Leamington council passes bylaw to deal with light pollution

There were harsh words for the region's greenhouse operators Tuesday night before Leamington council voted in favour of a new bylaw cracking down on light pollution.

Mayor Hilda Macdonald said she resented being “forced” to make the decision.

“We really would have hoped the industry would have self-regulated,” she said. “But here we are, having to make regulations because no one wanted to comply. I will say this publicly: There is a grower who stated in the media that Leamington and Kingsville dropped the ball. That to me was a shot across the bow. We didn't drop the ball.

“Quite frankly in my books, the industry didn't even bend over to pick up the ball. So now here we are trying to fix this because our residents are livid. Our residents' quality of life is affected.”

Under the new Greenhouse Light Abatement Bylaw, operators must keep sidewalls and end walls completely covered with curtains from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise. Curtains must also be completely closed on greenhouse ceilings from one hour before sunset until one hour after sunrise, except between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. During that time, the ceiling curtains must be at least 90 per cent closed.

Greenhouses must have sidewalls and end walls installed and operational by April 1. The ceiling curtains must be up by Oct. 1. In the interim, operators without curtains must shut out the lights from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. starting Jan. 1.

The maximum fine is $1,000. But enforcement officers can seek higher fines under the Provincial Offences Act. Each day a violation of the bylaw continues is considered a separate offence.

Leamington follows in the footsteps of Kingsville council, which passed a bylaw in October ordering that light cannot cause “a nuisance” by shining on neighbouring properties or into the night sky. They set fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $50,000 for corporations for a first offence.

Leamington council waited the extra month to get more input from growers and the public. Most of the 1,300 residents who gave feedback wanted 100 per cent closure on walls and ceilings. Coun. Bill Dunn said he also preferred that.

“Ambient light just keeps getting bigger and bigger,” he said. “We've had variety stores and apartment buildings where they've had to change lighting to make sure the residents can enjoy their properties. Also, the impact on astronomy and the park. I think we give them time.”

Justine Taylor, manager of Science and Government Relations for the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, said that 100 per cent closure isn't possible because greenhouses need to be vented.

A delegation from the organization, a non-profit representing about 220 operators, appeared virtually before council Tuesday.

“We are trying to achieve a workable solution for all,” said general manager Joseph Sbrocchi. “I hope we are being given a little bit of credit for that.”