Lighting Upgrade – Town of Didsbury

Overview

The Town of Didsbury has taken a major step toward better energy efficiency through its participation in the Community Energy Conservation (CEC) program. With support from a $19,778 rebate, the Town installed 228 high-efficiency LED light fixtures in the curling rink, ice rink, dressing rooms, and front lobby of the Didsbury Memorial Complex. This lighting retrofit has significantly reduced electricity consumption, lowered operating costs, and enhanced light quality. The project is expected to save approximately $6,400 annually.

Approach

In partnership with the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, the Town focused on replacing outdated, inefficient lighting with modern LED fixtures. The upgrades were designed to deliver both cost savings and improved lighting quality, creating a better experience for skaters, curlers, and visitors while advancing the Town’s sustainability objectives.

Results

The new LED lighting is projected to reduce electricity consumption by 42,800 kWh annually, delivering substantial energy savings and improved operational efficiency. In addition, the retrofit will cut the Town’s carbon footprint by approximately 22.4 tonnes of CO₂ each year, totaling an estimated 310 tonnes over the lifetime of the fixtures. This project demonstrates the Town’s commitment to environmental stewardship and represents a meaningful contribution to its long-term sustainability goals

“This lighting upgrade has a noticeable impact in the facility, it looks so much brighter. Such projects, in this case LED lighting, that also provide cost-saving benefits are always a welcome addition and initiative for Town facilities. This lighting improvement will be of great benefit to our skaters, hockey players, curlers, and spectators. This was definitely a worthwhile project, and we are thankful for the support from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre.”

Rhonda Hunter, Mayor

“Winter in Alberta means long nights and plenty of time spent at the rink. Didsbury’s lighting upgrade makes those spaces brighter, safer, and more inviting while helping the Town cut energy use and save money. It’s a simple change with a big community impact.”

Trina Innes, Executive Director of the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre