Dark Sky

Council supports exploring Dark Sky Preserve for County’s South Shore

County council voted 9–4 to have staff explore the feasibility of creating a dark sky preserve on the County’s South Shore—an initiative aimed at reducing light pollution and protecting nocturnal environments, while potentially boosting eco-tourism.

The decision followed lengthy discussion at Thursday’s committee of the whole meeting. Councillors David Harrison, Roy Pennell, Brad Nieman, and Phil Prinzen voted against the motion, while Councillor Chris Braney was absent.

The idea was presented by Steven Burr, representing the South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI) and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). Burr asked Council for municipal support in pursuing an official dark sky designation, including investigating a light pollution bylaw, upgrading municipal lighting to dark-sky-compliant fixtures, providing a letter of support to RASC, and permitting the use of Mariners Park Museum as an observing site.

Burr explained that a dark sky preserve is an area committed to protecting the night sky by minimizing artificial light. “Light pollution is the combined effects of glare, light trespass and sky glow which adversely affects the flora and fauna, as well as denying humanity’s cultural heritage—our access to the stars,” he said.

He outlined how the quality of night darkness is measured using the Bortle scale, which ranges from one (excellent dark sky) to eight (inner city brightness). In 2016, satellite data rated the County’s South Shore at Bortle class two—a typical dark sky site. More recent data from 2022 shows it has dropped to class three, indicating a brighter, rural sky.

Burr attributed the change to both increased development and the growing use of bright white LED lighting. “LED lighting is white and very bright and is much worse than the old lamps,” he said. “We are getting more development in Prince Edward County now too, with added street lighting—that’s what’s causing it.”

He said it could take up to 10 years to regain a class two rating, noting that gradual replacement of outdated fixtures with dark-sky friendly ones would help restore natural darkness.

Councillor Brad Nieman questioned the practicality and cost of replacing recently installed LED streetlights, which he said have a 20- to 25-year lifespan. “To change out those lights for new lights, I don’t think would be prudent on Council’s part to spend that kind of money,” he said. Interim CAO Adam Goheen confirmed that LED fixtures are one piece assemblies and would be costly to replace.

Councillor Roy Pennell raised concerns that declaring a dark sky preserve could unintentionally increase light pollution from visitors. Referencing the North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve, he said it now attracts large numbers of tourists. “The problem is, they are all driving, because it’s dark, with their lights on,” said Pennell. “Are we gaining or losing by declaring an area that?”

Councillor Phil St-Jean supported the concept in theory, but questioned the need for new regulations.

“I struggle with creating more bylaws that are extremely difficult to enforce,” he said. “I’m still not sure what the impact will be beyond having to change a few light bulbs.” He also questioned whether development in the South Shore had increased enough to affect the night sky, saying, “There just hasn’t been that much out there; it’s negligible.”

Burr clarified that a light pollution bylaw wouldn’t prohibit lighting, but would promote responsible illumination. “It’s not about telling property owners they can’t have lighting,” he said. “Instead of a bright white LED light, you have an amber coloured LED light, full shielded instead of one shining in every direction. It’s a very minimal impact on residents.”

The proposed dark sky preserve would align with the South Shore’s designation as a key biodiversity area. Burr said the region could be divided into two zones — a core zone south of Army Reserve and Babylon Roads, and a buffer zone north of them — covering parts of South Marysburgh and Athol wards.

Not all councillors were convinced. Councillor Harrison argued that the South Shore remains dark and doesn’t need more regulation. “I’ve lived here all my life; the south shore seems as dark to me as it ever was,” he said. “That land is over half owned by conservation groups, which means there will not be adverse lighting on those lands. We don’t need unnecessary rules that create complications.”

Councillor Bill Roberts pointed to potential economic benefits through nature-based tourism, while Mayor Steve Ferguson called the proposal “a novel idea” that aligns with the County’s environmental and tourism goals. “I am really looking forward to this coming to fruition; I am a big supporter of this idea,” said Ferguson.

SSJI president Cheryl Anderson said the initiative fits with the organization’s vision of a permanently protected South Shore where “biodiversity and people thrive together.” She explained that maintaining natural periods of light and dark is essential for all living things and noted that excessive lighting has harmed wildlife in the past — citing the mass death of migratory birds at the Lennox and Addington power station in 1981 due to floodlights.

Anderson said the dark sky designation would help preserve both the environment and the County’s cultural heritage. Several local environmental organizations, including Nature Canada, the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists, the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, and the Quinte Field Naturalists, have voiced their support.

Council’s approval directs staff to explore opportunities and report back with recommendations and potential next steps toward achieving an official dark sky designation for the South Shore.