Downtown Street Lights

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Background
Cobourg's downtown streetlight fixtures were first installed between 1986-2001, and were then retrofitted in 2009 to suit an induction lamp that was ahead of its time upon installation and was more efficient than the previous high pressure sodium lights. The typical lifespan of the induction lights was expected to be 60,000-70,000 hours (16.5 years).

The induction technology has not advanced, especially in comparison to newer LED technology, which means ordering replacement parts is no longer available. The Town of Cobourg is switching to LED street lights across the community to extend the lifespan of the lights, reduce energy consumption and save costs. The lifespan of an LED light is expected to be 70,000- 100,000 hours and consume roughly half the energy of the induction lights while providing equal or more light output per fixture.

The downtown heritage streetlights need to be replaced soon as several lights are burnt out with no replacements available for the current induction style fixtures. We are asking residents to help us decide with new heritage style light fixture should be used moving forward.

Here are the three different light fixture options:


Budget Considerations for each Light Fixture:
There are approximately 358 decorative fixtures in the downtown, some are on poles and some are hanging as pendant fixtures from hydro poles.

  • Option A: Villa Maria - $1,200 each
  • Option B: Cartier - $1,650 each
  • Option C: Hudson (new standard for residential street lights) - $700 each
You can also view the light fixtures around the community as some residential street lights have already been replace with the Hudson model, and there is one (1) demo available to view of the Villa Maria and Cartier models. View the list of locations here.

Replacement of Poles:
Many of these light poles are upwards of 20 years old and due to the historic overloading (hanging baskets, wind force on banners, etc.) these poles require replacement. Council will be considering two different pole replacement options, including:
  • Option 1: Replace poles with 4" steel pole on existing concrete base. The pole will be smooth without the decorative edging that the existing poles have. Cost = $2,650 each.
    • This proposed pole option is a stronger material than aluminum and is able to utilize the existing concrete base meaning there is no requirement to disturb the surrounding sidewalk. The steel pole has a smooth wall as opposed to the more decorative fluted pole style that currently exists downtown. This option does come with a 39.5" tall, decorative base that will cover the steel bolts that the pole attaches to at grade. The steel pole will be capable of accommodating the existing accessories however it is still strongly recommended that the banner size be reduced especially if any are being considered for replacement in future.
  • Option 2: Replace poles with 5" fluted cast aluminum pole on new concrete base. The pole will look very similar to what we currently have. Cost = $8,000 each.
    • The second option is the most expensive however the style of the pole is the most similar to the existing pole style and will be strong enough to accommodate the existing accessories. Not only are the poles more expensive but the existing concrete base is too small and will have to be replaced meaning the surrounding sidewalk has to be removed and reinstated.

Please note: these prices are approximate and may be subject to increases in fall 2021.

The public engagement objective for the Downtown Street Light project is to:

  • Determine which light fixture style and pole style is preferred for the replacement of the the existing downtown heritage streetlight.

Thank you to those who shared their feedback on the Downtown Street Lights. This public engagement project has now concluded and the results will be published here in September 2021.

Background
Cobourg's downtown streetlight fixtures were first installed between 1986-2001, and were then retrofitted in 2009 to suit an induction lamp that was ahead of its time upon installation and was more efficient than the previous high pressure sodium lights. The typical lifespan of the induction lights was expected to be 60,000-70,000 hours (16.5 years).

The induction technology has not advanced, especially in comparison to newer LED technology, which means ordering replacement parts is no longer available. The Town of Cobourg is switching to LED street lights across the community to extend the lifespan of the lights, reduce energy consumption and save costs. The lifespan of an LED light is expected to be 70,000- 100,000 hours and consume roughly half the energy of the induction lights while providing equal or more light output per fixture.

The downtown heritage streetlights need to be replaced soon as several lights are burnt out with no replacements available for the current induction style fixtures. We are asking residents to help us decide with new heritage style light fixture should be used moving forward.

Here are the three different light fixture options:


Budget Considerations for each Light Fixture:
There are approximately 358 decorative fixtures in the downtown, some are on poles and some are hanging as pendant fixtures from hydro poles.

  • Option A: Villa Maria - $1,200 each
  • Option B: Cartier - $1,650 each
  • Option C: Hudson (new standard for residential street lights) - $700 each
You can also view the light fixtures around the community as some residential street lights have already been replace with the Hudson model, and there is one (1) demo available to view of the Villa Maria and Cartier models. View the list of locations here.

Replacement of Poles:
Many of these light poles are upwards of 20 years old and due to the historic overloading (hanging baskets, wind force on banners, etc.) these poles require replacement. Council will be considering two different pole replacement options, including:
  • Option 1: Replace poles with 4" steel pole on existing concrete base. The pole will be smooth without the decorative edging that the existing poles have. Cost = $2,650 each.
    • This proposed pole option is a stronger material than aluminum and is able to utilize the existing concrete base meaning there is no requirement to disturb the surrounding sidewalk. The steel pole has a smooth wall as opposed to the more decorative fluted pole style that currently exists downtown. This option does come with a 39.5" tall, decorative base that will cover the steel bolts that the pole attaches to at grade. The steel pole will be capable of accommodating the existing accessories however it is still strongly recommended that the banner size be reduced especially if any are being considered for replacement in future.
  • Option 2: Replace poles with 5" fluted cast aluminum pole on new concrete base. The pole will look very similar to what we currently have. Cost = $8,000 each.
    • The second option is the most expensive however the style of the pole is the most similar to the existing pole style and will be strong enough to accommodate the existing accessories. Not only are the poles more expensive but the existing concrete base is too small and will have to be replaced meaning the surrounding sidewalk has to be removed and reinstated.

Please note: these prices are approximate and may be subject to increases in fall 2021.

The public engagement objective for the Downtown Street Light project is to:

  • Determine which light fixture style and pole style is preferred for the replacement of the the existing downtown heritage streetlight.

Thank you to those who shared their feedback on the Downtown Street Lights. This public engagement project has now concluded and the results will be published here in September 2021.

Page last updated: 17 Aug 2021, 08:45 AM