Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Southern Ontario’s best stargazing spot is getting an upgrade, much to the delight of night sky watchers far and wide.
Work is already underway on Lennox and Addington’s Dark Sky Viewing Area, with the face-lift expected to be complete in April.
“There are a number of aspects to this project,” explains Rob Plumley, economic development officer with L&A County. “We’ve expanded the concrete platform to allow more space for telescope and camera setup. We’re also in the process of building barrier fencing along the southern edge of the viewing area to reduce vehicle headlights from shining on the platform. In the spring we’ll be finishing the project by installing solar panels so that visitors can easily plug in to operate their telescope and camera equipment. We’ve also purchased a large telescope that will greatly enhance our presentation capabilities beginning next year.”
First opened in 2013, Erinsville’s Dark Sky Viewing Area is known as one of the best places in the province to view the stars, free from the light pollution of major cities.
“These upgrades are the first major construction projects undertaken since that time,” said Plumley. “Over the past 10 years, the popularity of the site has grown exponentially. Thousands of people visit the site every year. Most are from urban areas where you can’t see a pristine night sky that is unobstructed by light pollution. We’re known as the most southerly dark sky site in the province.”
Located just off the road on Hwy 41, surrounded by trees, the site has been a huge draw for photographers and stargazers who can use the concrete slab to set up a tripod or telescope. As popular as its been, there were some minor flaws that visitors had mentioned over the years that if addressed, could make for an even better experience.
“These improvements will go a long way in addressing the issues that we’ve heard from our visitors over the years,” said Plumley.
Access to the site is free, which can make tracking the exact number of visitors difficult. Whenever they do host a laser-guided tour or photography workshop, guests travel from far and wide to attend. The late-night nature of the event means guests are likely to book a hotel accommodation and stay a night or two while in town.
“We’ve definitely become a destination for stargazing tourists,” said Plumley. “Our laser-guided tours of the night sky typically draw over 200 plus people each night we host, and we’re busy on non-event nights too. Dozens of people are also visiting each night for general stargazing and astrophotography sessions. We estimate that 75-80 percent of visitors are from urban areas where light pollution prevents them from viewing the night sky from their home location.”
No formal events are planned for the winter months, but the site remains open year-round, with the parking lot cleared of snow on a regular basis. Those who do brave the chilly nights can be treated to some spectacular sights, including the annual Geminids meteor shower, which will take place Dec. 14 and 15.
The site is located at 7980 Lennox and Addington County Rd 41.