Chatham-Kent is set to implement a new bylaw that will lessen the amount of greenhouse light emissions across the region.
The new bylaw will replace an interim one that is set to expire on May 10, 2023.
The bylaw requires the installation of blackout curtains on the sidewalls, end walls, and ceilings of lit greenhouses. The curtains will be used between the hours of sunset to sunrise.
"As more greenhouses have incorporated artificial lighting into their operations, so has the volume of light that emanates from these facilities into the nighttime sky and onto adjacent properties," read a report presented to council Monday night. "The negative impact that artificial lighting can have on quality of life is particularly evident in areas that feature a high concentration of greenhouses."
The bylaw includes an allowance for increased light emissions for ceiling venting.
This will allow operators to retract ceiling curtains up to 10 per cent for venting purposes between the times of sunset to 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. to sunrise.
"The technical limitation with blackout curtain technology is it cannot prevent all light from escaping during the venting process, which involves physically opening ceiling vents and creates an opening where light can also escape the greenhouse," read the report.
There will be an 18-month phase-in period to give existing greenhouse operators time to comply with the new regulation.
The new bylaw will also establish an enforcement system for those who don’t comply with the by-law.