As part of the reconstruction project, Roncesvalles Renewed is exploring the issue of excessive street lighting.  Light pollution is a growing concern in urban centres across North America.  It wastes energy, produces dangerous driving conditions and a growing body of research suggests excessive light also poses serious health concerns.  Perhaps most importantly, excessive lighting all but obliterates the beauty of the night sky in most urban centres.  Many city children don't know what it means to look at the sky and see the stars.
 
Toronto, along with a growing number of cities, will participate in Earth Hour, a global movement to reduce light pollution and conserve energy. It's Saturday, March 29, 8 - 9 p.m.  For more info, see the article in the Toronto Star:
 
http://www.thestar.com/SpecialSections/EarthHour/article/295564
 
At our meeting on Friday, February 8th, astronomer Peter Hiscock, a member of the city's Light Pollution Abatement Committee, discussed the possibility of making Roncesvalles a pilot project for reducing light pollution in Toronto.  You can participate in Earth Hour by turning off your own lights for one hour on March 29.  We'll also bring you more details soon about the next initiative by Roncesvalles Renewed to take back the skies.