Greenhouse development in Chatham-Kent has increased steadily over the past several years. According to the Canada Census, 168 acres of greenhouses existed in Chatham-Kent in 2011. By 2016, greenhouse development increased by 76% over 2011 to 297 acres. Greenhouse development is anticipated to have exceeded 600 acres in 2021. Now the municipality is taking steps to manage large greenhouse developments and also light pollution in the community.
According to report that was presented yesterday in the council meeting, there are currently no provincial regulations that address greenhouse lighting. The report recommends to formalize consultation with stakeholders and present a by-law for Council’s consideration. By-laws like this have been adopted by Town of Leamington, Town of Kingsville, and Municipality of Lakeshore, to regulate and enforce light abatement.
“This process will involve community consultation utilizing online platforms such as Let’s Talk CK, industry consultation with local farmers and associations such as the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association, Kent Federation of Agriculture, and Government consultation including Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and other municipalities
The recommendations regarding greenhouse lighting are set to come back to council no later than September 20, 2021.
In Chatham-Kent, greenhouses have developed in a dispersed pattern, and not concentrated in any one area. No formal public consultation regarding this issue has occurred to date. Informal consultation with greenhouse operators has revealed an industry best practice for light abatement.