They’ve become the focal point and identity for cities throughout Canada and beyond.

And now St. John’s is getting one, too—a landmark sign with the city’s name in lights and colours as the occasion dictates.

Council approved the structure and $85,000 cost during yesterday’s regular public meeting.

Sitting on a concrete slab, the steel-framed letters of St. John’s will stand about six feet high and 38 feet wide.

The sign will be in Bannerman Park, chosen after much discussion and what Councillor Greg Noseworthy expects will be much debate.

“I know the public will look at this and think that this is a bit of a bizarre choice, but if you think about it logically, Signal Hill is not city land it’s federal, George Street is mostly private land, and down at the harbour you’ll be interfering with commercial operations. There really are limited spaces and this is in a good area that’s fairly accessible, in the cultural centre of the city that will allow tourists to get in.”

E.C. Boone got the contract for the sign, commissioned as a legacy project for this year’s Canada Summer Games.

It should be completed and in place by the end of July.