Greenhouses promise `reasonable and effective' solution being sought to light pollution issues
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers are moving forward with “reasonable and effective” solutions to the nighttime glow problem, the association promised in a recent statement.
According to the OGVG, the association has “enhanced” its efforts to find and implement light mitigation methods that will satisfy both the community and greenhouse owners.
“Our commitment to finding workable solutions is a priority for us,” said OGVG general manager Joe Sbrocchi.
“We continue to work with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the University of Windsor, the University of Guelph and Agriculture and Agri-food Canada to identify lighting strategies and abatement techniques and technologies that can work in the unique climate of southern Ontario.”
That said, OGVG pointed out that having advanced year-round greenhouse produce requires “additional light and heat.”
“Our growers understand and share community concerns on the effects of light pollution to the
environment,” assured George Gilvesy, chair of OGVG.
The statement by OGVG follows the Town of Kingsville's update last week about enforcement efforts on the municipality's new bylaw meant to regulate “nuisance” lighting and odours from commercial cultivation of cannabis and other plants.
In the time since the bylaw was passed on Oct. 26, the Town of
Kingsville has held information meetings with more than 30 representatives of greenhouse owners in the area.
“Since discussions began, the overwhelming majority of commercial growers have proven themselves receptive to working with the municipality to move their operations towards compliance,” the Town of Kingsville stated.
These growers have presented plans for light abatement methods — such as extensive curtaining — as well as purchase receipts and installation time frames.
According to the Town of Kingsville, companies that have done these things are “making reasonable efforts to become compliant as quickly as possible” and will not be subject to fines — “provided their plans remain intact and on track with what was presented.”
However, the municipality also noted there are “remaining greenhouse owners” who continue to utilize grow lights and have not responded or presented abatement strategies. These companies “may be subject to further enforcement,” the Town of Kingsville warned.
Community complaints on this issue can be submitted online via the Town of Kingsville's website (www.kingsville.ca/reportit).
Kingsville CAO John Norton said he thinks the municipality is heading in the right direction on the issue, but the public should be patient.
“I had informed town council and the public when the bylaw was passed that the process of enforcement could take a couple of years before we will see dark skies,” Norton said.
“We have already been questioned on the legality of our bylaw, so we have to do enforcement carefully.”