LED Parking Lot Lights for Commercial Properties in Ontario

Safe, even lighting keeps Ontario plazas, industrial yards, and campuses secure while cutting operating costs. This guide to led parking lot lights (excluding solar) covers fixture types, optics, pole heights and spacing, light levels, colour temperature, controls, costs, and Ontario rebates—so you can upgrade once and get it right. Typical open-lot targets are about 10 lux (≈1.0 fc) average with good uniformity, rising for busier or higher-security areas.

TL;DR (Ontario-specific, with quick tables)

What to use & why

• Fixture style: Full-cutoff “shoebox” area luminaires on poles or wall-mounted forward-throw heads to keep light on the pavement and out of the sky/neighbours’ windows. Use Type III/IV optics along lot edges and Type V in central bays.

• Light levels: Aim for ~10 lux (≈1.0 fc) average and good uniformity in general lots; increase at entrances/pedestrian zones per IES guidance.

• Colour temperature: 3000–4000 K. Go 3000 K near homes or where light-trespass/glare is sensitive (Toronto’s roadway LEDs standard is 3000 K); 4000 K for large commercial yards needing crisper visibility. Use BUG-rated, full-cutoff optics to control spill.

• Controls (mandatory baseline): Dusk-to-dawn photocell plus motion-/time-based dimming after close. Networked controls typically add ~47% lighting energy savings versus always-on operation.

  
  

What counts as a parking lot light

Shoebox area light and full cutoff fixtures

Credit: technoledlights

For commercial lots in Ontario, the workhorse is the full-cutoff “shoebox” area luminaire mounted on a parking lot light pole/post. Full cutoff (zero uplight) optics keep light on the pavement, protect neighbours and cameras from glare, and help you meet BUG limits (Backlight-Uplight-Glare) under IES TM-15. Choose housings with corrosion-resistant finishes and 10 kV surge protection for winter road-salt and grid transients.

Forward throw vs Type III, Type IV, Type V distributions

Credit: lensblx

• Type III (forward-throw): best along edges and drive lanes; pushes light forward into the lot from poles on perimeters or medians.

• Type IV: stronger lateral reach for wide aisles and lot perimeters with deeper throw.

• Type V: symmetric “round” distribution; ideal for poles within open bays or central islands to achieve uniformity.Major makers offer these distributions across their parking-lot families.

Typical wattage and lumen ranges for lots in Ontario

Today’s LED parking lot light fixtures commonly fall in these useful bands (select by photometric layout, not wattage alone):

LED input watts	Typical lumens (DLC-listed examples)	Common use case
100–120 W	13,000–14,500 lm	Replaces many 250 W metal-halide heads in small/medium lots and drive lanes.
150–170 W	19,000–23,000 lm	Replaces many 400 W metal-halide heads in larger retail and industrial yards.

Note: Legacy HID “400 W” heads typically drew ≈455 W at the ballast, and “250 W” MH drew ≈295 W, so LED wattages appear much lower for the same delivered light.

How to size lumen output and wattage

Target light levels for open lots and drive lanes

For general commercial parking lots, plan around ~10 lux (≈1.0 fc) average with good uniformity, and increase at entries, crossings, and higher-activity areas. (Exact targets and uniformity come from IES guidance—final values should be confirmed by a photometric layout for your site.)

HID → LED equivalence (Ontario legacy stock)

Use this starting point when replacing common HID heads; confirm with a layout and product photometry (IES files):

Legacy head (lamp + ballast)	System watts*	Typical LED replacement	Typical lumens
250 W MH (M58)	≈295 W	100–120 W LED	13k–14.5k lm
400 W MH (M59)	≈455 W	150–170 W LED	19k–23k lm

*System watts include ballast losses verified on manufacturer datasheets.

Colour temperature options and when to use each

• 3000 K (warm-neutral): use near residential edges or sensitive receptors to reduce perceived glare and blue content; the City of Toronto’s guidance for exterior fixtures emphasises 3000 K and full-cutoff to limit sky glow.

• 4000 K (neutral-cool): common for retail/industrial yards needing higher visual clarity and colour contrast; several Ontario public-sector specs adopt 4000 K outdoors.

Not sure whether to reuse heads or start fresh? See our guide to LED retrofit vs new LED fixture for pros, cons, and cost triggers.

Pole height and spacing rules of thumb

Twelve to sixteen foot poles for small lots

For compact lots and short drive aisles, 12–16 ft mounting heights control glare and keep poles out of conflict with storefront sightlines. Expect tighter spacing—roughly 2.5–3× mounting height (e.g., 30–45 ft between poles at 15 ft MH)—to maintain uniformity and avoid scallops. Aisles and crossings may need closer spacing.

20 to 25 foot poles for larger retail and industrial yards

For medium–large plazas and yards, 20–25 ft poles reduce fixture count and improve uniformity across wider bays. As a starting rule, target ~2.5–3× MH spacing (e.g., 50–75 ft at 20 ft; 60–90 ft at 30 ft), then refine with a photometric layout. Some roadway-style layouts stretch toward ~3×, but exceeding this risks dark bands.

Sample spacing table by pole height and optic type

(Scope out options first; always confirm with a photometric.)

Pole height (MH)	Optic (typical use)	Starting spacing (centre-to-centre)
12 ft	Type V in small bays	30–36 ft (~2.5–3× MH)
16 ft	Type III along edges/lanes	40–48 ft (~2.5–3× MH)
20 ft	Type III/IV on perimeters/medians	50–60 ft (~2.5–3× MH)
25 ft	Type IV for wide aisles	62–75 ft (~2.5–3× MH)

Rules-of-thumb above reflect common guidance that pole spacing near 2.5–3× mounting height yields even coverage before fine-tuning by optic and site geometry.

Avoid shadows at crossings and entrances

Credit: shutterstock

Tighten spacing (or add a head) at pedestrian crossings, pay stations, loading gates, and driveway entries to eliminate shadows and improve vertical illumination on faces and signage. Keep heads aligned so beam edges overlap at these conflict points; this prevents “dark stripes” between poles.

If you’re dealing with dark stripes at driveways or crossings, our Outdoor Lights Upgrade service includes on-site light measurements and a photometric layout.

Fixture selection checklist

DLC listing, surge protection, and salt-spray resistance

• DLC Listed/Premium (SSL V5.1): ensures tested efficacy, quality-of-light and controllability (continuous dimming capability reported on the QPL). Look for V5.1/V5.1 Premium on area/site luminaires to align with Ontario utility programs. (For building-mounted heads at entrances and loading docks, compare options in exterior ceiling and wall fixtures.)

• Surge protection: Ontario poles see grid transients and lightning. Specify SPD ≥10 kV/10 kA at the driver input (common SPD modules meet IEEE/ANSI surge categories). Many Canadian-market area lights also include inherent 6–10 kV protection—add an external SPD for robustness.

• Corrosion resistance: Winter road-salt mist accelerates corrosion. Ask for finishes/components validated to ASTM B117 salt-fog exposure and wet-location ratings (UL 1598/CSA C22.2 No. 250.0).

• Canadian voltages: If your site has 347 V circuits (common in Ontario), confirm 120–347 V or 347 V driver options and cUL/CSA compliance.

BUG ratings for light spill and neighbour comfort

Choose optics with appropriate BUG (Backlight-Uplight-Glare) limits to keep light off adjacent properties and out of cameras and the night sky. Full-cutoff (U0) housings plus the right backlight/glare ratings along edges materially reduce complaints.

Tilt brackets, mast arms, and pole adapters

Credit: superbrightleds

Match the mount to the pole and aiming need: slip-fitters for round poles, rigid arms for square poles, and tilt/rotational brackets where you must fine-tune forward throw. Correct hardware avoids sag/rotation that can break uniformity or create glare streaks. (Most area/site families offer slip-fitter, straight arm, and trunnion options.)

When to choose full cutoff vs forward throw

• Full-cutoff + Type V in interior bays for symmetric coverage and maximum sky-glow control.

• Forward-throw (Type III/IV) on perimeters and along drive lanes to push light into the lot while keeping backlight off façades, windows, and property lines. Confirm with BUG limits if you’re near residences.

Ontario tip: For exterior poles, ask your supplier for wet-location rating (IP65/66) on the luminaire, continuous dimming readiness for rebates/controls, and 347 V driver availability to match Canadian panels.

Controls that cut night time runtime

Photocell dusk to dawn as a baseline

Every exterior head should have automatic day/night control—either a twist-lock ANSI C136.10/41 photocontrol at the pole top or a hard-wired photocell—so lights never burn in daylight. A 7-pin (C136.41) receptacle future-proofs the head for dimming/networked control later.

Tip: Keep photocells clean and unobstructed; dirty lenses cause early turn-on and waste.

Motion sensing with dim-to-off during quiet hours

Layer integral PIR sensors or remote sensors on poles to dim to 10–30% when no activity is detected, then ramp to 100% on approach. In Ontario retail/industrial yards this typically halves overnight runtime in quiet windows; networked case studies show large incremental savings when motion is combined with schedules.

Good practice: Avoid true “blackout” at occupied sites—maintain a safety baseline (e.g., 10–30% output) and use short fade times (≈1–3 s up, 5–10 min hold).

Time scheduling and zones for multi-building sites

Use time-of-day schedules to cap light levels after close (for example: 100% until 11:00 p.m., 50% 11:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m., with motion-to-100%). Split the property into zones (front lot, staff parking, loading) so quiet areas dim deeper while active zones stay bright. DOE/Better Buildings guidance endorses layered strategies (photocell + scheduling + occupancy) for exteriors.

Networked control options and alerts

Networked lighting controls (NLC) add remote programming, zoning, metering, and email/SMS fault alerts (failed head, stuck photocell). Across large datasets, NLCs deliver ~47% average savings on top of LED—especially strong outdoors where after-hours dimming dominates. In Ontario, NLC capability also aligns with Save on Energy’s performance-based incentives.

Retrofit versus new poles

One-for-one head replacement on good poles

If poles are structurally sound (no base rusting, cracks, or loose anchor nuts) and conduit/wiring are intact, a one-for-one swap to DLC-listed LED heads is usually the fastest path: reuse pole/arm, add a C136.41 7-pin receptacle, and commission controls. Ensure the luminaires and controls are approved to Canadian standards (cUL/CSA) to satisfy the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC).

When to upsize pole height for better uniformity

Older lots with 12–16 ft poles often have hot spots and dark bands. Upsizing to 20–25 ft (with appropriate Type III/IV optics) can increase spacing and improve uniformity with fewer heads—subject to a photometric layout and a structural check on wind load. AASHTO structural criteria are the common engineering basis for luminaire supports.

Wind load, base plates, anchor bolts, and inspections

Before re-using or changing poles/arms:

• Have a qualified engineer verify wind load capacity, base-plate thickness, anchor bolt size/condition, and foundations per recognized standards for luminaire supports.

• Inspect for base corrosion, cracked grout, and loose hardware; correct issues before relighting.

• Document pole IDs and inspection dates to simplify maintenance and future rebate M&V.

Ontario note: Any new equipment must be approved to Canadian standards and work must meet the OESC; where plans are required, ESA plan review rules apply. Coordinate with your AHJ and utility early if you plan to add NLCs or alter circuiting.

Cost ranges and simple payback

Material, labour, and lift time drivers

Ontario pricing varies by site height, wiring condition, and access, but these are solid per-head planning ranges for quality, DLC-listed LED parking lot light fixtures on existing poles:

Line item (per head)	12–16 ft poles	20–25 ft poles	Notes (Ontario-specific)
LED area luminaire (100–170 W, full cutoff, Type III/IV/V, 347 V ready)	$320–$560	$340–$600	Better housings include 10 kV SPD, IP65/66, powder-coat rated for salt-spray.
Photocell (twist-lock) or 7-pin receptacle + node	$25–$70	$25–$70	7-pin future-proofs for dimming/NLC later.
Occupancy sensor (integral or pole-mounted), optional	$90–$180	$90–$180	Use “dim-to-x% then pop to 100%” profiles.
Mounting hardware (arm/slip-fitter/trunnion, adapters)	$40–$120	$40–$140	Pole shape/size drives the adapter choice.
Electrical labour (remove HID, install LED, test, aim, commission)	$120–$220	$160–$280	Typical EC rates $85–$125/hr in ON.
Lift/bucket time (allocated per head)	$40–$90	$60–$120	Day rental or hourly bucket truck.
Typical per-head subtotal	$635–$1,240	$715–$1,390	Excludes pole replacement/civil work.
ESA notification/permit (allocated)	$8–$20	$8–$20	Project-level fee spread across heads.

Ballpark project: Replacing 12 heads at 20–25 ft commonly totals $10k–$16k + HST when poles and wiring are reuseable and no trenching is needed.

Example model: replace twelve 400 W HID heads with 150 W LED

Assumptions tailored to Southern Ontario sites:

• Legacy 400 W MH heads draw ≈454–460 W at the ballast.

• LED replacement: 150 W (DLC-listed), same pole/spacing.

• Runtime: ~12 hours/night average over the year (~4,380 h/yr).

• Blended electricity cost: $0.16–$0.22/kWh (typical small/medium commercial after delivery/regulatory).

Energy use (annual):

• HID: 12 × 0.454 kW × 4,380 h = ≈ 23,862 kWh

• LED: 12 × 0.150 kW × 4,380 h = ≈ 7,884 kWh

• Savings: ≈ 15,978 kWh/yr

Annual utility $ savings:

• At $0.16/kWh → ≈ $2,557/yr

• At $0.22/kWh → ≈ $3,515/yr

Simple payback (no advanced controls):

• If project cost $12,000 → ~3.4–4.7 years, depending on your actual hydro rate.

Add motion dimming after hours (example profile):

• Keep a 30% safety baseline from 11:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m.

• Effective LED kWh drop to ≈ 5,125 kWh/yr (typical for quiet lots).

• New savings ≈ 18,737 kWh/yr → $2,998–$4,122/yr, trimming payback by ~6–12 months.

Use Luma’s Lighting Operating Cost Calculator to plug in your Hydro One/Alectra rate and night-hour profile.

Maintenance savings from longer life (optics and drivers)

Item	HID (legacy)	LED (modern area light)	Savings driver
Lamp/ballast service	Relamp ~15–18k h; ballast failures common; bucket truck needed	50–100k h L70; drivers typically 50–100k h with surge protection	Fewer callouts, less lift time
Annualized parts + lift + labour (per head, typical)	$45–$90/yr	$10–$25/yr	LED clean/inspect only
Five-year maintenance delta (12 heads)	$2,700–$6,000	$600–$1,500	$2,100–$4,500 saved

When you include maintenance savings + energy, five-year TCO usually favours the LED upgrade by a wide margin—even without rebates.

Case snapshots: LED Parking Lot Lights Projetcs

Retail plaza re light — improved uniformity and fewer complaints

A neighbourhood plaza with fourteen heads at sixteen feet had a mix of four hundred watt and two hundred fifty watt metal halide. Light was patchy and there was glare toward nearby homes. We replaced all fourteen with one hundred twenty to one hundred fifty watt LED area fixtures, Type IV along the perimeter and Type V in the centre bays. Near the residential edge we standardized at three thousand kelvin for softer appearance. Average light level held around one point zero foot candle with a tighter minimum to average ratio, and spill at the property line dropped thanks to BUG aware optics and flat glass. Tenant and neighbour complaints fell to almost none.

Industrial yard — aisle optics with motion control

An industrial yard ran twenty two four hundred watt metal halide heads at twenty five feet all night, every night. We upgraded to twenty two one hundred fifty to one hundred seventy watt LED luminaires using Type III and Type IV optics aimed down the aisles. Networked occupancy groups dim to thirty percent after ten thirty at night and return to full output on movement. Energy use fell by roughly sixty percent while camera images improved due to lower glare and better vertical illumination. Maintenance tickets for failed lamps and ballasts effectively disappeared.

If the project includes adjacent warehouse aisles, pair the yard relight with an interior Highbays Upgrade for consistent camera clarity from dock to floor.

Common mistakes to avoid

Overlighting that creates glare for drivers and cameras

Cramming in too many watts (or aiming heads up) blows out camera images and creates harsh contrast for drivers. Size to target light levels and uniformity, use full-cutoff housings, and cap tilt so optics stay below horizontal. If you need more vertical illumination at crossings, add a head—don’t just overdrive the whole lot.

Wrong optics near property edges and neighbours

Type V in perimeter rows throws light back onto façades and across lot lines. Swap to Type III or IV (forward throw) at edges, specify appropriate BUG ratings, and add shields only if the photometric still shows spill you can’t solve with optics and aiming.

We correct spill with optics first, then shields—book an Outdoor Lights Upgrade assessment to see the before/after photometry.”

Skipping photocells which leaves lights on during the day

Every pole needs dusk-to-dawn control—either a twist-lock photocell or a networked node with light sensing. Without it, heads can run through bright mornings and cloudy afternoons, adding hundreds of hours per year. Keep the sensor clean and unobstructed.

Mixed colour temperatures across the same lot

Mixing 3000 K and 5000 K looks unprofessional and hurts visibility. Choose a single CCT for the project (most Ontario lots standardize on 3000–4000 K), with 3000 K preferred near residential edges for neighbour comfort. Replace outliers rather than “living with” patchwork colour.

Conclusion

Well-designed led parking lot lights improve safety, visibility, and camera performance while cutting energy and call-outs. The recipe is straightforward: pick the right optic for each row, standardize CCT, use full-cutoff housings with proper BUG ratings, and layer photocell plus after-hours dimming. Combine that with the correct pole height and spacing, and you’ll get an Ontario-ready lot that looks better, costs less, and keeps tenants and neighbours happy. When you’re ready, we’ll build the layout, show the numbers, and handle the upgrade end-to-end.

Ready to see your numbers and a clean plan? Book a free on site assessment and we will measure light levels, run a photometric layout, model energy and maintenance savings, and give you a turnkey scope and price. Start here: Outdoor Lights Upgrade or Commercial Lighting Upgrade. Prefer to preview costs first? Use our Lighting Operating Cost Calculator, then contact us to lock in your design and schedule.

FAQ: LED Parking Lot Lights

What light level should I target for a commercial parking lot?

Plan for about 10 lux (≈1.0 foot-candle) average with good uniformity for general lots, and increase light at entrances, pedestrian crossings, and pay stations. Always confirm with a site-specific photometric layout.

Which LED wattage replaces a 400 W metal halide head?

Most 400 W MH heads draw ≈454–460 W at the ballast. A 150–170 W LED area luminaire (DLC listed) with the right optic typically matches or exceeds the delivered light—verify with product photometry and your layout.

What pole height and spacing work best for LED Parking Lot Lights?

Use 12–16 ft poles for small lots and 20–25 ft for larger retail or industrial yards. As a starting rule, space poles at ~2.5–3× mounting height (tighten at crossings and driveways). Final spacing depends on the optic (Type III/IV/V) and site geometry.

Do I still need photocells if I use timers or a networked system?

Yes. A dusk-to-dawn photocell (or a networked node with light sensing) prevents daytime burn during cloudy periods or schedule drift. Layer schedules and occupancy dimming on top of photocell control for the biggest savings.

What colour temperature is best for Ontario sites?

Standardize on 3000–4000 K. Choose 3000 K near homes or sensitive edges for neighbour comfort and lower perceived glare; 4000 K suits large commercial yards needing higher visual clarity. Pair CCT choice with full-cutoff optics and appropriate BUG ratings to control spill and glare.

Do I need DLC listing for parking lot luminaires in Ontario?

It’s strongly recommended. DLC SSL V5.1 (or Premium) is a good quality proxy that also confirms dimming/control readiness. Even when rebates are unavailable, DLC-listed fixtures help ensure efficacy, optical performance, and documented photometry for layouts.

Can I reuse my existing poles, or should I replace them?

You can often reuse poles if they’re structurally sound: no base corrosion, intact anchor bolts, solid foundations, and proper wiring. Have an electrician and, if needed, an engineer inspect poles and bases. If uniformity is poor with short poles, consider upsizing to 20–25 ft and re-spacing with the correct optics.