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City hears mostly positive feedback on switch to LED streetlights

Jun 16, 2017 | 5:30 PM

NANAIMO — A brighter future is expected for late night commutes in Nanaimo.

The City of Nanaimo held an open house to hear community thoughts and concerns about having brighter LED streetlights.

Jamie Rose, acting manager of transportation with the City, said he was surprised to see more than 30 people at the open house.

He said the majority of feedback received was positive about the energy savings for the City, though “A few people did have questions about the impact of bluer lights with respect to circadian rhythms (and sleep).”

To mitigate any concerns about the brighter lights affecting people’s sleep, Rose said their consultant is working on finding new fixtures which will cut down on the amount of blue.

The lights are expected to save roughly $200,000 in energy costs and $25,000 in maintenance every year. It will also help towards the City’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Rose said if the City does go ahead, the switch will happen in phases over nine years, starting with major roads first.

“We want to go into it very cautiously and make sure if anything does come up we can adapt our plan and work with the community to address any concerns.”

A report for the $1.6 million project is being drafted for budget deliberations and will be brought before council in the future.

You can offer your feedback and lear more about the project here.

 

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