Dear Smithers Council,
I read the story about light pollution in Smithers.
https://www.interior-news.com/news/resident-wants-action-on-light-pollution
Light pollution has rapidly become a serious issue. Globally, light is pollution is increasing at 2% per year. There is suddenly an insect Armageddon due to too much light at night. We humans can no longer view the stars. Our circadian rhythms are being damaged, leading to serious health conditions.
The town of Smithers needs to set a goal of Class 3 or better on the Bortle scale of light pollution. In order to accomplish this, develop lighting regulations such as those used in Flagsaff, Arizona.
1) Maximum color temperature of 2200K amber LED lights
2) All lights shielded and diffused
3) Eliminate light poles. Replace with 1 meter tall bollards
4) By 2022, all new vehicles will have Auomated Braking Systems. There is no longer a need to illuminate the roadway where cars travel. Only light bike and pedestrian paths.
5) Require all businesses to follow similar regulations to ensure that the Class 3 goal is met in all areas of the city and surrounding areas.
6) Lighting curfew of 11pm to 5am.
There are millions and millions of stars out there. Viewing the stars is a fundamental human right. The entire ecosystem depends on a nigh/day cycle. We must endeavor to protect this cycle.
(gatrill@smithers.ca, lbenson@smithers.ca, gbrown@smithers.ca, jbuikema@smithers.ca, cthomas@smithers.ca, fwray@smithers.ca)