Let There Be….Less Light

Ways to prevent light pollution will be looked into by the regional district.

The brightening of the night sky from lights and other man-made sources, can impact birds, and make it difficult to see the stars.

Greater Vernon Advisory Committee director Doug Dirk would like to see Vernon and Coldstream also take action.

“Some of the lighting is necessary, but it’s obvious there is a lot that isn’t necessary, and technology can address some of those issues, simply in terms of shielding and new products,” Dirk tells Kiss FM.

Dirk says they have heard complaints about the lights at the Greater Vernon Athletics Park, which he says carry a long way.

Photo: Doug Dirk, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Director.

Greater Vernon Advisory Chair Juliette Cunningham says new policy could put limits on the type of lighting.

“I think it’s a great idea. It just makes your community more livable, rather than having glaring lights all over, while still providing safety with a different kind of lighting.”

The local chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society raised the initial concerns about the issue last month, asking for light shields to be added to the parking lot lights at Kal Tire Place.