Stories This Week

GCH asked to reduce light pollution

by Simon Conolly

Galway-Cavendish and Harvey Township Council has been asked to take steps to reduce light pollution in the municipality.

Buckhorn Observatory owner John Crossen made the request at council’s Tuesday afternoon meeting.

Recent technology has improved the outdoor lamp, he told council, producing units which are more efficient, more durable, and which provide better light distribution.

The flat lens, full cut-off design, he said, directs light downwards, meaning smaller bulbs can be used with a resulting saving in energy costs.

The Tim Hortons restaurant chain has installed them across Canada, he said, and usually a 250 watt bulb can be replaced with a 150 watt, with no loss of effective lighting. The city of Calgary realized a $2 million saving in energy costs after replacing its street lights with the new design, he added.

Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield Township has adopted a policy to install the new fixtures as old lights need replacing, and has already installed the new lighting at its arena parking lots. The City of Peterborough has adopted a similar policy.

Although council did not make a decision, Mr. Crossen’s presentation received favourable comments from several council members. Councillor Bev Matthews said council should definitely keep the ideas in mind, and Councillor Janet Clarkson agreed. She also suggested the township should investigated the use of LED lights.

Deputy Reeve Madeline Pearson said she definitely agrees with installing the new technology as existing lights wear out. Reeve Tom Flynn asked Public Works Manager Gerard Pearson to investigate costs of the new fixtures.