Permanent ‘Vancouver’ sign will cost city at least $300K: report

A new temporary Vancouver sign has gone up in Coal Harbour. (CTV News)

Setting up a permanent and “iconic” Vancouver sign downtown will cost the city at least $300,000, according to a report coming to council this week.

Last year, a temporary illuminated sign in Coal Harbour proved popular for tourists and selfie-seekers, prompting a motion from Coun. Peter Meiszner to create a permanent installation.

City staff have come back with a report titled ‘Permanent Outdoor Location for an Iconic Vancouver Sign Update’ proposing a location and timeline, and an estimate for what the sign and its upkeep will cost.

The location proposed is 1005 Canada Place and the goal is to have it installed in the first quarter of 2026, so it will be in place before the FIFA World Cup, according to the report.

The total cost of the sign is estimated at between $550,000 and $1 million, but private partners have already committed to a substantial amount of the total. Destination Vancouver will contribute $200,000, as will the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association. The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association will also be contributing funding, according to the report.

The $300,000 from taxpayers will come from “surplus line items” in the operating budget – with the caveat that using the money for the sign will “reduce funding available to address potential future pressures.”

Economic uncertainty from the trade war means that the estimates are also “subject to sudden changes,” according to the report.

Local First Nations will be consulted, and the final plan is expected to include “meaningful and permanent cultural representation,” the report says.

Once the sign is installed, the city anticipates it will cost around $50,000 per year to maintain.

Council will vote on the recommendations in the report on Wednesday.