What Canada’s Mercury Lamp Rules Mean for Your Existing Business Sign

January 9, 2026

If your business has an illuminated sign that’s been in place for many years, it may still rely on older light sources that contain mercury, such as fluorescent tubes. Canada’s Code of Practice for the Environmentally Sound Management of End-of-life Lamps Containing Mercury brings renewed attention to how these lamps are handled when they reach the end of their life — and what responsible ownership looks like going forward.

While most new signage has used LED lighting for well over a decade, many legacy signs are still operating safely but will eventually require proper planning for maintenance, replacement, or disposal.

Why This Matters to Business Owners

Mercury-containing lamps are not being “banned overnight,” but expectations around safe handling, storage, and disposal are increasing. The federal Code of Practice outlines best practices to reduce environmental and health risks when these lamps are removed or replaced.

For business owners, this means:

Understanding what type of lighting exists in your current signage

Ensuring spent lamps are not disposed of as regular waste

Being aware that mercury lighting is gradually being phased down in favour of safer alternatives

In many cases, the impact is not immediate — but it’s something to be aware of during renovations, tenant changes, or sign maintenance.

What This Transition Looks Like in the Real World

Example 1: Older Cabinet Sign on a Retail Plaza
A business replaces burnt-out fluorescent tubes during routine maintenance. Instead of discarding the old lamps, they’re safely packaged and sent to an approved recycling program. Over time, the owner plans a full LED retrofit to reduce maintenance and energy use.

Example 2: Multi-Tenant Building Refresh
A property owner upgrades exterior branding. Older mercury-based lighting is removed, documented, and recycled properly, while new signage uses LED modules that eliminate mercury entirely.

Example 3: Long-Standing Brand Location
A business keeps its existing sign structure but updates the internal lighting when components fail. The outward look stays familiar, but the lighting becomes more efficient and environmentally responsible.

FAQs for Business Owners

Do I need to replace my sign right now?
No. Existing signs using mercury-containing lamps are not suddenly prohibited. The focus is on responsible end-of-life handling, not immediate replacement.

What happens if a mercury lamp breaks?
Broken lamps can release mercury vapour. The Code of Practice recommends specific cleanup, containment, and disposal methods to reduce exposure and environmental release.

Can I throw old fluorescent sign lamps in the dumpster?
No. Mercury-containing lamps should be recycled or disposed of through approved programs, not general waste streams.

Are LEDs required by law?
Not strictly — but LEDs are now the dominant standard because they are mercury-free, longer-lasting, and more energy-efficient. Regulations and policies increasingly support their use.

Is this about compliance or sustainability?
It’s both. Proper lamp management helps reduce environmental risk and aligns with evolving expectations around responsible business operations.

A Practical Takeaway

This isn’t about forcing change — it’s about awareness and planning. Knowing what’s inside your existing signage, how it’s maintained, and how end-of-life components are handled can help avoid future issues and support environmentally sound practices.

At Electra Sign Ltd., we see this as part of a broader shift toward safer, longer-lasting signage solutions — guided by good planning rather than urgency or pressure.

Built to Be a Landmark: Belle’s Kitchen + Music Hall Neon Pylon Sign

January 5, 2026

Some signs do more than identify a business — they become part of the streetscape.

The custom neon pylon sign for Belle’s Kitchen + Music Hall on Regent Avenue was designed with that goal in mind. Built to stand tall and be instantly recognizable, this sign combines classic neon craftsmanship with modern structural fabrication to create a true visual landmark.

Our team at Electra Sign Ltd. handled the project from start to finish, including design coordination, fabrication, and installation. The bold neon figure, vibrant colours, and elevated placement were all intentional — ensuring strong visibility day and night while reflecting the personality and energy of the venue itself.

Now that the sign has been up for a while, it’s become a familiar sight for locals and visitors alike. It’s a reminder that well-built signage doesn’t just mark a location — it helps define it.

If you’re looking to create signage that stands out and stands the test of time, explore more of our work at electrasign.com.

Meet Allison Lambertus: Finance Officer/Office Manager Electra Sign Ltd.

August 28, 2025

Meet Allison... Born in Winnipeg’s St. Boniface Hospital, Allison spent her early years in Morris, Manitoba, before moving out West to British Columbia, where she grew up in the communities of Kitimat and Prince George. Those formative years shaped her adventurous and outgoing nature, traits she carries into both her personal and professional life.

Joining Electra Sign in 2024, Allison has quickly become an essential part of the team. As Finance Officer and Office Manager, she is responsible for the financial and administrative operations of the company, preparing reports, managing budgets, maintaining records, overseeing payroll, and ensuring accuracy across all financial processes. Her attention to detail, confidence, and dedication keep the business running efficiently every day.

Outside of work, Allison is a self-proclaimed sports junkie who follows football (NFL and CFL), baseball, curling, and skiing. She also loves cooking and baking, entertaining friends, gardening, horseback riding, golf, hiking, and spending time at the beach. With an adventurous spirit and a passion for learning, she continues to expand her skills and embrace new challenges.

Allison describes herself as ambitious, compassionate, and a true team player—qualities that reflect not only in her career at Electra Sign but also in her personal life. Whether she’s managing the company’s finances or cheering on her favorite team, Allison brings energy, positivity, and loyalty to everything she does.