It was to be the perfect balance of form and function.

If a group of local business people and politicians get their way, that vision could be revived, lighting up the night sky in brilliant hues of reds, blues and greens.

In the ten years since the suicide barrier was installed on the Bloor viaduct, it’s done its job admirably: not a single person has jumped to his or her death. But the utilitarian steel cables and superstructure have never been completed according to their original design, which included lighting both under and on top of the Prince Edward Bridge.

A new plan that’s been in the works for almost five years would reintroduce the lighting with a new design to transform the bridge into a beacon of light, visible from planes landing at the Island airport and towers in the east end of downtown. It’s to be done in time for Toronto’s hosting of the Pan Am Games in 2015.

“The most delicious part about this whole project has been the reaction and the support from everywhere we go,” said Jennifer Jones, chair of the bridge lighting committee at the Danforth BIA and one of the projects biggest cheerleaders. “Everyone is so excited. There’s this clear sense that the city needs this.”

Now that the visual impact study has been completed, the project will face its last hurdle on Wednesday, when city council’s executive committee will vote on several legacy projects for the games.

Councillor Paula Fletcher (Ward 30, Toronto-Danforth) says there’s been enthusiasm from all quarters, including people in the mayor’s office, for the project, which will cost an estimated $1.6 to $1.9 million.

The city still has about $4 million to spend on legacy projects for the games, but would have to approve the “luminous veil” this week in order to be ready on time, she said.

“The project will light up this architectural wonder in the City of Toronto, providing an iconic image for the games that everyone can see when they drive down the Don Valley Parkway,” said Fletcher.

In the new design, light will cascade like water as it laps up on shore on either side of Bloor St. E. Under the viaduct, the steel archways that support the subway will be illuminated with colour.

Controlled by computer, the lights offer endless possibilities for special events, though in general they will be warmer in winter and cooler in the summer months.

“It’s not garish or in-your-face,” said Jones. “It’s subtle and beautiful.”

The plan incorporates LED lights, which will be energy efficient and require little maintenance.

“We would have been at the forefront of lit bridges if we had done it when the luminous veil went up. It’s called the luminous veil. It wasn’t called the suicide prevention bridge. It’s still missing the luminous,” Jones said.

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She wants to take the emphasis off suicide prevention and bring a more positive light to the barrier.

“It’s spiritual,” he said. “To light a bridge is to celebrate life.”

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