For the past year, the Kamloops Astronomical Society has been working on fulfilling requirements for establishing a Dark Sky Preserve at the Stake Lake Recreation Area where our observatory is located. This designation is granted by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and currently there are only 13 Dark Sky Preserves in Canada, with just two in BC.

Our group is very concerned that the proposed Ajax Mine will contribute significant light pollution to the skies over Stake Lake. We have met with the Environmental Assessment Office representatives and were impressed with their knowledge of the issues around light pollution and their willingness to listen to our concerns. We have accepted a position on the EAO advisory committee which meets early in February. In the meantime, we will continue working towards Dark Sky Preserve status for Stake Lake and will keep you posted on what happens in the advisory committee.