Solutions

Three Lessons from Kingsville, Canada

The town of Kingsville in Canada offers us insights beyond solutions to light problems. Faced with a unique local source of light pollution, we get a glimpse of how everyday residents play a part in pushing for bigger change in the management of light pollution. 

But first, let me introduce the problem. Over the past few years, Kingsville has become a popular nesting ground for agricultural greenhouses that operate round the clock (Waddell, 2019). This is problematic because grow lights are used for strawberry, tomato and cannabis plantations (Waddell, 2019). To make matters worse, the use of these lights are intensified during the October and March following changing seasons (Caton, 2020). Beyond creating a lighting glare problem, the creation of skyglow is especially problematic in the fall and winter season where large cloud covers enable greater light reflection (Caton, 2020). Hence, the supposedly dark skies at 2 or 3 in the morning appear bright as day (Caton, 2020). 

The process of light management in Kingsville offers us several insights into inducing change.  

1. People have the power to induce change

As the light pollution from the greenhouses began to adversely impact local residents of Kingsville, the local council was swarmed with resident complaints. In response, the local administration put in place regulations for the installation of roof and side curtain to be completed within two years (Waddell, 2019). Along with the local council’s commitment to the well-being of their residents, the power people have to vote in and hence determine political powers makes them power actors in pushing for change. 

2. Compliance to change is best assisted by the state

  • Incentives 

The state has attempted to speed up the installations by collecting security deposits of up to 50% of the installation costs (Waddell, 2019). 

  • Penalties 

In the case of a company failing to comply with the imposed regulations, the state can then use this deposit on behalf of the company to pay for installation works to move the project along (Waddell, 2019). In addition, they have also implemented direct penalties such as the charge of fines (Waddell, 2019). 

The effectiveness of these regulations is evident in the absence of any charges made against any greenhouse companies and high compliance and cooperation on the end of the industry (Waddell, 2019).

  • Clarity through Legal Language

Clarity of imposed regulations is only prioritised in Kingsville as they began working on adding a new section to their town’s master plan (Waddell, 2019). This involves the measurement of lumens that is acceptable while ensuring that sufficient light is provided for the needs of different crops (Waddell, 2019). Providing equitable regulations provides clarity for all greenhouse companies in obtaining the right information to follow.

3. Understanding between stakeholders is key 

While it might appear that the local council of Kingsville has enforced regulations and penalties to force compliance by the greenhouse industry, it is not entirely so. There is also evidence that the local council has demonstrated understanding to the challenges of the industry in transiting to a state of compliance. For instance, they have recognised the curtains required as specialised products which require time to be tailored and installed (Waddell, 2019). Hence, they have provided a two-year grace for its installation. 

The council has also noted the effect of the installation of roof curtains on agricultural crops such as the changes to moisture and humidity levels resulting from its installation (Caton, 2020). Furthermore, the installation of roof curtains are prominent from the large number of greenhouses only meeting 80-90% blind installation compliance because of the challenge of roof curtains (Waddell, 2019). This understanding is key in pushing for change as regulations imposed are executed in a constructive manner, recognising that both parties are working towards the same goal. 

While Kingsville has yet to solve all of its light pollution problems, it has certainly come a long way. Altogether, it offers us hope that light management can be executed in ways that receive both support from private industries as well as the state. 

Till next time!

Trudie

 

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