Item - 2016.PW15.7

Tracking Status

This item was considered by Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on September 27, 2016 and was adopted with amendments.

PW15.7 - Request for Report on Health Effects Related to Street Light Technologies

Decision Type:: ACTION

Status:: Amended

Wards:: All

Committee Decision

The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee:

1. Requested the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, in consultation with Toronto Hydro, Toronto Public Health, and the Environment and Energy Division on possible benefits and risks to the public associated with the prevalent use of LED or other similar street lighting technologies in the Toronto street lighting system, such report shall include, but not be limited to:

a. consideration of the human health effects related to light colour temperature and intensity;

b. down lighting directional capabilities and light pollution effects;

c. contrast and traffic safety risks or benefits;

d. crime prevention factors; and

e. aesthetics.

Origin

(July 25, 2016) Member Motion from Councillor Stephen Holyday, seconded by Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon

Summary

City Council on July 12, 13, 14 and 15, 2016, referred Motion MM20.19 to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

City Council on March 31, April 1 and 2, 2015, adopted Item PW12.2 and in doing so directed the General Manager, Transportation Services to engage with Toronto Hydro to develop a plan to convert Toronto's streetlights to more energy efficient technologies and report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

Recent media reports have outlined concerns over the quality of light provided by LED street lights, including human health effects related to "blue" streetlights.

This Motion requests the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, in consultation with Toronto Hydro, Toronto Public Health, and the Environment and Energy Division on possible benefits and risks to the public should the City Toronto Hydro install LED or other similar lighting technologies in its street lighting system, including the use of "blue" lights. The report shall include, but not be limited to consideration of the human health effects related to light colour temperature and intensity, down lighting and light pollution, contrasts, traffic safety and crime prevention factors.

Background Information

(July 25, 2016) Member Motion from Councillor Stephen Holyday, seconded by Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon on Request for Report on Health Effects Related to Street Light Technologies
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-95184.pdf

Communications

(September 27, 2016) E-mail from Hamish Wilson (PW.New.PW15.7.1)

Motions

1 - Motion to Adopt Item moved by Councillor Stephen Holyday (Carried)

2 - Motion to Reconsider Item moved by Councillor Stephen Holyday (Carried)

3 - Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Stephen Holyday (Carried)

That "Public Works and Infrastructure Committee" replace "City Council" in the Member Motion by Councillor Stephen Holyday so that it reads as follows:

"1. Public Works and Infrastructure Committee request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, in consultation with Toronto Hydro, Toronto Public Health, and the Environment and Energy Division on possible benefits and risks to the public associated with the prevalent use of LED or other similar street lighting technologies in the Toronto street lighting system, such report shall include, but not be limited to: