New light pollution curbs pondered by council

City council is voting Monday whether to adopt new guidelines aimed at reducing light pollution in the city.

The Bright Skies Initiative would see the municipal development planthe citys overarching bylaw governing planning and growthamended to include more stringent requirements to curb light pollution.

"You look at light egress how much light is going where its not supposed to go," said Ward 11 Ald. Brian Pincott, who is spearheading the initiative.

The new guidelines would expand on existing requirement for new development in Calgary to include detailed lighting plans at the permitting stage.

"Weve got the classic example the car dealership that is across the river from you that lights their parking lot," he told the CBC Eyeopeners David Gray.

"Thats great, they should be lighting their parking lot. But they shouldnt be lighting your building and half of Hillhurst in the process. That is light pollution." "It essentially boils down to wasted light. Its waste", Pincott said.

Earlier this year council heard that light pollution is affecting the ability of scientists at the University of Calgary's observatory south of the city to view the stars.

The guidelines would apply to new developments, with existing ones grandfathered in.

Pincott said there is growing awareness that light pollution is a problem.

"Calgary, not that long ago, used to brag about being the brightest city on the planet per capita," he said. "We dont brag about that anymore."