Lakeshore enacts nuisance lighting bylaw
The Municipality of Lakeshore has enacted a bylaw that prohibits people from having some lights that annoy their neighbours.
The amendment to the municipality's property standards bylaw was passed on Tuesday night and prohibits light fixtures that may negatively impact neighbours or lights that "unnecessarily illuminate neighbouring properties."
Lakeshore resident George Olijnyk says he brought the issue to one of the municipal councillors after his neighbour installed an LED light on their back porch.
He says the light shines right into his bedroom, waking him at 6 a.m. every day.
"I turn around and then I get the bright light coming through and then it's in my eyes, so I can't go back to sleep, " said Olijnyk.
He says he spent a few hundred dollars on trying to block the light with shades and stained glass and has tried to reason with the neighbour.
The light from a neighbour's LED porch light is what George Olijnyk says shines through his bedroom window. (George Olijnyk)
Olijnyk is hoping the bylaw will finally convince his neighbour to do something about his light.
Coun. John Kerr says he's received complaints from other residents.
"It's worked in other municipalities... We're not reinventing the wheel," Kerr said.
"We're not doing anything others haven't done and they've done it with some success."
Mayor Tracey Bailey says when a complaint is made to the bylaw enforcement division officers will first work to educate residents but if the problem isn't resolved they will move toward enforcement.
