Casino lighting a concern

Editor:

I have become aware of an environmental issue that closely affects our community. A group of concerned citizens (Rural Environmental Preservation Association of Saskatchewan) have published information regarding their protest to the lighting of the Dakota Dunes Casino, south of Saskatoon.

The design features a tipi of light projected into the sky, using seven 332 million candle-power beams of light. Not only does this obliterate the dark night skies previously enjoyed by the rural residents, but the surrounding area is adversely affected by having 100 high-powered metal halide parking lot lights directed sideways instead of downward, creating light trespass on properties and in living rooms of residents a dozen kilometers away.

The issue, detailed in an article by REPAS on their website (www.repas-inc.ca), indicates that other casinos under construction, including Swift Current's, will follow suit with the same plan for lighting in the parking lot.

I agree with the article that this constitutes light pollution, showing a serious disregard for the rights of others who will lose their enjoyment of the night skies, and I am also concerned about the environmental impact of having such a large amount of energy consumption for the sake of "advertising" the casino's presence.

I feel it is important for the community of Swift Current to be properly informed on this matter, and that city council take an active role, including holding public consultations on what is being planned for the "Living Skies" casino.

My feeling is the skies only live up to their name when they are preserved as much as possible in their natural state, not with Vegas-style lighting.

I encourage others who are alarmed by this plan, to go to the website to read the full article, and to become proactive by calling on our local, provincial and federal government to take action rather than ignore or hold the discussion at arm's length.

At a time when individuals are becoming more aware of the impact of our lifestyle choices and are trying in multiple ways to reduce our carbon footprint, certainly a large project like this that has government participation at every level, should lead the way by responsible involvement and decision-making. It should not be up to Casino management to make a decision that is considered by many to adversely affect our community and the environment.

Kathryn Scott Swift Current