Problem
When Oscar Lathlin Collegiate was first built, a state-of-the-art lighting system was installed — cutting-edge at the time. But as lighting technology evolved, especially with the shift to LED, many legacy systems struggled to keep up. The school’s Lutron system, installed in 2010, became increasingly unreliable and costly to maintain. Staff faced regular frustrations with inconsistent performance, while the system's complexity made day-to-day operation a challenge.
The school needed more than a fix — they needed a future-ready solution that would meet today’s standards and adapt to tomorrow’s needs.
Solution + Building Trust
Our lighting consultant, Keith James, first connected with the Opaskwayak Cree Nation through a small project years ago. From the beginning, his focus was on building trust and relationship with time put into really understanding the needs of the school. He prioritized transparency, collaborated closely with the community, and offered practical, forward-thinking advice.
His relationship with the school’s leadership was built over time, through consistency and a commitment to finding the right long-term solution—not just a short-term replacement.
Keith proposed replacing the outdated system with the Lutron Vive system — a wireless, scalable, and user-friendly lighting control solution. Vive allowed for simplified operation, lower maintenance, and improved energy efficiency across the school’s facilities.
To help build buy-in and ensure the solution was right, Keith recommended a pilot installation in two classrooms. This allowed school staff to test the system’s performance and reliability before proceeding with a full-school rollout.
Importantly, all fixtures and devices were eligible for incentives through Efficiency Manitoba, helping reduce upfront costs and improve ROI for the community.
Long-term Partnership
Oscar Lathlin Collegiate is now on the path to a fully modernized lighting system—one designed not just for today, but for the next 10 to 20 years. Thanks to the combination of expert guidance, practical upgrades, and smart incentives through Manitoba Efficiency, the school is poised to save on energy, reduce maintenance, and create a better environment for students and staff alike.
At Commercial Lighting, our team doesn’t just deliver product — we build relationships and provide expert guidance to help you make the best long-term decisions for your space.
Planning a retrofit or new project? Let’s talk.
Proudly Canadian owned and operated, Commercial Lighting supports commercial, educational, and community projects across the country.
Our lighting consultants are here to help you navigate lighting upgrades with confidence and clarity.
