Metchosin has some of the darkest night skies on the West Shore.
The district has recognized that importance by moving to put in writing low-lighting rules that some have been seeking for years.
B次元官网网址淚t puts a night sky policy at the village centre, (downtown Metchosin),B次元官网网址� said Coun. Moralea Milne.
While the regulations were to be voted on by council Monday night (after the GazetteB次元官网网址檚 print deadline), the rural community has been working for some time with keen Metchosin residents on an unofficial policy to encourage dark skies. As part of that plan, approximately 30 street lights were changed so the beams shine only down, not up.
At a cost of about $500 per light, the housings were changed over several years. The move helped Metchosin win the Dark Sky Award from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, for the municipalityB次元官网网址檚 work towards light pollution abatement.
Metchosin astronomy enthusiast Bill Weir was involved in writing the original proposal more than three years ago. He said reducing commercial and community building lights, encouraging owners to aim light only downward and installing motion sensor lighting, where appropriate, would further enhance the character of the municipality.
B次元官网网址淔rom my perspective, if everyone along a road put up one of those large, bright, street pole yard lights that are on from dusk till dawn and shine in all directions, where is the rural character in this?B次元官网网址� he asked.
B次元官网网址淢y wish for this proposal is that it is at least accepted as a guideline, so that when people wish to add lighting to their property or business they are guided towards making wiser choices.B次元官网网址�
Milne said area residents are blessed with the opportunity to really see the sky at night, something more urban areas cannot do as easily.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important to me and the people of Metchosin to have that ability. We are a small enough community and footprint that we could change all the lighting without a huge impact on our budget,B次元官网网址� she said.
Light pollution may also have a negative effect on migrating bird species, Milne said, adding that some studies show artificial light interferes with the magnetic compass of birds. They can also attract insects such as moths, drawing them away from their pollinating and mating roles.
B次元官网网址淭here is an incredible universe out there that we donB次元官网网址檛 know very much about and this gives us a little perspective on our lives,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址�(To) look out at the night sky and see that we are a little part of the universe, it is a little bit humbling and beautiful to look at.B次元官网网址�
alim@goldstreamgazette.com
