Town testing LED lights

Those blue ribbons you see tied around certain lamp fixtures in Baie-d’Urfé mark the spot where light-emitting diode light bulbs are being tested.

Residents are asked to submit their comments about the public fixtures and the quality of the lighting they emit to town hall by March 24.

LED light bulbs use less energy and last longer than other light bulbs, which is good for the environment and cost-effective, but not every LED light bulb is deemed satisfactory for the purpose of lighting roads and neighbourhoods after dark. Some give off too harsh a glare, which interferes with the night vision of pedestrians and drivers. The glare can also interrupt sleep.

So in 2016, the American Medical Association recommended the use of bulbs emitting a colour temperature of 3000 kelvin or less for exterior use and suggested the fixtures themselves be designed to help reduce the glare. The AMA also recommended the lights be dimmed during off-peak hours.

The 3000 K bulb gives off a warm white glow with less blue in it. The higher the blue content, the harsher the lighting.

Studies reaching back to 2010 have also raised concerns about LED bulbs being toxic.

“The lights chosen for the pilot project are lead- and mercuryfree,” said Christian Bernier, the town’s director of public works, adding the bulbs will be recycled after use.

Baie-d’Urfé is testing three power levels.

For each participating street, the power level has been selected based on the width of the street, the distance between fixtures and whether or not the street has sidewalks.

Three styles of light fixtures are also being evaluated for efficient glare control.

Model A is being tested on Somerset Street between Westchester Street and Lakeshore Road, Morgan Street between Surrey Street and Victoria Street, and Apple Hill Street between Elm Street and Lakeshore Road.

Model B is being tested on Somerset Street between Victoria Street and Westchester Street and Model C is being tested on Lorraine Street between Normandy Street and Brittany Street.

Controllers have been installed to adjust the intensity of the lights on Morgan and Lorraine streets.

Public works began testing different fixtures in October 2016 and a public consultation was held Oct. 18.

Bernier said the town has already received feedback from citizens about the light fixtures and the bulbs.

“So far, the comments are positive,” Bernier said.

To submit comments, send an email to travauxpublics@ baie-durfe.qc.ca.

Three types of LED street lights are being tested in Baie-d’Urfé, and residents are asked to submit their comments about the new bulbs by March 24. Blue ribbons will be tied around the posts outfitted with the test lights.