Whereas unnecessary and improperly designed light fixtures can cause glare, light pollution and wasted resources;
Whereas glare and light pollution can result in hazardous conditions for all modes of transportation and the diminishing ability of residents to view the night sky;
Whereas the Town of Caledon includes large rural areas and illumination at night can interfere with the view of the night sky or spill into surrounding properties;
Whereas darkness is natural for our circadian cycle and preserving darkness is important for sleep, human biology and the health of our own ecosystem;
Whereas plants and animals depend on Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark for sustainable behaviours such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep and protection from predators and evidence suggests that artificial light at night has negative and deadly effects on wildlife, livestock, amphibians, birds, insects and plants;
Whereas the residents and visitors to Caledon value the natural environment, including preserving the natural habitat and maintaining the beauty and high quality of the night sky;
Whereas Section 129 of the Municipal Act, 2001, permits a municipality to prohibit and regulate with respect to illumination including outdoor lighting that can be seen outdoors;
Whereas Section 129 of the Municipal Act, 2001, permits a municipality to prohibit in relation to illumination unless a permit is obtained from the municipality and may impose conditions on holding and renewing such a permit;
Whereas the Town of Caledon does not currently have a By-law in place to broadly regulate and prohibit matters with respect to illumination;
Now therefore be it resolved that staff be directed to investigate and report back on the feasibility of implementing a Dark Sky By-law in the Town of Caledon.