Item - 2025.EC21.7

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1. Requested the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to report to the September 16, 2025 meeting of Economic and Community Development Committee on the problems experienced with the lighting of the Luminous Veil, on the current contract provisions for automatic notification of malfunctioning sections of lighting and to provide a plan and timeline to ensure fully functioning lighting of the Luminous Veil.

The Luminous Veil is a striking architectural feature and suicide prevention barrier installed on Toronto’s Prince Edward Viaduct, commonly known as the Bloor Viaduct. This double-decked bridge, completed in 1918, spans the Don Valley, connecting Bloor Street East with Danforth Avenue.

The installation of the Luminous Veil has had a significant impact on public safety. A 2017 study found that, over the long term, suicide-by-jumping declined in Toronto after the barrier’s installation, with no associated increase in suicide by other means.

 In July 2015, as part of the City of Toronto’s Legacy Art Project for the Pan American/Parapan American Games, the Luminous Veil was illuminated with a dynamic LED lighting system. This system, consisting of 600 RGB color-changing luminaires, responds to environmental factors such as wind direction, velocity, and ambient temperature, creating an ever-changing light display that enhances the bridge’s visual impact from dusk till dawn. It is beautiful whether viewed up close from the Viaduct or from the Don Valley below.

It is very disappointing that since its installation many of the sections of lights on the Luminous Veil have not worked properly. Every night there are large gaps without lights which diminishes the visual impact of this beautiful and celebrated piece of public art and engineering. Apparently, there was no mechanism required in the original lighting installation and maintenance contract that would automatically send a signal that sections of the lighting were malfunctioning. It was left up to the public to report problems with the lighting.

The Luminous Veil is a poignant example of how thoughtful design can address public health concerns while contributing to the urban landscape’s beauty.