Spotted On Site: Cambridge Centre Mall Lighting Retrofit

Spotted On Site: Cambridge Centre Mall Lighting Retrofit

A recent lighting retrofit at Cambridge Centre Mall in Cambridge, Ontario demonstrates how the right LED solution can improve performance, simplify installation, and keep a project on budget.

Working with Conestogo Electric Ltd., the project replaced outdated metal halide fixtures throughout the mall's parking lot with CSC LED FL05 Area Lights mounted on the existing poles using our Fixed Mounts. With two fixtures installed per pole, the updated system provides improved, uniform illumination while making use of the infrastructure already in place.

The Challenge: Upgrade Without Overcomplicating the Project

The goal of the retrofit was straightforward: replace aging lighting technology with a more efficient LED solution that would improve visibility throughout the parking lot while reducing long-term maintenance and energy costs.

Because the existing poles and infrastructure were still suitable for the application, the project focused on upgrading the fixtures rather than replacing the entire system.

For the contractor, the ideal solution also needed to be readily available, easy to install, and available in the right finish to complement existing poles.

The Solution: FL05 Area Lights with Fixed Mounts

The project selected FL05 Area Lights with Fixed Mounts, installing two fixtures on each existing pole.

This configuration allowed the new LED fixtures to work within the existing pole layout while providing broader, more uniform illumination throughout the parking lot.

The FL05 Series was selected for the project because it offered the combination of performance and practicality the retrofit required:

• Easy installation

• Readily available product

• Black finish suited to the existing site

• Designed for outdoor area lighting applications

• Ability to utilize existing poles and infrastructure

The result was an effective lighting upgrade without unnecessary changes to the existing site.

Choosing the Right Technology for the Project

One of the most important decisions during the project was not about adding more technology—it was about determining what technology was actually necessary.

While other manufacturers proposed networked lighting control systems that added thousands of dollars in controls alone, the FL05 provided a simpler approach. The fixtures integrated directly with the mall's existing lighting controls, allowing the project to achieve its core goals without adding costly technology that the application did not require.

This approach helped keep the project focused on what mattered most: better lighting, improved energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance without unnecessary costs.

A Contractor's Perspective

Conestogo Electric was pleased with both the installation process and the finished results.

"At Conestogo Electric, we were proud to partner on the recent lighting upgrade at Cambridge Centre Mall, replacing outdated metal halide fixtures with high-efficiency LED lighting. This project presented an excellent opportunity to enhance the overall lighting quality, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and improve energy efficiency throughout the facility.

The new LED fixtures not only provide brighter, more uniform illumination, but they also align with modern energy standards—helping the mall reduce its environmental footprint while creating a more welcoming atmosphere for shoppers and tenants alike.

From a contractor’s standpoint, the installation process was smooth and efficient thanks to the well-designed fixtures provided by CSC LED. Their product's performance, ease of installation, and durability made them a clear choice for this retrofit.

We're excited to see the long-term benefits this upgrade will bring to the property and proud to have played a role in making Cambridge Centre Mall a brighter, more sustainable space."

— Conestogo Electric Ltd.

A Better Nighttime Environment

The completed retrofit delivers a noticeable improvement in parking lot illumination, with the new FL05 fixtures providing more consistent light across the site.

A Small Step Toward More Responsible Outdoor Lighting

Because the FL05 Area Lights were installed using Fixed Mounts, they can also be DarkSky approved when set to 3000K. This gives projects another way to consider responsible outdoor lighting while maintaining the performance needed for parking lot applications.

Retrofit Without the Unnecessary Extras

The Cambridge Centre Mall project is a strong example of how a successful lighting retrofit doesn't have to mean replacing everything—or adding technology simply because it's available.

By combining existing infrastructure, practical mounting solutions, readily available LED fixtures, and the right level of controls, the project delivered the lighting improvements the mall needed while keeping the installation efficient and the budget focused.

For contractors, distributors, and property owners, the takeaway is simple: the best retrofit isn't necessarily the most complicated one. It's the one that delivers the right performance, at the right cost, for the application.

Project: Cambridge Centre Mall, Cambridge, Ontario
Contractor: Conestogo Electric Ltd.
Lighting Solution: CSC LED FL05 Area Lights with Fixed Mounts

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