Postponed Community & events

Light trespass bylaw

A $50,000 project to look at rules for outdoor lights that shine where they are not wanted. On July 23, 2025, Council moved it from 2028 to 2029.

Amount
$50,000
Got
$0
Where it stands
To 2029. Moved by the Eaglecrest funding plan, Jul 2025.

What it is

"Light trespass" is unwanted light that spills onto a neighbour's property. This project would look at rules for new outdoor lighting on public and private land, such as how bright lights can be and where they point. Staff said new rules would not apply to existing lights.

The $50,000 would pay for a consultant and legal help. Staff said a full set of rules would also need more bylaw enforcement staff. As a first step, staff suggested asking the public about lighting and dark skies.

On July 23, 2025, Council moved the project from 2028 to 2029 as part of the Eaglecrest funding plan. The resolution says each deferred item waits one year, or until the Strategic Initiatives Reserve is paid back from future land sales.

What happened

  1. November 10, 2023Staff presented the idea and did not recommend going ahead at that time. The committee asked that the Quality of Life Survey include questions on it.
  2. April 16, 2025In a separate matter, Council asked BC Hydro to review a consultant report on light trespass from its streetlights.
  3. July 23, 2025Council moved the $50,000 from 2028 to 2029 (4–1, Councillor Harrison opposed).
  4. January 21, 2026Councillor Harrison proposed adding neighbour-to-neighbour light rules to the Property Maintenance and Standards Bylaw. Council unanimously deferred his motion to the 2027 strategic planning session.
  5. April 1, 2026The 2026–2030 Financial Plan shows $50,000 in 2029.

Why it matters

  • Staff said in 2023 that the project could mean a significant tax increase and a larger bylaw enforcement service.
  • Staff estimated one more full-time bylaw officer would be needed from 2028 on.
  • Councillor Harrison's motion named rules in New Westminster, Vancouver and West Vancouver as possible models.
  • Staff said the Qualicum Commons lease and the Eaglecrest purchase were not in their work plans for 2025 or 2026, so other planned work had to move.

Sources

Last checked September 18, 2026. Report a mistake.