LED street lighting upgrades begin on residential streets today

Hamilton, ON - June 26, 2017 -  Starting today, the City of Hamilton is beginning to upgrade street lighting on residential streets throughout the city. About 27,000 high-pressure sodium cobra head street lights lining residential communities will be upgraded to energy and cost efficient light-emitting diode (LED) lights over the coming three years. 

Phase one of the residential upgrade begins this morning in Waterdown. Residents can expect brighter sidewalks and roadways once the new LED upgrade is complete on their street.

Neighbourhoods in Waterdown, some areas of central Hamilton, and sections of Dundas and Ancaster will all receive upgraded street lighting in 2017. The upgrades will continue in 2018 in the remaining areas of central Hamilton and Ancaster, Flamborough, and Glanbrook. The remaining east Hamilton and Stoney Creek neighbourhoods will receive their upgraded LED lights in 2019.

Quick facts

• In 2015 and 2016, the City completed similar upgrades to 10,000 street lights along most arterial and collector roadways in Hamilton.
• LED lights consume approximately 60 per cent less electricity than the old high-pressure sodium cobra head lights.
• LED lights are designed to operate maintenance-free for upwards of 20-years, significantly reducing the City’s operating costs for street lighting.
• Fairway Electrical Services Inc. is the City’s contractor for this project and the lights will be manufactured by General Electric (Evolve LED street lights). 
• The City is approved to receive multiple energy incentives, totaling $2 million through the IESO SaveOnEnergy incentive program.

“The City began upgrading lighting along major streets in Hamilton in 2015 with great feedback from our residents to date. In addition to the significant energy savings and positive environmental impacts LEDs bring, this street lighting will make our residential communities brighter and safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. This is a great step toward a safer and greener Hamilton.” - Mayor Fred Eisenberger