The Village of Senneville wishes to inform its residents about light pollution, which is the excessive use of artificial nighttime lighting that alters the natural environmental cycles. It can affect ecosystems and certain animal species, particularly on migratory birds.
Effects on Birds
Nocturnal migratory birds can be disturbed by intense or upward-directed lighting. Observed effects include:
- Disruption of biological rhythms
- Deviation from migratory paths
- Risk of collisions with illuminated structures
- Attraction to brightly lit areas, potentially causing exhaustion
- Nocturnal birds of prey and insectivorous birds can also be affected, as light alters the behavior of their prey
Lighting and Best Practices
Certain practices can help reduce these effects while maintaining functional lighting:
- Turn off or reduce lighting when the area is not in use, or use timers and motion sensors
- Install low-mounted fixtures directed toward the ground to limit the illuminated area
- Use low-intensity lighting, such as dimmable LEDs, and avoid exceeding approximately 1 lux (equivalent to full moonlight)
- Choose warm-colored lights (2000–3000 K) or red/amber lights rather than cool white lights
Regulatory Reminder
We also wish to remind residents of By-law 428, Article 8, which regulates light-related nuisances within the municipal territory.
Source: QuébecOiseaux – Pollution lumineuse (french only)