A helicopter in flight with bright blue sky in the background

Helicopter operation to take place in downtown Vancouver Sunday morning

November 12 2022 –

On Sunday, November 13, a helicopter operation will take place in downtown Vancouver to transport large-scale LED signage for Canadian Western Bank (CWB). The signage will be delivered from Coal Harbour to the top of the CWB building, located at the corner of West Georgia Street and Thurlow Street.

We have issued a permit to True Course Solutions operating on behalf of Alberta Neon allowing this operation during the hours of 9am and 3pm on a Sunday to minimize traffic impacts to local residents and commuters. Streets and sidewalks on Thurlow Street, from Canada Place to West Georgia Street, and West Georgia Street, from Thurlow Street to Burrard Street, will be closed for the duration of the operation.  

The helicopter will be transporting four pieces of signage with the largest weighing 6000 lbs. Eight flights will be needed to carry the four loads to and from their destination. Weather permitting, each flight will take 10 to 15 minutes over an approximately three-hour period.  

Impacted areas

Access to all residences and businesses will be retained while this operation is underway, however, residents may experience intermittent noise from the helicopter as well as street, sidewalk, and parking impacts in the area including: 

  • West Georgia Street will be closed from Thurlow Street to Burrard Street (9am to 3pm) 
  • Thurlow Street will be closed from Canada Place to Georgia Street (9am to 3pm) 
  • East/West streets intersecting Thurlow Street will remain open except for intermittent closures when the helicopter is flying over the street 

VPD will be onsite directing traffic. Follow all detours and abide by “No Parking” signs in the area. Restrictions will be lifted when the operation is complete.  

If you are travelling in and around the area, plan ahead and expect delays.