What It Means for Your Property — and How to Update Your Existing System
The Town of Huntsville has recently introduced a new Outdoor Lighting By-law designed to reduce light pollution, protect wildlife, and preserve Muskoka’s natural night environment.
For many property owners, this raises an important question:
“Does my current landscape lighting system comply?”
At Earth Elements, we’ve always prioritized refined, low-glare lighting designs that complement the Muskoka landscape. Many of our systems already align closely with the new standards. However, some properties — particularly those with accent or uplighting — may require minor updates.
Below is a breakdown of what the by-law requires and the practical options available to bring existing systems into alignment.
What the New By-law Requires
The key elements of the regulation include:
Outdoor fixtures must be fully shielded and directed downward
Landscape lighting must be low-output (maximum 350 lumens per fixture)
Most decorative and architectural lighting must be turned off between 11:00 PM and sunrise
Lighting must not create glare or spill onto neighbouring properties or waterways
The intent is not to eliminate outdoor lighting — it’s to ensure lighting is thoughtful, controlled, and respectful of Muskoka’s night sky.
Does This Affect Existing Landscape Lighting?
In some cases, yes.
Traditional uplighting, wide flood lighting, or systems without automated shutoff may require adjustment. The good news is that most updates are straightforward and can often be done without replacing the entire system.
Options to Update Your Current Lighting System
1. Adding Dedicated Accent Lighting Zones
One of the most common updates is separating accent or uplighting onto its own zone.
This allows:
Decorative lighting to automatically shut off at 11:00 PM
Pathway and safety lighting to remain active
Greater flexibility in seasonal programming
Full compliance without sacrificing evening ambiance
Modern controllers and smart systems make this upgrade seamless.
2. Installing Hex Baffles & Glare Shields
For properties with uplighting, we can often improve compliance by:
Adding hex baffles
Installing glare shields
Tightening beam angles
Reducing side spill
These small modifications significantly reduce visible glare and upward light while maintaining the visual impact of trees, stonework, and architectural features.
3. Lowering LED Output
Many systems were originally designed for visual impact rather than regulation limits.
Simple adjustments can include:
Switching to lower-lumen lamps
Adjusting dimming levels
Reprogramming output settings
Lower output often results in a more refined, natural look while meeting Dark Sky standards.
4. Fixture Repositioning & Re-Aiming
In some cases, compliance is achieved simply by:
Adjusting fixture angles
Moving fixtures slightly farther from water or property lines
Narrowing beam spread
Focusing on trunks or textures instead of full canopy illumination
Precise aiming makes a significant difference in light control.
5. Redesigning to a Dark Sky–Friendly System
For older or heavily uplight-focused systems, a partial redesign may be the best solution.
This can include:
Transitioning from canopy uplighting to trunk grazing
Introducing shielded downlighting
Incorporating recessed step and deck lighting
Creating layered, subtle illumination instead of high-intensity effects
The result is often a more elegant and modern look — with improved efficiency and full regulatory compliance.
Why This Matters
Beyond meeting municipal requirements, Dark Sky–compliant lighting offers real benefits:
Preserves lake reflections and star visibility
Reduces disruption to wildlife
Improves neighbour privacy
Lowers energy consumption
Protects your property investment
Thoughtful lighting enhances Muskoka — it should never overpower it.
Our Approach Moving Forward
At Earth Elements, we are now offering Dark Sky Lighting Reviews to:
Assess existing systems
Identify potential compliance concerns
Recommend simple upgrades or adjustments
Provide documentation where needed
Our goal is to ensure your lighting remains beautiful, functional, and worry-free.
If you would like your system reviewed or have questions about how the new by-law applies to your property, we’re happy to help.
Preserving Muskoka’s night environment while maintaining refined outdoor living — that’s lighting done right.
