FAQ

The City currently pays Manitoba Hydro approximately $13 million annually to light Winnipeg streets. On May 28, 2019, the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Public Works directed the public service to report back within 180 days on whether other major Canadian cities provide street lighting services at a higher or lower level than Winnipeg, and what standards they utilize to determine appropriate street lighting levels.

This benchmark survey is primarily an informational tool. It will help us determine how our street lights are performing, whether any areas in particular are under- or over-serviced, and what Winnipeggers feel are priorities in terms of lighting.

We will compile survey data, along with technical data researched and reported by our Transportation branch, into a report, and present it to the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Public Works by the end of 2019.  The report will also be made available online, and will be emailed to any survey participants who provide their email address and consent to be contacted further.

Yes and no. As part of its transportation planning activities, the City determines where on the roadway lights are placed according to City design standards and the lighting levels required according to Transport Canada’s Guide for the Design of Roadway Lighting.

Manitoba Hydro currently procures, installs, supplies power to, and maintains street lights for the City of Winnipeg. The City in turn pays Manitoba Hydro an annual fee for this service.

The roadway lights are placed according to City design standards and the lighting levels required are according to Transport Canada’s Guide for the Design of Roadway Lighting. In some cases lights are re-located to meet clearances of other infrastructure such as fire hydrants and approaches. This criterion defines the number of lights and the wattage used to illuminate City streets, and we look to it when building new roads and new developments.