No, this isn't the permanent new 'VANCOUVER' sign
If you’ve wandered around Granville Square Plaza recently, you may have noticed a striking “VANCOUVER” sign in all pink letters near the waterfront overlooking Canada Place.
The sign has caught the attention of many online, especially since the City of Vancouver greenlit a permanent “VANCOUVER” landmark destination name sign last month.
But don’t be confused, these bright pink letters are not part of that permanent installation.
This sign is a temporary seasonal activation, part of Junction Market’s summer-long takeover at Granville Square Plaza. It also made an appearance at last year’s event.
This temporary “VANCOUVER” sign is part of the Junction Public Market. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
The market is free to enter and includes unique food, beverage, and retail destinations constructed out of customized shipping containers. Junction Market is open from Tuesday to Sunday until September 28, 2025.
The mini basketball court at Junction Public Market. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
A public art installation at Junction Public Market. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
This year’s market also features a half mini basketball court and some public art installations, perfect for photo ops.
Not a sign of the times
In true Vancouver fashion, locals had a lot to say about the sign online, with some thinking it was the city’s permanent landmark sign, which (to clear things up) has not been installed yet.
“We need a petition to stop the city council from spending a ton of taxpayer dollars to make this thing permanent,” wrote one confused Redditor.
The temporary “VANCOUVER” sign is part of the Junction Public Market. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
“Tell me this isn’t that $1 million Vancouver sign the news has been talking about,” said another.
“This only cost $2 million,” claimed one local.
Others took issue with the sign’s visual appeal, pointing out the larger space between the V and A, as well as the tilt of the letter C. The bench placement in front of the installation was also a point of discussion.
“Sometimes on a nice day I like to sit on that bench and look at Ouver,” quipped a Redditor.
One person said the sign reminded them of “running out of space signing a card.”
Here’s what we know about the city’s permanent Vancouver sign
While Junction Market’s “VANCOUVER” sign has stirred up some seasoned conversation, here’s what’s known so far about the City of Vancouver’s permanent sign.
According to previous reporting from Daily Hive Urbanized, the city’s sign is set to be installed just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Not the actual final design; perspective, footprint, and potential size of the permanent “VANCOUVER” sign on Canada Place Way. (City of Vancouver)
City staff recommended that this landmark sign will be situated on the wide pedestrian promenade on Canada Place Way — an area on downtown Vancouver’s Central Waterfront that sees high foot traffic with tourists — between the Vancouver Convention Centre’s West Building and the Canada Place pier’s cruise ship terminal entrance.
Planters, seating, and other structures to be removed for the area of the permanent “VANCOUVER” sign on Canada Place Way. (City of Vancouver)
It will also be illuminated and consist of giant three-dimensional lettering.
In May, city council endorsed City of Vancouver staff’s recommendations to proceed with detailed design, planning, and procurement, and set aside up to $300,000 in funding from the municipal government toward this public art project. It was approved in a 10-1 vote, with only COPE councillor Sean Orr voting in opposition.
The City of Vancouver’s financial contribution will be further supplemented by $200,000 from local tourism authority Destination Vancouver and another $200,000 from the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association (VHDA).
As for the total cost of this public art installation, the City said that it could range between $580,000 and $950,000.
A financial breakdown notes that it will cost $250,000 to $350,000 to fabricate the sign, and $100,000 to $200,000 for the installation of a reinforced concrete base, electrical wiring, and mounting hardware on the Canada Place Way viaduct. Another $150,000 to $200,000 would be spent on local First Nations representation, including artist compensation.
With files from Kenneth Chan