Solar Light Installation at Portage Park

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

TO: Committee of the Whole DATE: April 7, 2016 FROM: John Rosenberg MEETING DATE: April 12, 2016 FILE NO.: 5840-61

Solar Light Installation at Portage Park

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee recommends to Council that a solar light be installed in Portage Park in the Vicinity of the E&N Rail Trail.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER'S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

The Town has been approached to have a solar light installed in Portage Park. Staff has worked with the Urbansolar Corporation to facilitate the installation of a solar light in Portage Park in the vicinity of the E&N Rail Trail. The timing of the light installation is for the end of April prior to Bike to Work week and all costs associated with the installation will be borne by Urbansolar Corporation.

BACKGROUND:

The Urbansolar Corporation is looking for a location to install a solar light in the Greater Victoria area to highlight their new line of general illumination products. Previously the products focused on transportation lighting applications. The lights have the ability to be dimmed as well as timed so the illumination hours can be set to the prescribed hours for the specific requirements in the area. All lights are shielded to prevent unnecessary light pollution in the surrounding areas. As part of the program several different types of lights will be featured to promote various applications that are available to be utilized thru various areas in the Town of View Royal. The sustainability that solar lighting provides and the flexibility to install lighting almost anywhere have several potential projects that may be of use to the Town:

• Pathway lighting
• Bus shelter lighting
• Security Lighting

Throughout the demonstration period staff will be evaluating various applications and determining if there are projects and or areas within the Town they may be able to benefit from the benefits of solar lighting.

ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee declines the opportunity to install a solar light in Portage Park.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee recommends to Council that a solar light be installed in Portage Park in the Vicinity of the E&N Rail Trail.

SUBMITTED BY: John Rosenberg, Director of Engineering REVIEWED BY: Kim Anema, Chief Administrative Officer