Photo: End to winter blues in Sweden

Here’s an idea that could help make Canada’s Arctic communities brighter: the power corporation in Luleå, Sweden, which lies at about the same northern latitude as the Baffin Island community of Qikiqtarjuaq, has found a novel way to keep people more peppy during the dark season. In 26 bus shelters, Umea Energy has installed light boards with special lamps used in photo-therapy. In five bus shelters, the company also added extra lights. The light at the bus stops now simulates daylight artificially, it’s completely harmless and does not generate any harmful ultra-violet radiation. Light therapy, used to treat seasonal depression and improve skin conditions such as eczema, is widely used in northern Europe. (PHOTO COURTESY OF UMEA ENERGY)