Dark Sky

Show respect for nature and neighbors by minimizing light pollution, for an enchanting stargazing experience.

The night sky is one of the captivating and special parts of enjoying the cottage. It allows us to experience the magic of the lake just like generations before us did. On a clear night when the conditions are just right, lake patrons can see the Northern Lights, along with the regular constellations and glorious moonlight.

However, this can be hindered by unnecessary or improperly used artificial lighting, otherwise known as light pollution, which can wash out the night’s darkness making it challenging to see the sky and can also disrupt the migration, reproduction, and feeding processes of many birds and animals, with potentially disastrous results.

Four Components of Light Pollution

Urban Sky Glow

The brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas.

Light Trespass

Light falling where it is not intended, wanted or needed.

Glare

Excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort.

Clutter

Bright, confusing and excessive groupings of light sources.

Credit:

KBLA

How to keep stars visible for you and your neighbours?

Reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting.
Ensure your necessary outdoor lighting follows the Town of Gravenhurst bylaw.
- Outdoor lighting must use shielded, full-cut-off fixtures that ensure all light points downwards.
- This bylaw applies to all outdoor lighting on cottages, garages, bunkies, and private walkways.
Replace high-wattage bulbs with 25 or 40-watt bulbs or low-wattage LEDs.
Use solar lights or compact fluorescents, or choose energy-efficient low-pressure sodium lights that cast a slightly yellowish glow, and produce little or no glare.
Use full cut-off or partial cut-off lighting fixtures to minimize glare. Full cut-off means that no light is emitted above the horizontal. They increase safety because they give off very little glare, the kind that reduces our ability to see into shadows. The brighter the light, the darker the shadow.
Aim lighting away from the water and neighboring properties.
Shield outdoor fixtures so light is directed only downward.
Use motion detector lights instead of floodlights.
Ditch the dawn-to-dusk security light. Replace them with lights activated by motion detectors or by solar-activated sensors that have a timed turn-off setting.
Use non-intrusive solar lighting for the boat dock.
Keep all outside lights off whenever possible. Our outside nocturnal wildlife neighbours can operate better in their natural state of darkness at night and light during the day.

Reducing Light Pollution

Color

Use the right color of light

Blue light should be minimized everywhere and light sources should be as monochromatic as possible near critical observatories and natural sites.

6500K

4000K

3000K

Eye-friendly is sky-friendly

Dim

Dim the light

Light levels should be properly matched to usage zone, time, and vehicle and pedestrian traffic, with the added goal of energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.

3000K

You wouldn't tum on your garden hose and leave it on all night

Shield

Shield the light

No light should escape above the horizontal from any outdoor light fixtures.

Light only what you need instead of spreading light into the sky

Credit:

KBLA

The natural sky is our universal heritage.

— Unknown

Let us try embracing the night by helping our children get used to natural darkness; night walks, listening games, tag by sound, and star watching. The Guides and Scouts have several suggestions online: Zap, Seekers, Nightlines, Sardines, and Night Trek are just a few possibilities.

The benefits are many — building skills and confidence, natural life for the animals, financial savings, and family memories.

When we all switch to appropriate or, even better, no lighting outside, the budding astronomers on the lake will be able to point their telescopes toward the Torrance Barrens, just ~30 km away, and see the wonders of the sky!

Dark Sky

Good Neighbour

Boating

Lake Actvities