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'Ridiculous:' Lake Country seniors frustrated by bright lights from Home Hardware

'It is necessary to have security lighting, as there have been several thefts at night'

Residents of a seniors housing building in Lake Country say theyѻýve had enough of bright lights from the Home Hardware across the street glaring into their suites.

Gloria Clay says she and her neighbours, in seven other units at Woodsdale Place, have put up with the situation for the past five years.

ѻýWe have complained since the new owners took over about the bright lights,ѻý she said. ѻýIf you have a sensor light and it comes on, thatѻýs different ѻý but you still canѻýt have it shining directly into your neighboursѻý windows. Thatѻýs nuisance lighting.ѻý

She said that closing window blinds or drapes doesnѻýt help block out the glare.

ѻýIѻýve been dealing with bylaw about it, and the town even brought out a new bylaw since we started complaining about nuisance lighting. But Iѻým having an issue with the town not enforcing that.ѻý

The to include rules around exterior lighting. Property owners or occupants are not allowed to set up or use outdoor lighting in a way that shines directly into the window or opening of a nearby home.

The bylaw also prohibits lighting that unreasonably disturbs a neighbourѻýs peace, rest, comfort, or enjoyment of their property. If someone fails to redirect or shield the lighting, they can be fined $50 if the issue is addressed within 30 days, or $100 if it goes unresolved after that.

Black Press Media contacted the District of Lake Country for comment but was told that neither the bylaw nor planning departments were willing to speak on the matter.

ѻýThat is ridiculous ѻý we canѻýt even sit out on our patios in the evening without that light glaring us in the face and shining into our suites,ѻý Clay said.

Home Hardware co-owner Mona McKay told Black Press Media that the lights are a much-needed deterrent.

ѻýOur business has a large parking lot, and it is necessary to have security lighting, as there have been several thefts at night,ѻý McKay said. ѻýWe have had complaints in the past by the same people, and we have tried to be accommodating by adjusting the direction of the lights. Our business, like many others everywhere, has lighting at night to protect their property.ѻý

Clay acknowledged the changes but added there was still one particular light causing residents discomfort.

ѻýI donѻýt even talk to them anymore,ѻý she noted.

Woodsdale Place residents may not have to put up with the bright lights much longer. The Home Hardware property was rezoned in January to eventually make way for a mixed-use rental development on the back half of the lot. The business will stay on the site until the project is completed and then move to a new building.

However, Clay points out that could take several years.



About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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