Some members of Edmonton’s City Council appear to be warming to the idea of decorating the city’s bridges with LED lights – starting with the High Level Bridge.
The lights are being looked at as a cheaper, environmentally friendly alternative to having to paint the bridges every few years.
A report on the possibility of adding the decorative lights will be presented to the city’s Executive Committee next week, the report gives examples of the ways other cities are using lights to highlight their rivers.
The idea was first pitched by ATB President Dave Mowat.
“Not just to light something up, but actually program something,” Mowat said. “I completely believe that people will be out in Victoria Park or Kinsmen Park or walking in the river valley kind of watching the bridge because it’ll kind of dance.”
Councillor Amarjeet Sohi said such decoration could be a good idea – as a way to make winters in Edmonton a little easier.
“Our winters are long, and lighting up a bridge creates that kind of different atmosphere and excitement in the community,” Sohi said.
The cost – based on other comparable projects – could run between $400,000 and $2 million to install lights on the High Level Bridge alone.
If the city decides to move forward with the project, administration is expected to be approached to help cover the cost.
CTV News has learned EPCOR has already agreed to contribute $200,000 towards the project if it goes ahead.
The committee will decide if the idea will go to City Council for approval – Sohi said there’s a desire to see the project go ahead.
The High Level Bridge would be the first to be lit, if the project is approved.
Installation would begin in late spring, with the goal of having them ready to celebrate the bridge’s centennial later this year.
With files from Amanda Anderson
