Light pollution will be in the spotlight next month at city hall.
A discussion on light pollution will happen during a city council committee of the whole meeting July 3, with a recommendation to re-think the way we use our outdoor lights.
City staff is recommending a ban on light from encroaching from one private property to another.
It also recommends staff create guidelines on light fixture use “to allow the residents to adjust their outdoor lighting to eliminate light pollution.”
“As Guelph continues to grow, the negative effects of light pollution caused by over lighting and improperly placed light fixtures will continue to grow,” the report states.
“Current residents can become frustrated if neighbouring light sources trespass on their property and negatively affect their standard of living.”
Both public and online consultations were held on the topic.
The report indicates light has an impact on everything around us, from humans moving to the rhythms of the light-dark cycle of day and night.
“Research suggests that artificial light at night can negatively affect human health, increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes, breast cancer and more,” the report said.
Staff is recommending a phased approach to regulations, as most outdoor light fixtures being bought today have a four to six-year lifespan on average.
The first phase would be a new bylaw or amendment on what it calls “light trespassing.”
“The intent of the regulation is to ensure light created in a property stays within the property,” the report said. “This will not apply to street lighting or other lighting implemented by the city for safety reasons.”
The second phase is more of an education piece.
Guidelines would be developed on light fixtures and would “encourage the use of full cut off light fixtures.”
The guidelines, the report added, would help residents understand how to reduce light pollution when installing or replacing outdoor light fixtures.
After a five-year period, the report said staff would review progress made and possibly report to council with further recommendations.
