the least they could do.

More information can be found at the Vancouver Stands with Paris Facebook page.

There have been other tributes across Metro Vancouver following Friday’s attacks, which have claimed more than 120 lives.

A makeshift memorial is growing outside Vancouver’s French consulate as people drop off flowers in honour of the victims. The flag at Vancouver City Hall is flying at half-mast.

Spectators at Friday night’s World Cup qualifying match at BC Place between Canada’s men’s national soccer team and Honduras observed a moment of silence. Another minute of silence was also held at the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs game on Saturday night.

The air traffic control tower at YVR airport was awash in the bleu, blanc et rouge of the French flag.

A number of other Vancouver landmarks were also lit up in solidarity with the people of Paris:

Mohamed Fahmy is refusing to give into fear. The formerly imprisoned Canadian journalist spoke at the TedxTalks in Vancouver on Saturday and is heading to Paris to attend a conference on Sunday.

“I’m telling these extremists and people that don’t respect humanity that we will not be afraid,” he said. “We will continue with our lives, we will continue to spread the message of democracy and freedom of speech and that’s what we stand for. But it’s very very important because I’ve seen radicalization happening in prison.”

-With files from John Hua and Justin McElroy