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LED streetlight replacement program underway
Project made possible thanks to federal Gas Tax Fund
Work is now underway to upgrade 357 streetlights in the City of Cranbrook to light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures as part of Phase 1 of its streetlight replacement program.
Over the next month, fixtures located on standalone metal poles, primarily along main corridors within municipal boundaries, are being replaced through this project.
The second phase of the program will include the replacement of close to an additional 860 streetlights, primarily in residential areas. The third phase, currently under consideration, will include the addition of control modules and software options to allow the city to control the times and brightness levels for specific areas, which will help to generate additional energy cost savings.
“Cranbrook is very pleased to participate in and receive the additional funding to make this project a reality. The energy savings and cost savings will prove to be an added benefit to the citizens of Cranbrook for many years to come,” stated City of Cranbrook Mayor Lee Pratt.
In addition to reduced electricity consumption, LED fixtures provide better quality street lighting, making objects appear more defined. By upgrading the streetlights to LED fixtures, it is expected that the city’s streetlight replacement program will result in a lifetime savings of $1.4 million to taxpayers – an average of $70,000 per year over the expected 20-year life of the fixtures.
This three-year $490,500 project is being made possible thanks to the federal Gas Tax Fund. BC Hydro could provide up to an estimated $37,000 in incentives in 2015 once the first phase is completed and inspected. The city intends to apply for further incentives from BC Hydro for each of the remaining phases.
“Our government is pleased to invest in this initiative to conserve energy and protect the environment in Cranbrook. Support for local infrastructure improvements is part of our plan to create jobs, promote economic growth and ensure long-term prosperity in communities across British Columbia and Canada,” 
said David Wilks
, Kootenay-Columbia MP.
The Government of Canada provides $253,276,892 in annual funding for municipal infrastructure in British Columbia through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C., in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.
“The LED light upgrades that these gas tax funds will pay for will improve service to our community, will reduce energy consumption and will save tax-payer money. I want to thank MP Dave Wilks for his support of this initiative and thank the City of Cranbrook for a good idea,” 
stated Bill Bennett
, Kootenay East MLA.
Since 2006, the federal Gas Tax Fund has made approximately $14.257 million available to the City of Cranbrook.
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