Project Overview
The City has identified that the lighting infrastructure in the Massey Victory Heights area is aging and near the end of its life span. While the system is currently operational, it is aging and increasingly difficult to maintain, with a higher risk of failure over time. The existing direct buried system does not meet current electrical standards, which presents safety risks and operational challenges. Locating faults in the existing system is challenging and often requires extensive investigation and excavation, resulting in longer repair times for our Electrical Operations Department.
Council directed staff to commission a heritage assessment report to determine the value of the existing street lighting. The heritage consultant has confirmed that the current street lighting has heritage value.
Based on this assessment, along with input from the Massey Victory Heights Residents Association (MVHRA) and the resident workshop process, a new lighting standard was selected that balances modern requirements with neighborhood character. The City will install refurbished existing lighting along Churchill Avenue to commemorate the heritage character.
Construction Updates
Work is underway in Massey Victory Heights. The contractor is going street by street to complete the initial electrical and groundwork necessary to install the new lighting.
Background
At the June 23, 2025, Council meeting, Council amended staff recommendations to guide the ongoing street light project in Massey Victory Heights. Key decisions include:
- Heritage Assessment and Community Consultation
Community Services staff will conduct research and community consultations to complete a Heritage Assessment of the existing street light standards in Massey Victory Heights. The findings will be shared with Council and the community. - Project Progress with Preservation in Mind
Engineering Services will continue Phases 1 and 2 of the project while coordinating with the Heritage Assessment and preserve existing light poles where possible.
Project Schedule:
- The consultant has completed the design, and the City has retained the contractor.
- The contractor has ordered materials based on the finalized design. Due to supplier demand, the estimated lead time for fixtures is approximately 18 weeks. In the interim, the contractor will proceed with base works and install temporary lighting installations to maintain adequate light levels during construction.
- The consultant will obtain the necessary permits, such as the Metro Vancouver construction permit and tree permit. They will also consolidate the design with contractor filed data to support construction readiness.
- The contractor will begin in zone 1 (Mott Crescent, Courtney Crescent) and then move on to zone 2 (York Street, Massey Street, William Street, Churchill Avenue).
- The conduit and bases for the new streetlighting will be installed initially. The contractor will maintain the existing streetlighting until all fixtures are received. At that time, we will swap out the old lighting for the new lighting.
Preservation Location:
The City has committed to refurbishing five existing decorative poles along Churchill Avenue.
New Decorative Street Lighting Fixture and Base Display
FAQ
Existing Pole Location & Zone Map
INTERACTIVE MAP
* The trench alignment shown is preliminary and may be refined during construction based on field conditions and underground utility locations. The City does not intend to replace the entire sidewalk; trenching will generally occur behind the sidewalk or within the road corridor, where feasible.
Project Contact
For more information, please contact the project manager, Yongwon Song, at 604-527-4592 or ysong@newwestcity.ca.