Light pollution
16- Do you have a plan to decrease light pollution or light pollution standards? Especially on our beaches at night?
Al Anderson
Tofino has had a dark skies policy for about 20 and is applied through development permit. Additionally council may approve or not approve development based on what they may think of its impact on light pollution. This policy is not readily applicable to residential development that falls outside of the development permit process. Should council consider bringing residential into the development permit process it would add another cost to housing. This possibly could be applied only to beachfront homes and is worth looking into.
Andrea McQuade
I think that when we look at our light pollution we need to be careful! Let us keep in mind that the lantern festival, winter lights and our sparkling restaurant lights all contribute either to “pollution” or ambiance, depending on your perspective. We live in an incredible place where we can still see the stars from the post office - balance and sustainability are always the goal.
Britt Chalmers
I would have to learn more about this, and have a better understanding of what the concerns are specifically.
Chris Heisterman
That’s a great idea! I do not have a plan to reduce light pollution but I’m glad I was asked! Looking at the stars on a clear night is fun for everyone. Especially in Tofino when we have such relatively little light pollution. I’d say that awareness is always the first step so thank you to whoever asked!
Craig Heber
I currently have no plan to reduce light pollution, Nor can I see how Tofino can institute standards especially on beaches that already have homes/resorts with lights that maybe causing a problem. I am open to address the issue and develop reasonable standards that balance all sides issues.
Dorothy Baert
We have a dark skies policy. I would like to strengthen that.
Duncan McMaster
Tofino has a “dark sky” policy. I was not aware that we have a problem on the beaches.
Eric Kingsley
I do not have a plan about this. I would not consider light pollution to be a severe problem in Tofino but I am open to hearing from community members who have concerns to share.
Jarmo Venalainen
I have seen news items where it has been learned that artificial light confuses the inhabitants of nature. Knowing this, I would promote actions which reduce the night time lighting to one which is the same or similar to that of the last few thousand. Night light should therefore by of the same nature as light which is emitted by natural fire and it should be low in intensity. I don’t know this for a fact, but I suspect that yellow sodium light is therefore less intrusive as opposed to the white/blue mercury or white LED street lighting. If that was shown to be case, I would ask us to look into using low intensity yellow light on new lights and changing old ones to yellow as well.
Jason Brown
At the moment I do not have a plan to decrease light pollution on the beaches as it is not an issue I have encountered much myself, yet I would be happy to hear examples of it and investigate further.
Josie Osborne
Tofitians value dark skies, and have already taken some excellent steps to address light pollution. In 2008, Tofino implemented a ‘Dark Sky Policy’ to provide all developers and builders with standards for lighting for residential and commercial buildings and developments. The standards provide for a balance of safety, utility, enjoyment while preserving night ‘ambiance,’, protecting the environment, and conserving energy. While the policy is rigorously applied to new buildings, at this time the District doesn’t proactively educate or enforce the policy. When people know why light pollution matters and what they can do to reduce it, they are more likely to follow reasonable rules. The rules are in place, and we can do more to increase awareness. Regular reminders and tips in municipal communications would be a good start, partnering with local non-profits to help spread the word also has proven very effective on other issues such as recycling and waste. Proactive enforcement is possible, but requires resources, which will require Council support.
Stephanie Hugues
I would like to see a phasing out of older style public lighting replaced with lighting that reduces light pollution. We also could move towards establishing a ban on future lighting of private property that is not in line with current reduced light pollution standards.
Stephen Ashton
When I was on council, I brought in the Dark Skies Policy which shows respect to our fabulous dark skies.
Tom Stere
no answer