The Municipality of Leamington has made some changes to its greenhouse light abatement bylaw.
The bylaw was originally passed in December 2020. As a result, several greenhouse owners went before the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board to seek exemptions.
The municipality worked with the board to resolve some of the concerns of the greenhouse owners and several provisions were made.
In order to have the same provisions in place for all greenhouses in the municipality, the original bylaw was repealed and a new bylaw was enacted.
“For Council, it was important to ensure a balance between supporting the economic growth from our greenhouse industry, and protecting the quality of life of our residents,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “I believe this new By-law will allow us to accomplish that balance.”
The new bylaw includes several provisions including:
-Sidewall and endwall curtains must be installed and remain closed.
-Until the date that is the earlier October 1, 2023, or the date that a greenhouse owner has installed all required curtains, lights may be on until 10:00 PM.
-As of October 1, 2023, ceiling curtains must be installed and closed in accordance with the provisions of the bylaw.
-As of October 1, 2022, greenhouse owners who have not installed ceiling curtains must provide proof of purchase of the same.
-The specific time of day for curtain closure is included rather than referring to sunrise and sunset.
-Specific times of day to allow for gapping of ceiling curtains, up to 10 per cent, have been included.