INSIGHTS:

Did a UFO land on the other side of the lake, or is that a new Subway stop?

On our 20th Wedding anniversary my wife and I decided to celebrate it in the middle of Lake Muskoka. As we came out of the mouth of the Muskoka River we couldn't believe the amount of light coming of the far shore. While we cruised slowly to the site we theorized that it must be a new commercial resort or business. Why would anyone want that much light around their cottage? As we were drawn to the light we realized that it was one cottage and one boathouse, albeit, a big cottage and a big boathouse.

We counted in excess of 30 lights on the dock and boathouse, and greater than 50 on the remaining property. We couldn't understand why some much lighting was desired. In the city there may be an increased need to ensure safety due to the larger crime rate, but why was some much light desired here, in a place where people hide from the features and characteristics of the city.

When people come to cottage country they have to remember to try and leave the city behind them. However, what we are finding is a proliferation of Noma (oops, sorry, did I mention a brand name?) style lights popping up on every shoreline and cottage dock. What disturbs me even more is that when people go home, they leave the lights on for the rest of us to put up with.

If you have to have landscaping lights on the lake, please consider turning your lights away from the neighbours, and using timers or motion detectors. Motion detectors will turn on the lights when something moves around your cottage, which is a good signal for your neighbours if you are concerned about crime.

Keep it dark!

Randy French, MCIP RPP
Natural Heritage Committee
Muskoka Heritage Foundation