In the last ten years or so hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world have taken up residence in Vancouver in western Canada To relax in the evening residents stroll down the city streets and if you join them you are likely to overhear a different language at almost every other step People come to Vancouver for its mild climate its wonderful setting between the ocean and the mountains its clean and safe environment and its educational and job opportunities And much as some may grumble about the speed at which new buildings have sprung up theres no doubt that the new arrivals and flourishing tourism industry have helped fuel an urban renaissance Locals once referred to Vancouver as Terminal City because of the citys role as a terminus or gateway to all other places Though the name has fallen slightly out of favour Vancouver is more a gateway than ever