NORTH BATTLEFORD — The receipt of a grant means the City of North Battleford will be able to significantly upgrade to a state-of-the-art energy-efficient lighting system for the water tower while remaining within budget.
During a city council meeting Tuesday, council approved the purchase of a new energy-efficient LED multicoloured lighting system capable of displaying up to 16 million colours from Saskatoon-based Isted Technical Sales in the amount of $197,266 excluding GST.
The warranty period for the LED energy-efficient lighting from Isted Technical Sales is five years, with an expected lifetime of approximately 11 years. The removal of the old lighting and installation of the new lighting is expected to occur in the spring of 2023.
With previously budgeted upgrades to the lighting system for the water tower slated for the 2022 fiscal year, the City of North Battleford has received a substantial grant from Cenovus Energy Inc. toward the project.
“Cenovus is committed to supporting the communities where we live and work,” said Trent Zacharias, Cenovus’s Director, Community & Indigenous Affairs. “Communities that recognize the diversity of their residents are stronger and more resilient. The enhanced lighting system is an opportunity to help North Battleford continue to find ways to be even more inclusive through awareness campaigns. As an added bonus, the new LED lights are more energy efficient.”
The current lighting system on the water tower is three years past its life expectancy and can no longer be repaired efficiently, explained Director of City Operations Stewart Schafer. “AECOM generously donated their time and resources in the design of the lighting system in conjunction with a Saskatoon-based lighting supplier, Isted Technical Sales. The design is impressive
Council initially approved $200,000 in the 2022 budget for the water tower light replacement project – including removal of the old lighting and installation of the new lighting. The receipt of the grant has enabled the city to significantly upgrade the lights to a state-of-the-art energy-efficient lighting system while remaining within budget. With the receipt of additional funding from Cenovus Energy, Council approved the project’s increase in scope.
Schafer also noted this lighting enhancement, with its endless colour combinations, is an opportunity for the city to be even more inclusive and allow for greater engagement from community members for specific causes and awareness campaigns.
“The water tower can be lit up for an incredible variety of events, commemorative days and occasions, such as Truth and Reconciliation Day, Christmas, Pride Month, International Overdose Awareness Day, Breast Cancer Awareness, Canada Day, Mental Health Month, and more.”
