Broken streetlights are a safety issue and a neighborhood blight. Dark streets invite crime, make walking and cycling unsafe, and signal neglect.
HRM repairs streetlights surprisingly fast — if they know about them.
How to Report a Broken Streetlight
Best way: Report on SolveHFX
Stand under the light, take a photo (showing it's dark/off)
Pin your location
Submit — we route to HRM 311 + your councillor
Direct to HRM:
311: Call 311 or go to [311.halifax.ca](https://311.halifax.ca)
Email: contactus@311.halifax.ca
How Long Until It's Fixed?
High-traffic areas: (commercial streets, transit routes): 1-2 weeks
Residential streets: 2-4 weeks
Multiple lights on the same street: HRM may schedule a bulk repair (faster)
What to Include in Your Report
Exact location: Street name and nearest intersection
Light type: Is it a sodium light, LED, or old incandescent?
Safety issue: "This corner is a transit stop and very dark at night" = higher priority
Photo: Ideally showing the light is off, and the street is dark
Pro Tips
1. Report all the broken lights on your street at once: Crews can fix them in one trip
2. Mention if it's a bike route or school route: Safety concerns get faster response
3. Check if it's a pole light or a building light: Pole lights are HRM's responsibility; building-mounted lights might be private
4. Report at night: Photos showing the dark are more persuasive than daytime shots
Why This Matters
Broken streetlights are linked to:
Higher crime rates on dark blocks
More pedestrian and cycling accidents
Reduced foot traffic and hurt for local businesses
General neighborhood decline
One working light can reduce crime on a block by 20%. Multiple working lights are even more powerful.
Report a broken light now — make your neighborhood safer.