Vancouver Plans $1M Taxpayer-Funded Sign for Downtown Waterfront

Image courtesy David G. Gordon

A new city staff report recommends Vancouver spend up to $1 million to install a permanent VANCOUVER sign along the downtown waterfront, with an additional $50,000 in annual maintenance costs beginning in 2026.

The sign, intended as a landmark attraction ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, would be installed between the Vancouver Convention Centre and Canada Place.

City staff estimate the total cost between $550,000 and $1 million, with $300,000 proposed from the city’s 2025 operating budget. The remainder is expected to come from partner organizations, all of which are publicly funded or publicly owned.

Destination Vancouver and the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association have each committed $200,000. Destination Vancouver receives funding primarily through hotel taxes and government support, while the VHDA administers tourism funds collected from guests via the Destination Marketing Fee. The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, whose contribution is still pending, is funded by levies on commercial property taxes. The Vancouver Convention Centre, a Crown corporation, is providing in-kind site preparation.

City staff say the sign will feature customizable LED lighting and that local First Nations will be invited to contribute to its design and programming. Pending council approval, installation is expected to be completed by mid-2026.