The highly anticipated permanent “VANCOUVER” landmark installation planned for downtown has been delayed, with construction now expected to begin in Fall 2026 rather than ahead of schedule for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The large-scale civic signage project is planned for the entrance plaza at Canada Place, positioned along the eastern end of Canada Place Way overlooking the downtown waterfront.

Originally intended to be completed in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the timeline has shifted as the project is still in the design phase. City officials confirm that construction has not yet started, as groundwork such as foundation work and electrical installation for nighttime lighting still needs to be completed.

While the permanent installation is delayed, the City of Vancouver has confirmed that a temporary “VANCOUVER” sign will still be installed in time for the tournament. This temporary display will be part of a wider series of city activations and public installations planned to welcome international visitors during the global event.

The permanent version of the sign is not directly tied to FIFA World Cup programming, despite earlier expectations that it would be completed beforehand. Instead, it is being developed as a long-term public art feature meant to enhance the city’s waterfront identity and tourism appeal.

The design process is currently underway and includes collaboration with Indigenous artists from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Each artist will contribute visual elements or graphic overlays that reflect local culture and storytelling traditions. The selected artists will each receive compensation for their work as part of the project.

The City has also appointed Entro Communications to oversee fabrication and construction. The overall project is being funded through a combination of municipal investment and tourism-related contributions, including support from Destination Vancouver and the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association, along with Downtown Van.

Once completed, the installation is expected to become one of Vancouver’s most photographed landmarks, joining the global trend of large-scale destination signage found in major cities around the world.