Qualicum Beach Council votes to dial down street light wattage

The stance from councillors goes against the wishes of senior Town staff.

Prior to council’s vote on the longstanding issue, nearly 20 residents spoke strongly in favour of addressing what many called “invasive” and “stadium-style” lighting flooding their properties.

Many people reported a significant loss of enjoyment of their homes and yards.

Some said their sleeping patterns have been severely impacted.

Intake deadlines for the public to request action on street lights of concern were established for Feb. 28 and Aug. 31.

The measures were passed by a vote of four-to-one.

Coun. Scott Harrison was the lone dissenting vote, whose sympathetic to the complainants, however pointed out they have legal safety obligations.

“There’s no way we cannot meet the minimum safety standards set out essentially by engineers and insurance companies, then essentially we’re in a lot of trouble if something bad happens,” Harrison said.

His motion to defer the light-dimming issue until a legal opinion can be obtained by the Town was rejected.

Harrison also pitched more poles and less powerful lights as a compromise, which also went nowhere among his council colleagues.

Bob Weir, director of engineering for the Town of Qualicum Beach, noted Nanaimo has 39-wattage LED lighting on hydro poles in most neighbourhoods, compared to nearly double the wattage in Qualicum Beach.

He explained the discrepancy after a concerned resident did some research.

“Yes they (City of Nanaimo) use 39’s, but they use them on almost every pole. They’re doing exactly what the illuminating engineer said. If you want to get a satisfactory level of lighting with 39 watts you have to close up your spacing and that’s exactly what they’ve done,” Weir said.

The Town noted BC Hydro modified or changed two of 53 lights which had been the source of complaints up until mid-January.

Complaints have been levied against 36 LED streetlights on residential or local roads.

BC Hydro leased street lights marked in red represent at least one complaint made. (Town of Qualicum Beach)

“Staff note that some lights identified by complaint have also received positive feedback. Given
this note, staff recognize that reducing light output and coverage by lowering wattage without
neighbourhood consultation may result in complaints about reduction of light.”

Federal requirements state older orange-glowing lights on BC Hydro poles must be phased out province-wide by the end of 2025.

Qualicum Beach resident Kelly Olson said for two years the bright street flights flooded her home’s interior, garden and street.

“I don’t have and I don’t want blackout blinds. I like being able to see when it’s dark outside; it makes sense to me, light during the day, dark at night. It’s not trivial.”

Tim Bird spoke on behalf of himself and four neighhours, including a woman too upset to personally address council.

“Dark skies matter, I would rather not live near an all-night tanning booth,” Bird said.

Councillors are expected to address the necessary funds required to cover its light reduction strategy during upcoming budget discussions.

The Town estimated replacing the 53 contested lights would cost about $93,000.

Council agreed to maintain more powerful 75 watt BC Hydro leased streetlights along arterial routes.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes

by Ian Holmes

Qualicum Beach Council votes to dial down street light wattage

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