Canada's Light Pollution: Are There Laws To Curb It?

Light pollution is a pressing issue in Canada, with some municipalities like Richmond Hill and Ottawa implementing light pollution control by-laws. Calgary has also taken steps to address this issue by initiating a Community Standards Project in 2001 to update by-laws concerning property, pollution, traffic, and noise. The addition of light pollution to this project demonstrates the city's commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens. The project aims to identify effective solutions and control measures for outdoor lighting, considering factors such as purpose, issues to address, and ensuring responsible lighting practices. Calgary's efforts extend beyond municipal boundaries, impacting the University of Calgary's Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, which suffers from poor lighting practices in the city. The observatory is the only major one in Canada without the protection of a light pollution by-law.

Some Canadian municipalities have light pollution control by-laws

Calgary's current Land Use By-law addresses light from commercial and industrial properties shining onto residential property, but it is not enforced, and developers and business owners tend to ignore it. However, the city is considering updating its by-laws to include light pollution abatement. The purpose of the new by-law would be to encourage responsible lighting to reduce glare, light trespass, and energy waste, while also protecting the night-time environment and preserving the heritage of beautiful night skies.

To achieve these goals, the by-law would require the use of shielded or "full cut-off" light fixtures that are properly aimed downward to minimize sky glow and light trespass. It would also address glare reduction by requiring lights to be shielded and aimed so that they do not obscure traffic signs or cause confusion. In addition, the by-law would encourage the use of energy-efficient light sources to reduce electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Calgary's efforts to control light pollution are aligned with those of other Canadian municipalities, demonstrating a growing recognition of the importance of addressing this issue to protect the environment and the quality of life for citizens.

Light pollution solutions in Calgary

Light pollution is a growing threat to wildlife, plant life, insects, and human well-being. In 2001, Calgary initiated the Community Standards Project to update the by-laws concerning property, pollution, traffic, and noise. The City Council's Standing Policy Committee on Operations and Environment added light pollution to the project. Since then, the city administration has been working with citizens to identify the best solutions for the new by-law.

Downward-Directed Light

Using shielded or "full cut-off" light fixtures that are properly aimed downward can solve most light trespass and glare problems. This will also significantly reduce sky glow, which is detrimental to scientific observations at the University of Calgary's astronomical observatory near Priddis. Shielded lights will also prevent horizontally and upward-directed light, which can be hazardous to aircraft operations at the Calgary International Airport.

Glare Reduction and Control

To ensure traffic and personal safety, lights should be shielded and aimed so that they do not obscure traffic signs or cause confusion.

Light Trespass (Privacy) Issues

Light trespass, or "spill light," should be minimised between residential, commercial, retail, industrial, and municipal properties. Calgary's current Land Use By-law addresses light from commercial and industrial properties shining onto residential property, but it is not always enforced. Brighter lights should be shielded and aimed to prevent light trespass.

Energy Waste & Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Encouraging the use of energy-efficient light sources can reduce electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. In Alberta, most electricity is produced by coal and gas-fired generators, which contribute to emissions.

Curfews and Time Controls

Unnecessary lighting should be turned off when a business closes. Sports lighting should be turned off when events are over. Security lighting should be shielded and of lower intensity, and motion-sensor activated lights may be more effective.

Sign and Advertising Lighting

Bottom-mounted lights used on billboards, traffic signs, and advertising signs should be prohibited in favour of top-mounted lights. Externally illuminated signs should use shielded lights aimed downward and be turned off by 11:00 p.m.

Existing Bad Lighting

The City of Calgary should set an example by committing to correcting all of its bad lighting within a certain time frame. New lighting installations should meet the latest lighting standards, and there should be provisions in the new law to ensure compliance.

Light pollution and the impact on wildlife

Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has harmful effects on wildlife and ecosystems. While light pollution affects both nocturnal and diurnal animals, it poses a greater threat to nocturnal animals as their natural environment is radically altered, turning night into day.

Plants and animals have developed definitive rhythms based on the unchanging day, night, and seasonal cycles. These rhythms dictate crucial behaviours such as sleeping, reproduction, and predation. For example, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found that artificial lighting can attract certain organisms, such as moths, frogs, and sea turtles, resulting in them being preyed upon or trapped and exhausted.

Artificial light at night can disorient adult and baby sea turtles, causing them to move away from the ocean and towards human settlements. In Florida, millions of hatchlings die because of this every year.

Birds are also affected by light pollution. Migratory and hunting birds that navigate by moonlight and starlight can be led astray by artificial light, causing them to wander into dangerous areas. They may also migrate too early or too late, missing ideal conditions for nesting and foraging.

Light pollution also impacts insects. Many are drawn to light, but artificial lights can create a fatal attraction, and declining insect populations negatively impact all species that rely on insects for food or pollination.

Some cities have recognised the impact of light pollution on wildlife and taken steps to address it. For example, Calgary, Canada, has considered wildlife when drafting bylaws to control light pollution. The city's bylaws recommend the use of shielded or "full cut-off" light fixtures that are aimed downward to prevent light from travelling upward and minimising glare.

Energy waste and carbon dioxide emissions

To address this issue, the use of energy-efficient light sources should be encouraged. Different types of light bulbs consume varying amounts of energy to produce the same amount of light, known as lumens. By selecting more efficient options, such as high-pressure sodium bulbs or typical streetlight bulbs, energy consumption can be significantly reduced. This not only lessens the environmental impact but also leads to cost savings over time.

Additionally, implementing curfews and time controls on lighting can further decrease energy waste. Businesses should be encouraged to turn off unnecessary exterior lighting, such as billboard lighting and illuminated signs, after closing. Sports facilities should also ensure that lighting is turned off when events conclude. Existing codes often require businesses to turn off exterior lighting within 30 minutes of closing or by 11:00 p.m., whichever is later. Similarly, billboards and illuminated signs should be turned off by 11:00 p.m.

While security lighting is commonly used, its effectiveness is questionable. Exterior security lights should be shielded and of lower intensity compared to other general area lighting. Motion-sensor-activated lights may be a more effective alternative, improving safety without wasting energy by keeping lights on continuously.

It's important to note that some types of lighting may be excluded from these measures, such as low-level holiday lighting, emergency lights, airport navigation lighting, and special event lighting. However, even in these cases, time controls can still be implemented when appropriate. By adopting these practices, we can reduce energy waste and carbon dioxide emissions associated with light pollution, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Light pollution and safety

Light pollution is a pressing issue in Canada, with some municipalities like Richmond Hill and Ottawa implementing light pollution control by-laws. The City of Calgary has also taken steps to address light pollution by initiating the Community Standards Project in 2001 to update by-laws concerning property, pollution, traffic, and noise. Calgary's efforts recognize that light pollution can impact safety, the environment, and energy consumption.

Safety Concerns

Excessive lighting can negatively impact safety in several ways. Glare from lights, for instance, can reduce visibility, affecting the safety of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Improper lighting can also obscure traffic signs, leading to confusion and potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, unshielded lights shining into residential properties can impact privacy and cause discomfort for homeowners.

Environmental Impact

Light pollution also has a significant environmental impact, particularly on wildlife. Lights in or near natural and wildlife areas can disrupt the activities of nocturnal animals and impact migrating bird life. Therefore, it is essential to use lower-intensity shielded lighting in these areas and turn off lights when possible to minimize the adverse effects on the environment.

Energy Consumption

The type of lighting used can also impact energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Energy-efficient light sources, such as high-pressure sodium and typical streetlight bulbs, can help reduce electricity consumption. In Alberta, for example, most electricity is produced by coal and gas-fired generators, and reducing energy consumption can lead to lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Addressing Light Pollution

To address light pollution, the City of Calgary is considering various measures. These include encouraging responsible lighting practices, such as using shielded or "full cut-off" light fixtures aimed downward to minimize glare, light trespass, and sky glow. Additionally, the city is discussing the implementation of time controls for lighting, such as turning off unnecessary lighting after business hours or implementing curfews for billboard lighting and sports lighting.

In conclusion, light pollution is a complex issue that requires a balanced approach to address safety concerns, environmental impacts, and energy consumption. By implementing thoughtful lighting practices and regulations, municipalities like Calgary can improve the quality of life for their residents while also protecting the environment.

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