Toronto to Upgrade All Street Lights to LED by 2035
The City of Toronto has embarked on a significant initiative to modernize its street lighting system. Mayor Olivia Chow announced that all streetlights will transition to LED technology by 2035. This initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency and improve safety across the city.
Investment in LED Technology
As outlined in the 2026 budget, Toronto plans to invest $577 million over the next decade to upgrade its current street lighting to energy-efficient LED fixtures. This move comes in response to aging infrastructure, as 33% of the city’s street lighting assets and 86% of underground infrastructure have exceeded their useful service life.
Addressing Inefficiencies
Mayor Chow highlighted the outdated nature of the current agreement with Toronto Hydro, describing the existing process as clunky and long overdue for improvement. Currently, streetlights are only replaced after they fail, which involves multiple steps that delay repairs. This proactive shift aims to prevent outages and ensure timely upgrades.
Smart Lighting Controls
The new LED system will feature smart lighting controls. These controls will facilitate better scheduling, dimming capabilities, and failure detection, contributing to improved maintenance. Jana Mosley, President & CEO of Toronto Hydro, confirmed that the investment will primarily occur in the first four years of the project, targeting a 60% LED conversion by 2030.
Environmental and Financial Benefits
Implementing LED technology is projected to reduce energy consumption by 40% to 60%, and an additional 20% through smart controls. This transformation is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, translating to over 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide reduction by 2035.
Once the transition to LED streetlights is complete, the city anticipates an annual savings of $6.5 million in energy and maintenance costs. LED lights have a significantly longer lifespan, lasting two to four times longer than traditional lighting options.
Targeting Areas of Highest Need
To optimize the impact of the project, priority will be given to areas with the most urgent lighting needs. Toronto Hydro is collaborating with the city to identify high-risk zones based on traffic patterns, crime statistics, and infrastructure age.
Efforts will be made to coordinate with other city agencies to minimize disruptions during construction. Chow emphasized the importance of strategic planning to avoid repeated disruptions in the same areas.
Financial Context and Priorities
Toronto is currently grappling with a $1 billion operating shortfall, making this investment more critical. Mosley pointed out the urgency of addressing the aging infrastructure. The city’s chief financial officer, Stephen Conforti, reaffirmed that the 2026 budget includes a $63 billion capital plan, prioritizing safety, environmental goals, and necessary repairs.
This LED street lighting project forms a vital part of the city’s broader strategy to balance immediate infrastructure needs with long-term sustainability objectives. Toronto is determined to make these changes now rather than wait for improved financial conditions.
