Residents of Penhold who drive along Waskasoo Avenue in the late evening will soon have their path lit by the sun.
“The purchase of solar lights, while environmentally responsible, will cost more than the budgeted amount of $15,000 for a total of $28,000,” said Town of Penhold mayor Dennis Cooper. “When we set the budget for Waskasoo Avenue, we did discuss these lights and suggest they may come in more expensive. It looks like they did.”
In a report presented to council by Nancy McAteer, public works manager for the Town of Penhold, it was noted that Waskasoo Avenue is a “high traffic area for regular usage and has been identified as a safety concern in the winter months as there is insufficient roadway lighting in the area.”
Council discussed the issue of lighting and the provision of garbage collection points along the walkway, which Penhold CAO Rick Binnendyk noted that funds had already been allocated for.
“Twenty solar lights shall be provided for the more than 550-metre pathway,” said Binnendyk.
Laebon Homes is sharing the cost of the solar lights and the additional funds of $13,000 will be taken from the deferred project account for the Waskasoo Avenue project.
Expected time for delivery of the lights will be approximately four weeks and installation will be done by town employees to reduce cost.
