Dominion Astrophysical Observatory at night. Image courtesy of the Centre of the Universe.

Twenty-one years ago, during my first term on Council, I was holding my weekly coffee chat at JJ's Café in Brentwood Bay.

A senior named Hanke came by and talked to me about light pollution.

I hadn't given the issue much thought. He explained that unnecessary light at night doesn't just make it harder to see the stars. He also told me about research into artificial light and our natural circadian rhythms.

I went away and learned more. Between January and March 2005, I brought three memoranda to Council about light pollution.

We have a particular reason to think about the night sky here. Just south of Central Saanich is the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, and protecting the night sky matters for astronomy as well as for those of us who simply enjoy looking up at the stars.

The science has also developed considerably since Hanke first spoke with me. We know that artificial light at night can affect circadian rhythms, although researchers continue to study how ordinary outdoor lighting affects human health.

There are people doing practical work on this today. DarkSky International works to protect the night from light pollution, and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Victoria Centre has a local Night Lighting program with information about reducing unnecessary outdoor light.

I like remembering how this one started.

A resident came to my coffee chat and told me about something I knew little about. I listened, learned more, and took it to Council.

Twenty-one years later, I'm still learning from people who come to talk with me at my cafe chats or elsewhere.