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Consider lighting as part of your landscape plan, with attention to the paths, gathering areas and features you use after dark.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting planning starts with how you use the property after dark: the paths and steps you walk, the places you sit and the features you want to see. From there it covers where fixtures go, how bright they are, how they are shielded from windows and neighbours, and how they are powered and controlled. Urban Living Landscaping discusses outdoor lighting as part of landscape projects in Ottawa and surrounding areas.
Paths, entrances, steps and seating areas each raise different questions about where light may be useful.
Existing planting, nearby windows and areas you prefer to keep dark also matter when considering placement and brightness. Tell us about your property in Ottawa or the surrounding areas, and we can discuss your outdoor lighting ideas.
Step By Step
Plan Your Space
Runs through a transformer at a reduced voltage. Common for path and garden lighting.
Uses the standard building supply. Used for some fixtures and outlets; electrical rules apply.
Small fixtures set into steps, wall caps or paving, usually planned before the hardscape is built.
Identify routes between entrances, gates and gathering areas. Changes in level and the direction of travel are useful starting points for discussing light placement.
Think about where you sit, dine or spend time outside. Consider how light may fall across those spaces and whether fixtures would be visible from seating positions or nearby windows.
Tell Urban Living Landscaping about your property and the outdoor lighting ideas you would like to explore.
Lighting Questions
For general planning questions, such as what to send and which photos help, see our planning guide.
Start with wayfinding, including routes between doors, paths, steps and seating areas. Then consider how you use each space, such as dining or spending time outside. These priorities help frame a discussion about where light is useful and where darkness can remain.
Low voltage lighting uses a reduced supply voltage, commonly through a transformer, while line voltage lighting uses the standard building supply voltage. The choice involves the intended use, equipment and electrical layout. Neither should be assumed to be exempt from electrical requirements. Check applicable Ontario electrical requirements and seek qualified electrical advice before deciding on an approach.
An existing landscape provides a starting point for discussing lighting locations. Paths, planting, paved areas and access can affect the options and potential disturbance. Share what you want to retain and any areas you would prefer not to disturb.
Consider where a light source would be visible from, including seating areas, windows and neighbouring properties. Fixture direction, shielding and brightness are relevant discussion points. For questions about local rules or approvals, check current City of Ottawa requirements.
Winter ground cover, leaf growth and bare branches can change how light reaches paths and landscape features. Access for maintenance through the year is also worth noting. Describe how you use the property in different seasons when discussing possible locations.
Requirements can depend on the proposed work and the property. Check current City of Ottawa requirements for any relevant local rules or approvals. For electrical work, check applicable Ontario electrical requirements and seek qualified electrical advice.
Send your property location, a few photos and a short description of the areas you want to discuss. A simple sketch showing paths, entrances and gathering areas can add context. Note any existing lighting, views from nearby windows and what you find difficult to see after dark.
Before, where possible. Cable routes and fixtures built into steps or walls are much simpler to install while the patio or wall is under construction.
What Our Clients Say
Contact Details
Tell Us About Your Project
Include the area, its rough size, what you would like to change and how the yard is reached. Photos help: email them to [email protected]. See our planning guide.
Landscape design, patios, interlock, retaining walls, water features, outdoor lighting, and fencing and decks in Ottawa and surrounding areas.
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