“Flashy” Kits Corner Sign Sparks Kitsilano Debate

✍️ By Karalee Greer | WBN News – Kitsilano | July23, 2025 Subscription to WBN and being a Contributor is Free.

A bold new neon installation has taken shape at the corner of West 4th Avenue and Yew Street in Kitsilano.

Painted in bright hues and neon lighting, the sign points toward Kits Beach, Jericho Beach, Sunset Beach, and Wreck Beach. It also includes whimsical “Love” and “Peace” arrows, evoking the laid-back spirit of Kitsilano. https://www.kitsilano.ca/2025/05/20/new-kits-corner-sign-adds-colour-to-kitsilano-streetscape/

The project was spearheaded and entirely funded by Low Tide Properties, led by Lululemon co-founder Chip Wilson, as part of broader redevelopment efforts along West 4th. In a statement, Wilson said his family has invested in the area since Expo 86 and hopes the sign will “keep the red thread” of Kitsilano’s creative, countercultural roots.

It’s the first in a series of planned improvements to the site, which also includes a residential and retail development known as "Kits Corner"—housing a Parallel 49 Coffee shop and one-bedroom apartments priced between $2,800–$3,600 per month Vancouver Is Awesome.

Mixed Community Reaction
On social media, the sign has sparked lively debate. Some appreciate its retro neon charm as a refreshing addition to the streetscape, even drawing comparisons to Vancouver’s historic neon era. However, critics argue it feels “tacky,” poorly aligned with Kitsilano’s understated West Coast character, and overly commercial https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/local-news/new-sign-adds-splash-of-colour-light-to-kitsilano-corner-10681289.

City councillors and urbanists have noted that, unlike the planned $1 million city-funded “Vancouver” sign, this installation was privately funded—but still raises questions about the role of private aesthetics in public spaces CTVNews Vancouver Is Awesome.

Context & Planning
The “Kits Corner” sign draws design inspiration from Las Vegas-style wayfinding signs, complete with flashy bulbs and neon effects. But some locals point out that the directional arrows may not match real geography—“Love” and “Peace” point vaguely east and southeast, while beaches appear in unrelated directions.

The installation arrives amid a wave of redevelopment in Kitsilano, with dozens of mid-rise towers and infrastructure projects underway. As such, the sign has turned into a focal point in broader debates over gentrification, rising rental costs, and the character of Kitsilano’s evolving streetscape.

Karalee Greer - Publisher Subscription to WBN and being a Contributor is Free.

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