Huntsville outdoor lighting bylaw preserves darkness of night sky

A new outdoor lighting bylaw is now in effect in Huntsville to minimize light pollution.

A new outdoor lighting bylaw has recently taken effect in Huntsville to preserve the night sky, with all properties expected to be compliant.

As of January, all properties must have what the town calls ‘responsible’ lighting to minimize light pollution, making sure that lights serve their purpose and only their purpose.

“It allows you to light anything you want to light. But it stops spraying light up into the sky and onto your neighbour’s property,” said Bob Stone, Huntsville councillor.

In January 2016, council had passed the bylaw to make sure lighting on all properties does not trespass and does not disrupt the natural darkness of the night sky.

All new builds since then have had to be in compliance, and those who’ve needed to make adjustments had until this past January when the ten-year grace period ended.

“You used to see this giant glowing light bulb and then the street would be lit,” continued Stone. “Now you look down the street, but you see the street is lit. That’s ‘dark sky friendly.’”

An image shared shows the different levels of lighting, from polluted to fully sheltered and complete darkness.

Gary Boyle, an astronomer in the Ottawa area, also discussed the wildlife impacts.

“Now we’re having these cobra lights on highways lighting up the area, so they’re easier prey for the bigger predators,” explained Boyle. “Whenever we can have these dedicated areas preserved and have laws that lower light pollution, it’s always a plus.”

The Town outlines different forms of cutoff light fixtures that point downward and are shielded from the sides.

“It’s fundamental to who we are,” said Stone of the importance of nature to Huntsville and Muskoka. “The clean water, the trees and seeing the stars.”

Most fines for non-compliance start at $500 but the Town says the bylaw is complaint-based, so they will initially enforce it with warnings. But fines could then be issued if compliance is not met.