Sustainable urban development starts with streetlight transformation in Val-d’Or
The City of Val-d'Or, in the heart of Quebec’s Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, undertook a major streetlight revitalization project on 7th Street, a principal north-south artery. By updating public lighting, it would improve energy efficiency, give this iconic area a contemporary look, and preserve its urban identity.
Old streetlights on 7th Street had been part of the landscape for several decades. Although much loved, they had reached the end of their useful life. Spare parts were no longer available, the lights consumed excessive electricity and caused significant light pollution. The City, therefore, wanted to install efficient, sustainable lighting that would ensure public safety while reducing its environmental footprint.
To bring this vision to life, the City chose Cyclone’s Mochi luminaires, renowned for their aesthetic and functional design. Their curved shape, inspired by nature, subtly recalls the shape of the previous globes, paying tribute to the street's history while adding a modern touch.
Luminaires are installed on 18-foot poles; each Mochi is mounted on a short, straight arm, positioned one foot below the top of the pole, to create a distinctive visual configuration. A contemporary-style base cover was also chosen, its rounded shape complements the luminaire’s soft edges. The entire configuration is finished in Basalt Gray, blending harmoniously and naturally with the street’s landscape.
Phase One of the project involved installing approximately 50 luminaires. Phase Two will include 100 more. All new fixtures are mounted on existing concrete bases and conduits, thereby optimizing resources and reducing costs and infrastructure impact.
To manage illumination, the City chose the T3M optical lens developed by Cyclone. This lens ensures precise distribution of light on the roadway, maintains a constant light level, and eliminates upward light spill. Above all, it allowed the City to work with the existing bases and spacing. The T3M provides sufficiently wide lateral coverage to avoid creating dark areas between luminaires, while benefiting from the performance and efficiency of current LED technologies. It also improves visual comfort by reducing glare and incorporates a house shield to limit the light spill towards neighboring residences.
Designed to meet the latest energy efficiency standards, Mochi luminaires stand out for their soft, refined silhouette, which adds a contemporary touch without detracting from the unique character of the city center.
Mochi will also stand the test of time. These luminaires combine elegance with reliability – and easy maintenance. Access to the light's interior is tool-free thanks to a discreetly integrated button. And the absence of visible hardware ensures a neat and refined finish. During the day, Mochi’s rounded shape and understated finish blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. At night, Mochi reveals its full beauty, creating a warm and reassuring atmosphere. With this choice, the City has been able to combine sustainability, aesthetic consistency, and respect for local heritage.
The lighting transformation of 7th Street reaffirms the City of Val-d’Or’s commitment to more sustainable, economical, and harmonious urban development.
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Project name: Revitalization of 7th Street
CLIENT : City of Val-d’Or
Location: Val-d’Or, Québec, Canada
Project completion: Phase 1 completed/Phase 2 coming soon
Products: Mochi — Cyclone
Photographer: DFA Photographe