FAQs

In June 2021, Council directed staff to develop a policy in response to supporting the region's UNESCO Dark Sky Designation. The Municipality of the District of Argyle took the lead in Yarmouth County to address Dark Sky provisions in policy. This policy will help preserve the Dark Sky designation and protect against the harms of light pollution.

The Dark Sky Policy (and associated Land Use Bylaw amendments) apply to new developments and exterior renovations of Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, or High Density Residential, and projects or infrastructure owned by the Town on public property.

• Outdoor light fixtures should be fully cut-off so that they do not emit any light above the bottom of the light fixture. 
• Light fixtures also need to be arranged on development sites in a manner that diverts light away from streets, adjacent lots, and buildings. Lights must not exceed a maximum colour temperature of 3,000 Kelvin.
• Fixtures must be connected to an astronomical timer and / or motion sensors to either dim or shut off, to prevent unnecessary light transmission during night-time hours, or when not in use.
• New development sites must not exceed a total of 250,000 Lumens for all lighting fixtures installed on the site.  

The inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light, which can have consequences for humans, wildlife, and the environment. 

Humans

• Humans evolved to a cycle of day and night. Research suggests that artificial light at night can negatively affect health, increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, and more.

 Wildlife

• Many species are nocturnal and artificial light can affect their reproduction and predatory cycles.
• Birds that migrate or hunt at night navigate by moonlight and starlight. Artificial light can cause them to wander off course toward dangerous structures causing them to collide. Every year millions of birds die colliding with buildings.

Environment

• Approximately 30% of outdoor lighting is waste, shining when and where it is not needed. Not only is this economically inefficient, it increases emissions affecting the natural environment.
• Installing quality outdoor lighting could cut energy use by 60 - 70%.

Source: International Dark Sky Association, 2022.

A dark sky does not necessarily mean a dark ground. Smart lighting that directs light where it is needed creates a balance between safety and starlight. 

Outdoor lighting is intended to enhance safety and security at night, but too much lighting can actually have the opposite effect. Visibility should always be the goal. Glare from bright, unshielded lights actually decreases safety because it shines into our eyes and constricts our pupils. This can not only be blinding, it also makes it more difficult for our eyes to adjust to low-light conditions. 

Source: International Dark Sky Association, 2022.

A Light Efficient Community uses light responsibly, lighting the night-time environment only when and where it is essential. It uses only the right amount of light necessary for the task. This minimizes energy waste, lowers power-related costs, and reduces its carbon footprint. Citizens take pride in preserving a dark sky, while enhancing its health, safety and quality of life.

Dark-sky and energy efficient lighting improves visibility and conserves the night-time environment by reducing ambient light levels, energy costs and power consumption, carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as negative impacts to the health of people and wildlife. Installing this type of lighting also ensure our skies remain dark, allowing for residents and visitors to the area to continue to enjoy a clear view of constellations. 

Many local hardware retailers offer solutions to adhere to this Dark Sky Policy. There are increasing choices for Full Cut-Off fixtures and International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) approved fixtures at hardware stores. 

Although this policy was created mainly for Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, or High Density Residential projects, we all benefit from reducing light pollution and maintaining our dark skies. For more information on dark skies, visit https://www.darksky.org/