Community looks to preserve its night skies

LED outdoor car park flood light working on night, saving energy. (File)

A community in the northern part of the region is looking to keep its skies dark at night and free of light pollution.

The Township of Seguin has proposed a bylaw to regulate outdoor lighting and keep the night sky as dark as possible.

The bylaw states it would “regulate outdoor illumination to ensure responsible lighting, light pollution mitigation and conservation of the dark sky environment.”

If the bylaw is passed, residents would be required to have full-cut-off light fixtures, which shield the light source to minimize glare and light trespass, making it easier to see at night.

Billboards would be required to be lit up from the top as opposed to the bottom.

There could be fines if people fail cooperate.

A draft was presented to council on April 20 with public consultation running until May 12.

When light pollution comes into play, it has a profound impact on the environment affecting wildlife and ecosystems.

For example, artificial light can cause migratory birds to travel off course since they rely on moonlight and starlight to find their way, but artificial light can interfere.

According to experts with DarkSky, a non-profit organization that specializes in protecting a dark environment at night, millions of birds die every year due to collisions with illuminated buildings and towers.

These birds, along with hunting birds, rely on seasonal schedules, so when artificial light comes into play, they can migrate too early or too late and miss the best climate conditions for things like nesting and foraging.

DarkSky bylaws can also improve the character of a rural community to make it more enjoyable for experiencing the night sky. It can also reduce glare and make roads and waterways safer.

Muskoka Lakes and Huntsville both have outdoor lighting bylaws in place.