by Mary P. Brooke    |         March 18, 2010 (updated March 24/10)

Fourteen of the solar LED lights on the accessible walkway down to Sooke's community boardwalk and on the boardwalk have been damaged.  Vandalized lights were found by Al Fontes, Director of Engineering with the District of Sooke, on March 12 during a routine inspection.

The lights are part of a solar light pilot test program test. The installation of 23 lights has been funded entirely by local manufacturer HBM Canada Manufacturing Inc., which produces solar lighting and other solar-related technologies. The solar lights cost about $120 each. Once the lighting units are proven to be functional to light up the walkway enough for pedestrians to see their footsteps, then a report and/or recommendation will be put forward by the manufacturer to the District of Sooke Council, to fully install a solar LED lighting system for the boardwalk and walkway.

When Fontes discovered the damage, he talked to the RCMP about it, who will put the walkway onto their patrol list. Visitors to the Ed Mcgregor Park and walkway are asked to report any future damage (to the District or the RCMP) that might be seen. HBM Canada Manufacturing Inc. and the District of Sooke has pledged $500 to Crime Stoppers towards information that would lead to a conviction of the person(s) who caused the damage, which HBM reports as 7 solar panels completely smashed, 4 had cracked panels and 3 had the motion sensors destroyed by being struck from the sides. Any available information should be provided to the RCMP Crime Stoppers.

"HBM Canada (owned by Jim Matei) will need to replace the lights. It's a pilot project funded by a private business; he funds it himself until we’re satisfied with it," said Fontes. "It's dark down there. The District is testing the lights (which activate by motion sensor) to see if they will work on a sustainable basis. "We want to make sure the lights will work. We're trying different arrays of lights and spacing."

The installation at the Rotary Pier has not ever been vandalized because they are high and out of the way, said Sooke's chief engineer. "That’s the boardwalk at the end of Murray. We've seen those lights working at night, and they give off enough light. The ones on the walkway and boardwalk we have down low, to light the deck, so people can see where the floor is. But on Rotary Pier they give enough light to be safe with footing and provide area lighting as well."

"We don’t have a budget (for it) right now, but it’s likely that this project will be completed this year, and then next year we'll ask for a budget for it. Safe use of walkway is part of the insurance requirement for the District, including lighting, signage, fire extinguishers and life preservers, all to be done by this summer if not sooner," said Fontes. Useability and appearance are two key factors for the installation.

HBM is also working on other pilot projects with regard to solar for the District, including at the municipal hall parking lots for total illumination.   MM