Aimed at making the area 'more welcoming' and 'safer'

New and improved lighting is coming to St. George's Square in Downtown Guelph with the hopes of making it more "welcoming" and "safer."

A total of 56 low voltage light emitting diode (LED) spot lights will be installed to 10 new poles and eight existing poles along the northwest and southwest plazas in the area where Wyndham Street North and Quebec Street meet.

The lighting materials and installation will cost about $76,000.

The new lighting will improve energy efficiency and avoid construction in the downtown to replace underground infrastructure for standard lighting, said a City of Guelph news release.

Installation of the new lights will start the week of May 22 and is expected to be complete by June 2.

“We’re improving St. George’s Square by replacing and adding lights to make it more welcoming and safer for downtown visitors,” said Ian Panabaker, corporate manager of Downtown Renewal.

“This small-scale upgrade will provide a new way to look at and use St. George’s Square by allowing for more evening programming and events,” said Panabaker.