Gook Road Potential LED Streetlight Project

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Through engaged residents and committed funding partners like ICBC, and the CRD Board of Directors; Maple Drive Corridor LED streetlighting project completed in 2021 was a great success. This project saw 23 LED streetlights installed further enhancing safety in an area that was seeing a large increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

As a continuation on public safety for neighbourhoods in Area A, residents have requested the CRD look at undertaking a similar project for 373 homes in the Gook Road area (from Hwy 97 to Dragon Estates). BC Hydro has identified 19 poles as possible future sites along Gook Road for the newer LED streetlights. The CRD Board of Directors has approved budget for this project pending in the 2022 budget pending resident support and additional partner funding.

“Through dedicated, engaged residents and funding partners more of these projects can be realized. I look forward in connecting with our community members on this proposed project soon”, said Mary Sjostrom, Cariboo Regional District Director for Area A (where Gook Road is located).

During the month of May, the CRD will be providing residents more detailed project information, will host an open house in June, along with other mechanisms to get feedback and input on the project.

LED lights installed by BC Hydro use 40 to 50 watts less energy per bulb and delivering a more natural white light compared to traditional sodium. B.C. Hydro committed to replace all PCB (poly-chlorinated biphenyl) bulbs by 2025 with energy-efficient LEDs to comply with new federal regulations.

These new street lights will help improve public safety by providing more efficient lighting in the community by increasing the visibility of sidewalks and roads at night, as well as helping to reduce light pollution.