A low-flying helicopter in downtown Vancouver

Temporary road closures downtown due to helicopter operation on May 26 and June 1

May 25 2023 –

A helicopter operation will take place in the Coal Harbour area to transport large-scale signage to the Shaw Tower tomorrow, Friday, May 26 and Thursday, June 1. The operation will be replacing the existing Shaw signs on the tower with new Rogers signage. Due to the height of the building and limited ground-level accessibility, a helicopter is needed for the removal and installation of the signs.

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:  

  • 200 block Thurlow Street will be closed from 7:00am to 12:00pm 
  • 1000 block W Waterfront Road will be closed from 7:00am to 12:00pm  
  • 1000 block W Cordova Street will remain open except for intermittent closures when the helicopter is flying over the street  

On Friday May 26th, 2023, the helicopter will be making eight flights to transporting the four sign pieces from the Shaw Tower to a staging area in Coal Harbour. The following week, on Thursday June 1st, 2023, six new sign pieces will be transported to the Shaw Tower over 12 flights. Weather permitting, each flight will take 10 to 15 minutes over an approximately 2-3 hour period with the largest sign weighing just under 1500 lbs.  

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

The City is asking those travelling in and around the area to plan ahead and to expect delays.