LETTER TO THE WHARF Re: Bright Lights At Night at Muskoka Wharf...
Mr. Bruce Evans
Evanco Group of Companies
900 Bay Street,
Box 1313
Gravenhurst Ontario
P1P 1V5
July 14, 2008
Dear Mr. Evans:
During the development of Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst residents were promised a number of benefits. They included ‘dark sky friendly’ lights. With your name associated, I was confident that this promise would be delivered and advised concerned individuals accordingly. The Town of Gravenhurst, to its credit obviously researched lighting and installed street lighting that fulfilled the promise of ‘dark sky friendly’. ‘Dark sky friendly’ lights shine down, not out.
How disappointed we were, when Boston Pizza installed lighting which shines out over Muskoka Bay. Conversations have been had with Boston Pizza management, Mayor Klinck, councillors, wharf project staff, followed by a letters to Greg Evans. The issue remains unresolved and very contentious.
Justifications provided for this visual pollution were lights shining out over the Bay until 4:00 a.m. or so, were for the safety of patrons and staff members. Studies show that it is ‘down’ lighting, not ‘out’ lighting that provides for safety. It is understandable that parking lot and patio lights remain on for staff security, but they should shine downwards and not out over the Bay.
Recently, a member of Muskoka Lakes Township ratepayers publicly commended the Wharf’s ‘dark sky’ lighting with the exception of ‘Boston Pizza’. This is not good for the restaurant’s image.
Boston Pizza lights are not ‘dark sky friendly’, which would be very evident to you if you were to view them from water. On a calm night, the power and irritation factor is doubled because of the reflected glare.
Imagine our disappointment when ‘Regatta’ turned on its lights recently. Once again, with little concern for the environment and Muskoka Bay residents, lights shine out over the Bay.
To us, the solution to these problems is simple – shield Boston Pizza lights from the water (no need to replace or turn them off). Shine Regatta lights towards the building, not out over the water. Turn out the sign lights facing the Bay at reasonable hours – no boaters or cottagers are attracted to the shores by the signs after 10 pm or so – quite the opposite occurs.
Please Mr. Evans. Do the right thing for the environment and for the people of Gravenhurst and Muskoka Bay. Become ‘dark sky friendly’.
I would appreciate your response Mr. Evans, so that I can pass it on to our membership. We sincerely hope that you are able to resolve this issue as it will not go away on its own.
Sincerely
Diane Yeates
President, Muskoka Bay Property Owners’ Association
687-4648