The National Capital Commission is embarking on a major project to replace hundreds of street lights lining the Rideau Canal in central Ottawa, but not before letting the majority of them go dark — and in some places, letting them stay that way for years.was originally due to begin this summer and take two years.
According to the NCC, the lighting systems along the Rideau Canal "have deteriorated beyond their useful life cycle" and need to be replaced. A car's headlights cut through the dark as it passes under an unlit street light on Queen Elizabeth Driveway. The federal Crown corporation said the project is being carried out in collaboration with the City of Ottawa.
Only 83 of 229 street lights along Queen Elizabeth Driveway from the Mackenzie King Bridge to Preston Street were lit when CBC counted earlier this week. Here, vehicles and a cyclist pass Lansdowne Park.