A trip down memory lane: Vancouver's iconic signs

Few things represent a city'surban identity better than its street signs.

As Vancouver considers its first major update to sign bylaws inalmost two decades, CBC tooka look back at some of Vancouver's most iconic examples.

You can give your feedback on signs to the City of Vancouver through itsonline survey.

The Great White Way

At one pointGranvilleStreet had one of the highest concentration of neon signs in the world. Before bylaws were put in place in the1970s, neon signs decoratedevery possible space. Detractors claimed the abundance of bright signstook away from the city'snatural beauty.

The Vogue Theatre

One of the last remaining theatres of "Theatre Row" in the heart of Vancouver isthe Vogue Theatre. Itssign has been apart ofGranvilleStreet's history for many years. Openingin the 1940s, the Vogue is considered a heritage building and a reminder of the Vancouver of old.

BowMacSign

TheBowMacsign has created quite a bit of controversy over the years. Originally erected by theBowellMacLeancar dealership in the 1950s, it has since mergedwith a Toys R Us sign, creating what many consider to be a major eyesore on Broadway. It's currently designated as a landmark worth protecting by the city, despite many calls in the past to have it dismantled.

Save On Meats

One of the survivors ofVancouver'sneon light bylaw, the sign in frontofSave On Meats is one of Hastings Street'smost recognizable. The sign is over a half-century old.

Woodwards"W"

A distinctive landmark of Vancouver's skyline, the "W"has sat atop theWoodwardsbuilding since the 1940s. As seen in the picture, the original "W" is now encased in glass on the ground near the building, while a new energy efficient version is displayed on a smallreplica of the Eiffel tower.

OrpheumTheatre

Named a National Historic Sight of Canada, theOrpheumTheatre has been a Vancouver centrepiece since the 1920s.The theatre hashosted manyCanadian and international musicians, lecture series, and unique events over the years. It was refurbished in 2009, but the original sign remains.

Dude Chilling Park

Though not quite as historic, the Dude Chilling Park sign achieved its own degree of fame.Originally created as a prank, this Mount Pleasantsignis now recognized as public art. After it was discovered and taken down by the Vancouver ParkBoard, the sign went viral andan online petition was circulated. The sign was reinstalled permanently in 2014.