Installation of new LED streetlights reflects Vaughan's commitment to environmental stewardship

Municipalinfonet.com
Dec. 10, 2020

As part of the City of Vaughan's commitment to protecting the environment and fostering a sustainable community, approximately 22,000 new streetlights have been installed through the city-wide LED Streetlight Retrofit Program. By changing from high-pressure sodium (HPS) to light-emitting diode (LED) technology, the City is taking steps towards reducing energy use, saving operational costs and advancing the Environmental Stewardship and Operational Performance priorities, as outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.

Operating Vaughan's streetlight network represents approximately 20 per cent of the City's overall energy consumption. LED lights use approximately 50 per cent less energy compared to the previous bulbs and have a longer lifespan - about four times longer. This translates into ongoing savings in operating and maintenance costs, and as a result of the reduction in energy consumption, the City will save approximately $1 million annually. The new LED lights are also more reliable, will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve roadway safety for pedestrians and drivers, as they radiate a more bright, white light.

The program began in October 2019 and was first tested by installing LED lights on Pleasant Ridge Avenue between Langstaff Road and Apple Blossom Drive. By December 2019, testing was complete, and Phase 1 of the replacement program began to roll out on City-owned streetlights. This phase was also pre-approved through Alectra Utilities for the Independent Electricity System Operator's Save On Energy grant offered for the retrofit to LED street lighting. Approximately 22,000 new LED lights have now been retrofitted.

The city-wide LED Streetlight Retrofit Program also included smart technology upgrades, such as the installation of a web-enabled lighting control system that will allow for remote monitoring, operation and maintenance of all LED lights. This provides accurate energy metering per streetlight, integrated GPS for real-time streetlight performance reporting and the ability to turn on, dim or turn off streetlights remotely.

Although the LED light may be perceived to be brighter, they generally produce less light pollution than the old HPS lights as they are more focused towards roads and sidewalks.

Lights located within park areas, pathways, sports fields, City-owned parking facilities, unassumed subdivisions and locations where additional street light poles are required are not included in Phase 1 of the retrofit program. These areas will be revisited in subsequent phases.

For more information about this program, visit vaughan.ca/LEDStreetlight.