To the City Of Quinte West Council and Municipal Officials,

For the past two years, I have been struggling with the excessive lighting coming from the building located behind my home.

The lights intruded directly into my home, cast harsh shadows throughout my yard, and render my outdoor space entirely unenjoyable due to their blinding brightness.
Whether it is a pleasant spring evening or a warm summer night, the lights are so glaringly bright that it is impossible to spend time in my own yard without being overwhelmed by the glare. My personal sanctuary and the simple joys of being outside have been significantly disrupted by this constant and intrusive lighting.

When I let my dogs out to the yard, I could not see them as the light comes over the fence with such a glare, it shadows the immediate area below the fence at the back of my yard.

We couldn't have guests over or host gatherings at our property-once the lights come on, there was no ability to enjoy my property.
In addition to being a nuisance, this situation presented a security concern for my home. If someone were to come over the fence into my yard, they would appear only as a dark silhouette against the intense lighting on a camera, making them completely unidentifiable. Any security cameras were rendered ineffective due to the extreme brightness aimed directly into my yard.

While there was finally an adjustment made to the property lighting on MARCH 9, 2026, I believe that the City has a responsibility to adapt Resposible Outdoor Lighting that: 

Meets the needs of people to see at night
Conserves energy

Avoids interference into the enjoyment of the surrounding properties
Avoids harmful effects on wildlife
Protects our night sky

I have lived at my property for 29 years and have never encountered an issue like this before. While I have taken photographs of the problem, they did not fully capture the intensity and harshness of the light as experienced in person.

This problem affected not only my home but also the broader community here in Quinte West. Light pollution is not merely an inconvenience; it has well-documented impacts on the environment, wildlife, and the health of residents. According to research published by the American Medical Association, excessive exposure to artificial lighting can increase the risk of sleep disorders and certain chronic illnesses by disrupting the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

I have documentation showing that I contacted the business directly in April 2025 in an effort to resolve this matter. I have also reached out to the City of Quinte West seeking a solution in November 2025, and until March 9, 2026 there was no resolution. 
It took me taking to social media platforms to encourage the building owner to make the changes. 

Once the changes were in process, he advised me that the electrical contractor that he had contracted to install the lights said 'they were fine'. 

As a resident of the City of Quinte West, it should not be my legal responsibility to hold the property owner responsible for the nuisance, excessive and harassing lighting. I have done my part by respectfully approaching the property owner, and then the City when no resolution was offered and the issue has not been corrected.

I pay my taxes, on time. I vote. I do not have a criminal record and I do not have a history of bringing concerns to the City of Quite West council or departments.

I attended the planning meeting where this property was looking for approval to make changes and I addressed my concerns about the infringement and enjoyment of my property then. I was met with considerable disparaging attitude and treated that my concerns were invalid. I was assured that the enjoyment of my property would not become a concern.

Taking to social media is the only step that has offered any response. Each person that has viewed the photos has agreed, something should have be done.

It should not be my responsibility to outlay funds to file a civil suit against the property owner when the City has clear ability to solve this issue.
I want to be clear that I understand the need for security lighting. However, the current situation goes far beyond reasonable security measures and has become excessive and intrusive.

The City of Quinte West needs nuisance lighting bylaws intended to protect residents and maintain the quality of our community. These bylaws must be properly adapted and enforced. Doing so would require individuals and businesses to adjust, shield, or redirect their lighting so that it does not spill onto neighbouring residential properties.

The City does have the ability to correct this issue under its nuisance bylaws until a lighting bylaw requiring lumens and wattage to not exceeds the perimeters or property lines is completed.

Many municipalities have successfully addressed similar issues by implementing practical solutions such as shielding fixtures, installing motion sensors, using timers, and directing lights downward where they are actually needed. These measures maintain safety and security while greatly reducing unnecessary light pollution.

I respectfully call upon the City of Quinte West to take meaningful action regarding exterior lighting bylaws in our community.

Residents deserve the ability to enjoy their homes and outdoor spaces without the constant intrusion of excessive lighting.

Sincerely,
Michelle Avery
Quinte West Resident, Property Owner and Business Owner