After receiving a fresh coat of paint over its rust colouration in September, the top of the downtown Sudbury water tower has been with lights visible from far and wide.
Called “the biggest goal light in the world” by owner Dario Zulich in a media release, the intent is to light up the 120-foot structure every time the Sudbury Wolves score a goal.
Zulich also owns the local Ontario Hockey League team.
“I’m beyond excited to share this remarkable project with the community,” Zulich said in a media release issued by Sudbury Wolves Sports and Entertainment. “It’s been in the works for several years, and I’m thrilled to finally bring something truly special to Sudbury. The Biggest Goal Light in the World will be a beacon of excitement for our city and for hockey fans everywhere.”
An official unveiling and lighting ceremony will take place ahead of the annual Santa Claus Parade, but no time or location for said unveiling was provided. The parade is scheduled to take place on Nov. 23 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The water tower lighting project features more than 100 lighting fixtures and 2,500 LEDs, designed by Andre Labelle of Y-Lighting.
When it isn’t serving as a goal light, “it will feature dynamic, color-changing lights at night, similar to the CN Tower in Toronto,” according to the media release.
During the holiday season, the tower will host scheduled light shows synchronized to popular Christmas music.
“Think of it like the Bellagio Fountain shows in Las Vegas,” Sudbury Wolves Sports and Entertainment marketing and game day director Paul Hamilton said. “It’ll be an exciting experience for everyone to come together, park, and enjoy something unique during the holidays. This could become a new tradition for Sudbury.”
The media release pledges that Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment will share more information on the upcoming holiday light show soon.
The water tower project is part of an ongoing effort on the part of Zulich, who has come up with various ideas for the structure over the years. The next phase could include additional painting and an observation platform (not at the very top of the water tower, but still overlooking Downtown Sudbury).
Zulich named the water tower the Sudbury Peace Tower in honour of Jeremy Mahood in 2019, who died earlier that year. At the time, a park, botanical gardens, playground and walking trail were planned for the area, all of which has yet to materialize.
“The water tower could be almost a beacon downtown ... It’s almost spiritual,” Zulich told Sudbury.com earlier this year. “You aim for the light and you’ll be taken care of.”