This is the proposed location of the permanent "VANCOUVER" sign | Daily Hive

Not the actual final design; perspective, footprint, and potential size of the permanent "VANCOUVER" sign on Canada Place Way. (City of Vancouver)

A clearer picture is emerging of the potential size of the permanent landmark “VANCOUVER” sign — and where it might stand in downtown Vancouver.

Next week, Vancouver City Council will consider a recommendation from City staff to approve the installation of a large, three-dimensional sign featuring six letters that spell out the city’s name.

This public art initiative is a response to the overwhelming success and overall popularity of recent temporary installations — most notably the temporary “VANCOUVER” sign first introduced on Canada Place Way for the Liven UP Coal Harbour Winter 2023/2024 activations, which returned for Winter 2024/2025.

It was followed by a second temporary “VANCOUVER” sign nearby, installed as part of the Junction Public Market during Summer 2024.

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In March 2024, City Council unanimously approved a motion by ABC Councillor Peter Meiszner directing staff to begin planning for a permanent installation, including identifying a location, estimating costs, and exploring funding options.

Now, after more than a year of planning, City staff are recommending that the permanent sign be located on Canada Place Way — just a few steps from where the original Winter 2023 sign once stood — between the Vancouver Convention Centre’s West Building and Canada Place. This same general area was also previously home to the temporary “CANADA 150” sign in 2017.

The proposed site would utilize the wide pedestrian sidewalk — an area owned by the convention centre — and involve removing an existing concrete planter bed and covered seating area to make room for a larger sign.

vancouver sign permanent proposed location canada place way

Planters, seating, and other structures are to be removed for the area of the permanent “VANCOUVER” sign on Canada Place Way. (City of Vancouver)

Not the actual final design; perspective, footprint, and potential size of the permanent “VANCOUVER” sign on Canada Place Way. (City of Vancouver)

According to City staff, the proposed location is ideal not only for its iconic backdrop –including the mountains, harbour, convention centre, and Canada Place sails — but also for its high visibility, steady flow of tourist foot traffic, minimal interference with outdoor event space, and ability to safely accommodate a gathering of people while allowing a large sign that will easily fit within photo frames.

With the removal of one of the existing planter beds and a covered seating area, the site can accommodate a sign measuring up to 13.5 metres (44 ft.) in length, 1.8 metres (5.9 ft.) in height, and one metre (3.3 ft.) in width. This would be substantially larger than any of the temporary signs to date.

The structure would feature a steel frame clad in aluminum with translucent polycarbonate panels, and would be illuminated with programmable LED lighting.

Unlike the previous temporary signs installed for special events, in addition to careful design considerations and dynamic programming opportunities, the permanent sign would be built for durability — designed to withstand the elements, resist vandalism, and remain a long-lasting feature of the public space.

The cost of manufacturing the sign is estimated at $250,000 to $350,000, with the higher end of the range potentially covering more dynamic display features that would make the installation uniquely Vancouver. This does not include $80,000 to $150,000 for the site preparation work of removing the existing planter bed, seating area, and lighting structure, as well as $100,000 to $200,000 for the installation of a reinforced concrete base, electrical wiring, and mounting hardware.

Another $150,000 to $200,000 would be spent on local First Nations representation, including artist compensation.

In total, this public art project could carry an initial upfront capital cost of between $580,000 and $950,000.

The convention centre has offered to cover the cost of site preparations, entailing the removal of the planter bed, seating area, and a lighting structure, while Destination Vancouver will provide $200,000, Vancouver Hotel Destination Association (VHDA) will provide another $200,000, and Downtown Van (the local business improvement association for downtown Vancouver) will confirm its precise funding contribution in June 2025.

City staff are also recommending a contribution of up to $300,000 by the municipal government from the “surplus line items” in the 2025 budget.

There would also be a $50,000 annual cost for ongoing upkeep, general repairs, maintenance, and programming, including programmable nighttime lighting management by a third party, and day-to-day cleaning, garbage, and vandalism removal. This would be covered by the City.

The previous temporary “VANCOUVER” sign on Canada Place Way in December 2023. (Kenneth Chan)

The return of the previous temporary “VANCOUVER” sign at its new location on the Coal Harbour seawall next to the seaplane terminal in November 2024. (Kenneth Chan)

taylor swift vancouver sign december 2024

The temporary Taylor Swift-themed “VANCOUVER” sign for The Eras Tour in December 2024. (Kenneth Chan)

“VANCOUVER” sign as seen on Jan. 20, 2024. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)

“VANCOUVER” sign, as of Dec. 16, 2023. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)

“The success of the temporary ‘VANCOUVER’ sign in Coal Harbour has shown the benefits that a permanent sign, situated in a prominent location, would have for the City,” reads a City staff report.

“Staff have been working with partners including Destination Vancouver, VHDA, Vancouver Convention Centre and Downtown Van to scope partnership opportunities, locations, funding sources and implementation timelines. Community partners are highly supportive and are committing both funding and implementation capacity to the project.”

If all goes as planned, the permanent “VANCOUVER” sign would undergo a detailed design process through September 2024. Then, in late 2025, the sign would be fabricated and site preparation would begin, with a goal of completing the public art project by June 2026 — just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A programming and stewardship agreement would be reached between the City, Destination Vancouver, VHDA, and Downtown Van.

Similar large-letter landmark signs in other major cities — such as the “TORONTO” sign at Nathan Phillips Square — have become highly popular attractions, drawing both tourists and locals for photo opportunities and serving as iconic backdrops for events and celebrations.

Since its installation for the 2015 Pan Am Games, Toronto’s sign has become a permanent fixture and a widely recognized symbol of the city. Many other cities around the world have followed their own versions, using large-scale letter signage to promote civic pride, enhance public spaces, and generate social media engagement. The permanent “VANCOUVER” sign aims to achieve a similar effect by creating a visually striking and interactive landmark in a high-profile waterfront location.

“Iamsterdam” sign at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. (Kenneth Chan)

The legacy “CANADA” sign from Canada 150 at Victoria Inner Harbour, as seen in February 2025. (Kenneth Chan)

The legacy “CANADA” sign from Canada 150 at Victoria Inner Harbour, as seen in February 2025. (Kenneth Chan)

“TORONTO” sign at Nathan Phillips Square. (Kenneth Chan)

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