EDMONTON—Developers of the tallest structure in Edmonton, Stantec Tower, are looking to install large, digital corporate advertising signs that will shine brightly at the very top of the 69-storey building.

Some say it’s a move that will redefine the city’s skyline, but others worry the bright lights will negatively impact wildlife and downtown residents.

A rezoning proposal was submitted to the City of Edmonton by Katz Group, the developers behind the Ice District project that is set to transform Edmonton’s downtown core, to light up the outside of Stantec Tower. Public consultations were held on Thursday night at the tower, where Edmontonians had a chance to voice their opinions on the pitch.

If the proposal is approved, Stantec Tower, the tallest building in Canada west of Toronto, will feature a banner-like digital sign that will run the width of the building at the top to display corporate advertising. Stantec Tower, which recently opened its doors, is an anchor of downtown Edmonton’s Ice District, and a soon-to-be fixture of the city’s skyline.

Renderings show advertisements for Rogers, Ford and TD Bank as an example. The proposal cites similar lighting strategies that have already been incorporated in New York City’s Times Square, Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square, and London’s Piccadilly Circus.

The tower will also have lights beaming along its sides, which would be lit in a theme based on events like Canada Day, Pride Month, or in the colours of the Edmonton Oilers. Several other towers in the city’s downtown already have lighting on their exteriors, including WSP Place and the Edmonton Tower.

Edmontonians have expressed mixed opinions since news of the lighting proposal broke. Ian O’Donnell, executive director of the Downtown Business Association, has written a letter in support of the proposal, and said it will bring “excitement and energy” to the downtown core.

“That’s something that I think defines the skyline, and certainly adds some character and some light to the city, especially during the darker times of the year,” O’Donnell said.

But others have voiced concerns about the effects of light pollution on residents and wildlife alike. “Digital signs are one of the major contributors (of light pollution),” said Rod McConnell, president of the Alberta Dark Skies Association and an Edmonton resident. “We don’t want the place looking like Las Vegas.”

McConnell said he’s particularly concerned about the city’s wildlife population, namely birds, moths and other insects, who are drawn to bright lights. “It changes the local ecology,” he said, and added the bright lights could also be dangerous and distracting to birds migrating through the area.

Another concern, he said, is the effect the bright lights will have on neighbours of Stantec Tower, who may find their sleep being disrupted as a result of the level of light radiating from the Ice District.

“You’re not keeping your light on your own property, and that means that you’re really not showing any consideration for your neighbours,” McConnell said.

Currently, city bylaws prohibit the installation of digital third-party advertising signs that are above eight metres, or two stories off the ground, according to Travis Pawlyk, senior planner with the City of Edmonton.

“The skyline is visible from many points across town, so there’s a degree of control that needs to be exercised there,” Pawlyk said. He added that city bylaws are in place for the consideration of nearby residents as well.

“One can imagine that if you’re trying to sleep at night and there’s a bright light outside your window that you can’t control, it may cause some nuisance,” he said.

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Following the public consultation, Katz Group will be compiling a report and submitting its proposal to council in hopes of an amendment to the current bylaws. Pawlyk said he anticipates the proposal will be debated in late February to early March.

In the meantime, those who missed the public consultation session are invited to share their input on the proposal with the city, Pawlyk said.

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