Title
Yard Lighting at Parkland County Transfer Station
Proposed Motion
That Council direct Administration to complete the Yard Lighting work at the Parkland County Transfer Station and approve additional funding of $20,000 from Future Capital Restricted Surplus, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion, as presented.
Purpose
To report additional information for addressing yard lighting and safety at Parkland County Transfer Station (PCTS) as per Council's request.
Summary
The proposed lighting upgrade for the Parkland County Transfer Station (PCTS) was initially presented to Council as part of the 2026 budget deliberations. At that time, Council requested additional information to further substantiate the need for the project and to clarify the associated costs. The following summary provides enhanced context regarding the operational, safety, and financial considerations supporting this initiative.
Rationale
Enhanced exterior lighting is required at PCTS to improve site visibility, strengthen public safety, support operational efficiency, and meet duty-of-care obligations for a public-facing facility operating during periods of limited natural light. The facility experiences significantly reduced daylight between October and February, with sunset occurring as early as 4:15 p.m. As a result, portions of regular operating hours occur under low-light or dark conditions, creating elevated risk for both staff and users. The current absence of adequate lighting materially increases the likelihood of incidents, including: • Slips, trips, and falls • Vehicle-pedestrian conflicts • Improper waste placement, resulting in increased processing time and operational inefficiencies • Reduced situational awareness for staff conducting inspections • Diminished site security (consistent with recommendations provided by Enforcement Services).
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
The proposed upgrade is aligned with established occupational health and safety requirements. Under the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code, Section 186, employers are required to ensure that “lighting at a work site is sufficient to enable work to be done safely.” This standard applies at all times when workers or members of the public are present, including winter months when daylight is limited. Additionally, OHS Code provisions under Part 2 (Hazard Assessment, Elimination, and Control) require employers to identify workplace hazards and implement appropriate controls to eliminate or mitigate those hazards. Inadequate lighting is a recognized hazard that contributes to slips, trips, falls, and vehicle-related risks. Improving illumination constitutes an appropriate engineering control under these requirements. Federal standards, including the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Part VI - Lighting), further reinforce minimum lighting expectations for industrial and outdoor environments, underscoring that adequate illumination is a baseline requirement in public-access facilities such as PCTS.
Cost Considerations
Administration has undertaken additional market engagement with electrical contractors to explore alternative approaches and refine project costing. Submitted estimates varied considerably, reflecting differences in design approaches and system specifications. Current indicative costs to adequately illuminate the site range from approximately $55,000 to $167,000.
Historical Information:
Previously presented in the Public Works budget initiatives for 2026.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
The submitted request aligns with the County's Strategic Plan as we look to improve customer experience and safety by modernizing our level of service at PCTS.
Financial Impact:
Cost:
$35,000 2026 Budget
$20,000 Future Capital Restricted Surplus
Other
N/A