Brian Whitehead, MA, MCIP, RPP

Brian obtained his Masters Degree in Regional Planning and Resources Development from the University of Waterloo. His thesis involved research on the impact of waterfront residential development on community services here in cottage country. After working several years in both private and government sectors, Brian has returned “home” to take the position as Director of Planning Services with the District Municipality of Muskoka.

Brian is coordinating an inter-municipal working group involved in the promotion of a stewardship initiative and the identification of common site plan guidelines for non-residential lighting. A brochure, “ A Sensible Waterfront Lighting Guide, Help Preserve Our Night Sky” has been prepared. Stakeholders involved in producing the brochure included all municipalities in the District of Muskoka, several municipalities surrounding the District as well as organizations including the Muskoka Heritage Foundation, Muskoka Lakes Association and Georgian Bay Association Foundation. Brian is currently working on a draft lighting by-law for consideration by interested area municipalities.

Controlling Light Pollution

Light pollution has attracted increased attention in recent years as an issue to be addressed through the land use planning and development approvals process. In addition to the natural, cultural and human health-related reasons for preserving the night sky, the two most serious land use planning issues associated with lighting are glare and light trespass. Poorly designed or poorly installed lighting causes glare that can severely hamper vision and create a hazard rather than increasing safety. Poorly designed lighting can also trespass onto neighbouring properties, invading privacy and creating an unattractive look to an area.

Development controls are available to municipalities to effectively regulate outdoor illumination associated with new development. Municipalities can also set an example by undertaking corporate initiatives to control light pollution. However, the regulation of outdoor illumination associated with existing development is a bigger challenge. Stewardship initiatives by individuals and organizations committed to preserving the dark sky are necessary in order to create greater awareness of the adverse effects associated with light pollution and encourage the mitigation of existing light pollution problems.

Dark Sky Initiatives In Muskoka (pdf) - Brian Whitehead

SPEAKERS

Bidwell, Tony
Buchanan, Bryant
Crawford, Dr. David L.
Dick, Robert Stephen
Dickinson, Terence
French, Randy P.
Hill, Tom
Hills, Reverend Johanne
Hollan, Jenik
Hummel, Monte
Lickers, F. Henry
Lockley, Steven W.
Mesure, Michael
Moore, Chad A.
Reid, Ron
Riley, John L.
Roberts, Dr. Joan
Rutenberg, Tony
Shaver, Dorothy
Welch, David
Whitehead, Brian
Wise, Sharon