Dark sky designation: Quebec's Mont-Tremblant Park is officially star gazers' paradise
Lovers of starry skies and all manner of celestial spectacles can now visit Quebec's Mont-Tremblant National Park knowing it's received an official dark sky stamp of approval.
Newly designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Mont-Tremblant is being recognized by the International Dark Sky Places Program (IDSPP), for the work it has done to protect its nocturnal environment.
IDSPP is a non-regulatory and voluntary program that promotes environmentally responsible public lighting, according to a press release issued by the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (SEPAQ) which is a a provincial group of open-air establishments.
When light is used gratuitously and without thought or planning, SEPAQ wrote, it can "disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe."
- IN PICTURES: Rare blue supermoon as seen around the world
To maintain a natural environment that's free from excessive amounts of light pollution, Mont-Tremblant Park actively monitors the night sky, and collaborates with surrounding communities and dark-sky advocates, said Amber Harrison, DarkSky's International Dark Sky Places Program Manager.
Park management also converted light fixtures and focused on educating its neighbours and visitors about dark sky policies.
"Certification as an International Dark Sky Park will enhance our ability to raise public awareness of light pollution and to protect an important component of our intangible heritage," said Hugues Tennier, the park's Manager of Education and Conservation.
About 600,000 people visit Mont-Tremblant National Park annually. On this year's park day being held Sat. On Sept. 9, there will be specially organized activities.
DarkSky International's mission is to protect the nighttime environment through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting.
SIXTH DARK SKY DESIGNATION IN CANADA
Mont-Tremblant is the third International Dark Sky Park in Canada, joining Quetico Provincial Park on the Ontario-Minnesota border, and Waterton-Glacier International Peace park in Alberta.
Bon Accord, Alberta is considered an International Dark Sky Community.
In Quebec Mont-Megantic is a Dark Sky Reserve and Parc du Mont-Bellevue is an Urban Night Sky Place.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Happy tears' of victim's sister after prison attack on serial killer Robert Pickton
Cynthia Cardinal said she was 'overwhelmed' with happiness when she received a text message on Monday with the news that serial killer Robert Pickton, who murdered her sister, was attacked in prison. She called it 'karma.'
DEVELOPING Police investigating suspicious substance near U.S. Capitol
U.S. Capitol Police were investigating a suspicious substance Wednesday on a street near the Capitol and where the Republican National Committee headquarters are located, the police said in a statement.
Fish oil supplements may raise risk of stroke, heart issues, study suggests
As an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, daily fish oil supplements are a popular way to keep the risk of cardiovascular disease at bay.
Montreal photographer captures dramatic Canada goose vs. fox fight on video
A Montreal photographer captured the moment a Canada goose defended itself from a fox at the Botanical Garden.
Interpol says more than 1,500 stolen Canadian vehicles identified since February
Interpol says more than 200 stolen Canadian vehicles have been found each week across the globe since February.
Thunderstorms with tornado risk in some areas in Ontario, snow elsewhere in Canada
Canadians can expect a mixed bag of weather, with forecasts warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and snow in some areas across western Canada.
opinion Biden steals debate issue from Trump campaign, makes it his own
Donald Trump had spent weeks needling U.S. President Joe Biden for his refusal to commit to a debate. But Washington political columnist Eric Ham describes how in one fell swoop, Biden ingeniously stole the issue from the Trump campaign and made it his own.
'All hell broke loose': Passengers on Singapore Airlines flight describe nightmare at 37,000 feet
Passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight hit by severe turbulence on Tuesday described a sudden, dramatic drop as 'all hell broke loose' on board the Boeing airliner carrying 229 passengers and crew.
3 people dead after stabbing in Plateau-Mont-Royal: Montreal police
Three people are dead after they were stabbed in Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal borough Tuesday evening, police say.