South Downtown / River Landing Project
Concern: The City of Saskatoon already uses acorn luminaries as the new standard for downtown decorative lighting.  Acorn lights are 100% light polluting (completely unshielded) and require greater density and more fixtures to provide adequate on-the-ground illumination.  This is a great example of choosing fixtures that “look good” in the daytime and provide horrible night time illumination, glare, light trespass and energy waste.  We are concerned that this type of lighting will be perpetuated with the South Downtown Development on both City and MVA land near the river.  We hope to convince the City to convert to shielded fixtures for the development.   
Date Action Result
     
1-Dec-04 Stan Shadick (U of S) awarded the 2004 Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA) Environmental Awareness Award.  Shadick’s acceptance speech to 150 guests recommends sweeping changes to how the City of Saskatoon treats light pollution issues. MVA guest are very receptive to this speak, with cheers of support.  Huziak & Sarty of the Saskatchewan LPA Committee in attendance.
June 2004 City introduces concept of South Downtown Project.  Concept drawing by two consulting firms for City and MVA area both show period acorn lighting for decoration & main street lighting. Sask. LPA Committee is concerned about use of acorns as the new standard in downtown & decorative  lighting. Recent expansions of acorn lighting on 20th street as well. No action yet.