R. Bouwmeester & Associates

R. Bouwmeester & Associates Sun & Shadow Position Specialists: Modeling Applications in
Collision & Crime Scene Reconstruction, Urban Development, Site Planning & Building Design

In the collision and crime scene reconstruction fields we confirm historical sunrise and sunset times and we determine the sun's position relative to the fields of view of drivers or pedestrians. We also provide investigators with alternate dates and times for site visits and photography under similar lighting conditions. In addition, we conduct forensic shadow analyses of photos and videos to det

ermine (or confirm) the date and time they were taken. Alternatively, if the date and time are known, we can narrow down the location where the photo or video may have been taken. In the fields of urban development, site planning and architecture we prepare shadow impact studies, solar access studies and daylighting analyses. Shadow impact studies include technical reports and drawings showing the predicted shadow patterns of proposed building projects. From these we determine how much sunlight will be lost in specific locations. Solar access and daylighting studies allow architects and planners to maximize exposure to sunlight in specific areas within a building (e.g. sunroom, living room, etc.) or on a site (e.g. pool, patio, etc.). We also provide expert witness testimony in the field of sun and shadow position modeling. We have appeared before criminal and civil courts in Canada and the US in accident and criminal cases and before land use tribunals (Ontario Land Tribunal - formerly LPAT and OMB) in land development application hearings.

The 'solar' billboard we designed for was unveiled on Earth Day 2008 in Oakland CA. Still one of my proudest designs.....
04/22/2026

The 'solar' billboard we designed for was unveiled on Earth Day 2008 in Oakland CA.

Still one of my proudest designs...

13 likes. "SunChips Solar Billboard"

One of the best sunrises of the year in Toronto is taking place this month. Torontohenge #2 of 2026.
04/08/2026

One of the best sunrises of the year in Toronto is taking place this month. Torontohenge #2 of 2026.

One of the best sunrises of the year is on its way to the Toronto to (hopefully) brighten things up this April. Here’s what to know about Torontohenge.

02/04/2026

This shift is subtle at first, but it accelerates quickly. Right now the extra daylight comes in small daily gains, often just a minute or two you barely notice. By late winter and early spring, those gains stack up fast, and sunsets start moving later in a way that suddenly feels obvious.

Nothing about the Sun itself is changing. This is pure geometry. Earth’s axial tilt is slowly reorienting our hemisphere toward direct sunlight, lifting the Sun’s daily arc higher in the sky and keeping it there longer. Longer days mean more solar energy, warmer afternoons, and the gradual return of seasonal rhythms that plants, animals, and humans have followed for millennia.

It’s one of the quiet constants of life on Earth. No announcement. No switch flipped. Just a steady reclaiming of light, minute by minute, reminding us that winter is not an endpoint, only a phase in a much larger cycle.

Torontohenge 2026Torontohenge is the name given for the phenomenon that occurs four times per year when the sun rises or...
01/22/2026

Torontohenge 2026

Torontohenge is the name given for the phenomenon that occurs four times per year when the sun rises or sets in line with Toronto's major east-west streets downtown. The event, twice per year at sunrise, and twice at sunset, gives photographers great opportunities to capture the sun as its top edge grazes the horizon between the canyon walls of buildings on either side of the street.

Although Torontohenge technically falls on the dates given below, great photos can be taken for about a week before the August and October dates and a week after the February and April dates as the rising/setting sun passes over the street. Not great for driving, but quite a sight just the same.

The Torontohenge dates for 2026 are:

February 15 - 5:48 PM EST

April 19 - 6:28 AM EDT

August 23 - 6:31 AM EDT

October 25 - 6:18 PM EDT

If you prefer to see the sun perched on the horizon (i.e. bottom of sun touches horizon), then subtract 3 minutes from the times shown above for February and October, and add 3 minutes in April and August.

See monthly Toronto sunrise and sunset times here...
https://www.sunposition.com/suntables/TorontoRS.html

Warning for Drivers and Pedestrians
Despite the opportunities for photographers, conditions for motorists and pedestrians may be difficult for a week or more after the February and April dates and before the August and October dates.

NOTE: The first and last hours of daylight are typically the worst. Be prepared, and be extra careful.

Cheers, Ralph

Photo courtesy of Rudy Limeback

Toronto gets one of its best sunsets of the year in October. See story in Torontodotcom >> https://t.co/2qdHU55laz
09/17/2025

Toronto gets one of its best sunsets of the year in October.

See story in Torontodotcom >> https://t.co/2qdHU55laz

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Barrie, ON

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