A Vancouver beauty business decided to celebrate a company milestone in a unique way.
Vancouver parks are filled with park benches that have plaques honouring or remembering someone special, but some plaques are used to celebrate a ‘special’ occasion.
One bench at Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park appears newly minted with a plaque and stands out from the rest.
“Celebrating over 25 years of beauty Vancouver Laser & Skin Care Centre Est. 1996," reads the plaque.
A photo of the bench was posted this week to The WestEnders Facebook group where some questioned if the bench was an advertisement.
The City of Vancouver’s website states that “advertising" or “promotion” on plaques is not allowed.
Glacier Media reached out to the city about the bench and was told plaques are reviewed and approved by the city’s fundraising and development office.
"While commonly park benches are dedicated to remembering people who have passed, dedicated park benches can also be used to acknowledge or celebrate significant events by individuals, businesses and organizations,” said a spokesperson.
Contact details or web addresses are not allowed on the plaques, according to the city.
"Currently there are 1,300 active dedications in city parks," said the spokesperson. But it's not clear how many are significant events as opposed to memorials.
Vancouver Laser & Skin Care Centre did not respond to Glacier Media's request for comment.
Each bench can be purchased for a tax-deductible donation of $7,500.
