The Durham Region Astronomical Association: LPAC

Light Pollution Success Stories from the Durham Region

Durham Region

The Durham Region Astronomical Association (DRAA) worked with Planning Department of Durham Region to have light pollution recognized in the Region of Durham’s Community Strategic Plan (2003 and 2009). “Addressing light pollution” is one of the key strategic environmental actions to be addressed by Regional Council. In 2008, the Region included provisions in the Official Plan to address light pollution and good outdoor lighting practices.

City of Oshawa
In October 2000, the City of Oshawa adopted a policy to use full cut-off (flat glass) street lights (luminaries) in all new installations, and to replace failed lights, or existing lights when pole lines are rebuilt, with full cut-off luminaries. The policy also encourages the development community (builders of commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings) to use full cut-off lighting and implement lighting designs that minimize the scattering of light into the atmosphere. The City was awarded a certificate for light pollution abatement in recognition of these initiatives by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. This initiative was also recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association. Street Lighting Design Manual, City of Oshawa

City of Pickering
The City has provisions in the Official Plan that address light pollution and good outdoor lighting practices.
The City controls how lighting is installed in new developments through the site plan approval process.
The City requested a recommendation from the DRAA Light Pollution Awareness Committee on a new street light for parts of the downtown along Highway 2 (Kingston Road). Our recommended fixture was used by the City.

Town of Whitby
The Town controls how lighting is installed in new developments through the site plan approval process. The Town of Whitby Lighting Guidelines and pamphlet for outdoor lighting was adopted by Town Council in December 2009. The Town has been installing full cut-off street lighting in some areas.

Municipality of Clarington
The Town controls how lighting is installed in new developments through the site plan approval process. The Municipality has been installing full cut-off street lighting in some areas. The Municipality adopted an Outdoor Lighting Guideline on March 8, 2010, and published an Outdoor Lighting Guideline to build public awareness.

Township of Scugog
The Township included provisions in the Official Plan to address light pollution and good outdoor lighting practices.

Town of Ajax

The Town is including comprehensive provisions in the Official Plan to address light pollution and ensure good outdoor lighting design and practices.