New policy aims to cut down light pollution in Coldstream

Coldstream has adopted a new policy to prevent light pollution from municipal facilities, parks and properties.

The district’s Night Sky Protection Policy encourages staff to consider opportunities on how to minimize light pollution when planning, designing, replacing or upgrading municipal lighting.

Those options include specifically directing light so it does not point upward or sideways; minimizing glare and light tresspass onto adjacent properties; using the lowest practical level of lighting; using timers, dimming, motion sensors or other controls where appropriate; and selecting lighting that minimizes impacts to night sky and the surrounding environment.

The policy does note that light pollution should be balanced with considerations of public safety, accessibility, security, operational needs, and costs.