Streetlighting
The City of Ottawa maintains over 76,000 streetlights on public property, in partnership with Envari Energy Solutions Inc. Some decorative streetlights, and those on private property, are maintained by other agencies.
The LED Street Light Conversion Project was completed in 2022, maximizing all opportunities for increased roadway safety, while ensuring energy and maintenance cost savings. Approximately 58,000 standard streetlight fixtures were converted from high-pressure sodium (HPS) to Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology.
As of 2022, the converted fixtures are achieving on average 64% energy savings with an associated cumulative energy reduction of approximately 21,700,000 kWh. Maintenance costs for these fixtures have been reduced by 50%.
In addition to energy and maintenance savings, the conversion to LED has the following benefits:
- More precise roadway lighting levels through the use of a Lighting Controls System;
- Enhanced monitoring through daily reporting of malfunctioning streetlights;
- Enhanced safety because of improved LED colour rendering; and,
- A reduction in trespass light and reduced light pollution.
Street lighting response times
| Nature of Problem | Investigation Response Time |
|---|---|
| Residential | |
| 1 to 9 lights out | Maximum 7 working days |
| 10 to 20 lights out | Next working day |
| More than 20 lights out | Within 24 hours |
| Arterials, Commercial and Industrial Roads | |
| 1 to 4 lights | Maximum 7 working days |
| 5 to 10 lights | Next working day |
| More than 10 lights out, or all lights within an intersection | Within 24 hours |
These are timelines to dispatch a crew for investigation. In the event repairs cannot be completed at that time, restoration times can vary significantly.
Gateway Speed Limit Signs
As of May 1, 2018, Ontario municipalities can now use new gateway speed limit signs to designate roadways within residential areas with a reduced speed limit of less than 50 km/h.
Gateway speed limit signs are posted at each entry and exit point to a community where lower speeds are in effect. The Entry Gateway Speed Limit Sign identifies the beginning of a legal speed limit that applies to all roadways within an area. The Exit Gateway Speed Limit Sign marks the end of the lower speed limit. All streets that fall within the posted entry sign and exit sign are designated with the same speed limit identified on the gateway signs. Samples of Gateway Speed Limit Entry and Exit Signs are shown below:
Roadside Memorial Sign Program
Program
The Roadside Memorial Sign Program, established in 2015, assists families or groups who wish to have a roadside memorial sign installed along a City-owned right-of-way in remembrance of a loved one who has passed away as a result of a traffic incident.
Process
- Only residents of Ottawa may be commemorated through this program.
- A request may be made by a family member or friend.
- An application form must be completed and signed by an immediate family member of the nominee.
- An Ontario Provincial Offences Act check is required for the nominee. The check is initiated and reviewed by the City of Ottawa. Any outstanding conviction or infraction may result in the disqualification of an application.
- A sworn affidavit* must be submitted by the nominator with the application form (see page 4 of the application package).
- The cost of a roadside memorial sign is $250 (plus HST), which includes the cost of fabrication and maintenance of the sign for two (2) years.
- After two years, the nominator will be given the option for the sign to be removed and provided to them or to be left up without maintenance.
- Nominators will be given a one-time option of having a new sign installed for $250 (plus HST).
- The nominator can ask for the sign to be removed and turned over to them at any time.
*Any fees associated with a sworn affidavit are the responsibility of the nominator.
Signs
- The installed sign will read: “Drive Safely, in memory of ‘name(s) of victim(s)’.”, with black lettering over a white background
- The dimensions of the sign will be approximately: 24” L x 35” H
- The sign will contain both English and French messaging
Application
Should you wish to purchase a roadside memorial sign, please submit your completed Roadside Memorial Sign Application Form and supporting documentation using one of the following options:
Option 1 - by e-mail to: namingottawa@ottawa.ca
Option 2 - by mail to:
c/o The Commemorative Naming Program
City Clerk and Solicitor Department, City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1J1
You will receive confirmation of receipt of your application within five (5) business days
Underground locates
Digging near Your House?
Before you dig, call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 or visit their website.
The City and other services have underground locates running in many backyards, front yards and side lots. Underneath your house, you could find:
- Gas pipelines
- Electrical services
- Telephone and cable TV infrastructure
- Water and sewer connections
- Streetlight or traffic signal wiring
Ontario One Call co-ordinates with all organizations who own infrastructure in your area.
Therefore, all residents and excavators must call before they dig. Locates are free to obtain and should be requested at least 5 days prior to any planned excavation. You may not proceed with your digging until all locates are identified. If locates are not obtained and infrastructure is damaged, the homeowner and/or contractor is 100 per cent responsible for all costs associated with repairs.
Do You Need Emergency Locates?
For emergency locates, please call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255. As of June 15, 2014, the City of Ottawa will no longer action direct requests for locates.