City officials ponder the end of the globe - Chandelier globe, that is
Posted Jan 19, 2012 By Bill HutchinsEMC News - It could soon be lights out for the eye-popping globe chandelier at Kingston City Hall.
Officials are considering removing the so-called 'Sunburst' chandelier that hangs over the council chamber because it doesn't fit with Kingston's plan to become Canada's most sustainable city.
"We really could move to a much more sustainable type of lighting in there - a more comfortable type of lighting but using far less power than it's using currently," said John Johnson, manager of facilities maintenance.
The chandelier, with 373 large incandescent bulbs, was gifted to the city by the province for Kingston's tercentenary in 1973. Officials don't think the province would have any objections to replacing the gift with a smaller chandelier to reduce the city's carbon footprint.
"It was given to us in 1973 when electricity was inexpensive. Now the province is doing everything in their power to make us more sustainable and use less energy," Johnson added.
The discussion over what to do with the prominent light fixture arose during a January 9 discussion at the heritage committee to modernize the council chamber with new audio and video technology.
Staff uses a tall step-ladder to replace the high energy bulbs when they burn out. The chandelier is also attached to a winch so it can be lowered, though it's rarely done.
Officials could not say how much money the city would save on electricity bills by removing the chandelier, but many compared its 70's-era appeal to shag carpets and dark wood panels. They say the hanging light stands out for all the wrong reasons.
"I'm not surprised that's the first thing people see when they walk into the room because it's so blatant," added Johnson.
The 39 year old globe chandelier is a star attraction among the portraits and heritage design of the council chamber, located in Ontario Hall. Still, many committee members and citizens say they won't lament the loss of the energy sucking chandelier.
"It's a handsome symmetrical room. The light fixture detracts from all that," said heritage watchdog Helen Finley.
"I'm not sure it has any heritage value," agreed Councillor Jim Neill.
City councillors, who sit beneath the globe light, will have the final say on whether it should be dismantled. A decision could be made later this month. Despite its lack of heritage or energy appeal, officials say they won't just throw it out.
But what do you do with a brassy looking globe that's as big as a compact car with bulbs that are fastened to the end of three foot long protruding arms? It's a question no one can answer at this point.
"Whether it's removed or not we have to do something with it," civic curator Paul Robertson told the committee. "That's a big piece to store. I can't just have an auction (to sell it)."
The enlightening debate occurred just days before the 1st annual Sustainable Kingston Community Forum, on January 28.
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