City of St.Catharines Launches New Energy-Efficient Lighting Project

The City of St.Catharines in Canada has launched a new lighting project on James Street. A single fluorescent light head and two LED light heads will be deployed along James Street, between Lake and King streets. The energy-efficient lights will be used for a period of six months to determine the amount of energy used by them in comparison to the existing sodium bulbs.

Mayor Brian McMullan stated that the street light pilot project represents one of the green initiatives undertaken by the City of St.Catharines. He expects that both city and tax payers will benefit significantly from the deployment of high-efficient lighting fixtures.

The installation of LED light heads and fluorescent light head costs more than the sodium bulb installation. But according to Chris Jacobson, Manager of Transportation services, the LED lights have 10 to 25 years longer lifetime compared to sodium lights. The pilot project is expected to end by February 2011 after observing the lights’ condition in the winter season.