The lighting landscape for businesses in Edmonton and Calgary is set for a significant shift. As of January 1, 2026, the Canadian government will prohibit the import and manufacture of T12 fluorescent light tubes due to their energy inefficiency and mercury content. This presents a prime opportunity for businesses across Alberta to upgrade their illuminated signage with energy-efficient and visually impactful LED technology, or update their signage designs! Burke Group is your trusted partner for seamless LED retrofits and stunning new LED signage in Edmonton and Calgary.
Understanding the New Lighting Regulations for Edmonton & Calgary Businesses
For years, T12 fluorescent tubes have been a common feature in commercial and industrial lighting, including many business signs throughout Edmonton and Calgary. However, their high energy consumption and the presence of mercury, a harmful environmental pollutant, are no longer in line with Canada’s sustainability goals. To reduce mercury releases and align with international agreements, the government is phasing them out.
The ban on importing and manufacturing these lamps begins on January 1, 2026. This timeline provides a crucial window for Edmonton and Calgary businesses to transition to more sustainable lighting solutions for their business signage.
The Advantages of LED Retrofit for Edmonton & Calgary Signs
This upcoming legislation isn’t just about adhering to new rules; it’s a chance for businesses in Edmonton and Calgary to reap the numerous benefits of LED technology by retrofitting their existing illuminated signs. LED retrofit involves upgrading your current sign lighting to use LED components without the need for a complete sign replacement. Burke Group specializes in providing efficient and cost-effective LED upgrades for signage of all types across Edmonton and Calgary.
Here’s why choosing an LED retrofit from Burke Group for your Edmonton or Calgary signage is a smart investment:
- Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Update your business signs in Edmonton and Calgary to meet the new Canadian standards, avoiding potential penalties and showcasing your commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Maximize Energy Efficiency: LED signs consume significantly less energy than traditional fluorescent lighting, leading to substantial savings on your electricity bills for your Edmonton or Calgary business. Expect energy reductions of 50-90%.
- Minimize Maintenance Costs: LED lights boast a dramatically longer lifespan compared to fluorescent bulbs, often lasting 50,000 to 100,000 hours. This translates to fewer replacements and lower maintenance expenses for your Edmonton signage and Calgary signage.
- Enhance Visual Appeal: LED illumination offers brighter, more vibrant, and consistent lighting, significantly improving the visibility and impact of your Edmonton business signs and Calgary business signs, both day and night. Options for adjustable color temperatures and superior color rendering are also available.
- Boost Durability: LED signage is generally more robust and weather-resistant, making it ideal for the diverse climate of Edmonton and Calgary.
- Go Green: LEDs are mercury-free and produce less heat, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly lighting solution for your Edmonton and Calgary operations.
- Extend Sign Lifespan: By upgrading the internal lighting to LED, you can prolong the overall lifespan of your existing Edmonton signs and Calgary signs.
Two Paths to Brilliant Branding: LED Signage Solutions
The 2026 mercury law opens two exciting opportunities for businesses in Edmonton and Calgary to partner with Burke Group for their signage needs:
- Reimagine Your Brand with New LED Signage: This is the perfect time to not only transition to energy-efficient LED technology but also to completely rebrand or modernize the design of your illuminated signage in Edmonton or Calgary. Burke Group’s expert design and fabrication teams can create stunning, custom LED signs that perfectly represent your brand identity and adhere to all current regulations. From eye-catching channel letters to impactful pylon signs and dynamic digital signage, we serve businesses across Edmonton and Calgary.
- Cost-Effective LED Retrofit for Existing Signs: If your current business sign design and structure still align with your brand, Burke Group can efficiently retrofit your existing fixtures with cutting-edge LED components. This budget-friendly solution allows you to maintain your established visual presence while enjoying the energy savings, longevity, and enhanced illumination of LED technology. Our skilled technicians provide expert LED retrofitting services for all types of signage in Edmonton and Calgary, including illuminated sign boxes and more.
Burke Group: Your Trusted Signage Partner in Lighting Transition
Navigating new regulations and making decisions about your business signage can feel overwhelming. However, Burke Group is committed to making the transition to LED lighting seamless and beneficial for your Edmonton or Calgary business. Our comprehensive signage services include:
- Thorough Signage Assessment: We’ll evaluate your current lighting systems and recommend the most efficient and cost-effective LED retrofit or new LED signage solutions tailored to your Edmonton or Calgary location.
- Custom Sign Design & Fabrication: Our talented design team can create innovative and impactful new LED signs that perfectly reflect your brand in Edmonton and Calgary.
- Professional LED Retrofitting Services: Our experienced technicians ensure seamless and safe integration of LED technology into your existing Edmonton signs and Calgary signs.
- Permitting Assistance for Signage: We can help you navigate any necessary signage permits in Edmonton and Calgary, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
- Expert Sign Installation: Our professional installation team ensures your new or retrofitted LED signage is installed correctly and safely throughout Edmonton and Calgary.
Don’t Delay: Power Up Your Edmonton & Calgary Signage with LED Today!
The 2026 deadline for the T12 fluorescent ban is rapidly approaching. Now is the optimal time for businesses in Edmonton and Calgary to proactively upgrade their illuminated signage to energy-efficient LED technology. Partnering with Burke Group ensures a smooth transition, allowing you to comply with regulations, significantly reduce operating costs, enhance your brand image, and contribute to a more sustainable Alberta.
Read more about the new law HERE!