KENILWORTH – Christina Cook has seen the light – and she doesn’t like it.
She approached Wellington North council on Aug. 26 to ask for a new or enhanced bylaw prohibiting light intrusion.
“I have been a resident of Mount Forest since 2015 and a resident of Wellington North my entire life,” said Cook. “I greatly enjoy living in our beautiful town and am looking for council’s help to ensure the enjoyment for all residents.”
She added, “It is my concern that residents of Wellington North have been or are being affected by light nuisance/intrusion.”
Cook asked that a new bylaw be created to prohibit the intrusion of light in residential areas from other residential properties – directly or indirectly – regardless of whether a dwelling has curtains, shades, blinds or other window coverings.
“Light should remain on an owner’s property and should not intrude on other dwellings causing shadows, causing glare, reflecting off property or causing any nuisance to other neighbouring dwellings.”
Cook contends that she and her family have been a victim of light nuisance/intrusion for the past year, which is why she is now coming to council.
“I have tried to resolve this issue with the owner of the offending property with no resolution,” she said.
She added police have attended calls to the street nine times since January.
She added Wellington North bylaw enforcement had also been involved a number of times with little resolution.
“I do not feel it is unfair to ask that I be able to enjoy my home without a light intruding upon it,” she said.
The light causing concern is turned on each night when the homeowners are present from before dusk to 11pm, Cook stated.
She added the only rooms unaffected by this light are the master bedroom and a downstairs laundry – “It is not fair that the enjoyment of my home is being compromised.”
She also noted a safety aspect, stating the projected light interferes with views backing out of her driveway – both by sight and the vehicle’s backup camera.
Cook contended that many municipalities, large and small, have bylaws related to light intrusion, nuisance and/or light pollution.
“I am asking that Wellington North stand with these municipalities to create a bylaw so no one has to endure the stress and unfairness that I have.”
She added neighbours have come in support of her request.
Councillor Steve McCabe asked how long this had been an issue.
Cook stated the issue has lasted for over a year as a result of double-headed spotlights shining from the neighbour’s garage.
“Farms don’t even have lights that bright on those properties.”
McCabe asked if there was any way to solve the matter.
Staff explained the situation had seemed to resolve itself last May when the owners were requested to angle their lights down.
However, they agreed something must have happened to reignite the concerns, McCabe said.
Cook said she did appreciate the efforts of staff, but the problem still remains.
Councillor Sherry Burke asked how many neighbours were directly affected by this.
Cook stated it was her home and one neighbour, who had also expressed concerns.
Council requested staff to undertake additional investigation and prepare a report for discussion at a later meeting.
