Lighting the way to a more sustainable future
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Installation of new LED
streetlights reflects Vaughan’s commitment to environmental stewardship
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.
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.
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