Canadian city boosts public waterfront access with solar lighting

Port Alberni, a quaint city nestled along the western coast of Canada, has always thrived thanks to its proximity to the water. Historically, it served as a fishing village for the Tseshat and Hupacasath First Nations before becoming a bustling mill town. Today, it’s a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, with its natural beauty drawing people from all over. The city's waterfront and surrounding landscapes hold immense economic, cultural, and environmental significance.

Recently, a new chapter has begun for Port Alberni’s waterfront—a chapter that emphasizes accessibility and recreation. In September 2024, a new multi-use pathway spanning nearly the entire city and connecting two major waterfront attractions was unveiled. This path offers residents and visitors alike a safe and scenic route for walking, biking, or jogging. To light up this pathway, the city selected Sol’s UP2 solar lights for their affordability, ease of installation, and eco-friendly design.

Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time the city had worked with solar lighting. Six years ago, when the Somass Sawmill closed, leaving behind a 43-acre waterfront site in the heart of the city, the local government acquired the land with plans to transform it into a mixed-use neighborhood. The initial step involved building a 250-meter walkway along the shoreline, which would eventually connect to other existing and future active transport routes.

When it came to illuminating the new pathway, there was no question about the need for lighting. During winter months, it gets dark as early as 4 p.m., making visibility a significant concern. A contractor recommended solar lights since they don’t rely on grid electricity and can be installed almost anywhere. As a trial, the city installed eight UP2 systems at the Somass Lands, which proved successful.

Over the following year, including a harsh Canadian winter, staff closely monitored these lights and found them not only cost-effective and easy to set up but also highly durable and low-maintenance. Encouraged by this success, when the city received a government grant to build a 4 km (2.5-mile) Quay to Quay pathway, the decision to use Sol’s UP2 lights was straightforward. They ordered 56 units for the Quay to Quay project and an additional 10 for ongoing development at the Somass Lands.

These lights aren’t just functional—they’re tailored to their specific locations and requirements. For instance, the systems come equipped with nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which perform better in colder climates compared to other battery types. Dual solar panels ensure maximum energy collection, and motion sensors optimize energy usage by adjusting brightness based on activity levels.

Since its opening in September 2023, the new pathway has been warmly received by Port Alberni residents. Families and individuals now have a secure, family-friendly space to enjoy within their own community. Thanks to Sol’s solar lights, the pathway remains usable even after sunset, enhancing both convenience and safety. Beyond providing practical benefits, these lights contribute to the city’s vision of transforming its waterfront into a vibrant area for socializing, recreation, and leisure.

For those interested in learning more about this initiative, a downloadable PDF version of this case study is available. It provides further details about the project’s impact and how solar technology is reshaping urban spaces across Canada.

>>Download a PDF of this case study