Point Grey homeowners respond to criticism of security light shining onto beach

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The Point Grey homeowners who installed a bright security light aimed at the beach adjacent to their property are sharing their side of the story saying in recent weeks rowdy partiers have scaled their walls, used their pool, threatened them, and vandalized their property.

The light has drawn criticism and prompted complaints to the City of Vancouver from visitors to Volunteer Park who say the motion-sensored light is so glaring it makes it impossible to enjoy the public beach.

When contacted by CityNews to respond to calls to remove the light, the homeowners provided a statement and asked not to be identified because they would “prefer to live private lives.”

They clarify the light was installed five months ago, but say there has been more activity on the beach in recent weeks since provincial health officials gave the go-ahead to gather outdoors in groups of fewer than 10.

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They list what they have seen over the past couple of weeks.

“Three separate trespassing incidents one of which included vandalism. Two separate incidents of spray painting graffiti on the cement and steel walls. The Park Rangers and Fire Department responding on multiple occasions to fires, loud music, smoking, and drinking,” the statement says.

“In terms of Covid social distancing and only congregating with your bubble this rarely occurs. We have seen as many as thirty people having a dance party, no masks or distancing, and several drinking from the same bottle.”

The owner says they have made “dozens and dozens of complaints” to the City of Vancouver ” about bonfires, smoking, loud music, and drinking.” They also say there have been several calls to the fire department, and that park rangers are only able to do limited patrols.

The homeowners conclude by saying they want to collaborate “on creating public spaces that provide safe, quiet enjoyment for all.”

Keenan Skelly is one of the people who voiced his concern over the light, and he maintains it’s not an appropriate way to respond to the issues the homeowners have raised.

“A security camera would have been enough, I think, if people were trespassing on your property,” he says.

“If you have 24/7 security on your property, I don’t know why you need to deny the access and use of a public park, because you think people trespassing on your property.”

Coun. Pete Fry, in a tweet, says the light runs afoul of a municipal bylaw that prohibits “light that unreasonably disturbs peace, rest, enjoyment of occupants of neighbouring property.” Fry says this can be applied to the situation at the beach even though it is not private property.

In an email, the City of Vancouver tells NEWS 1130 staff are aware of the situation, and have heard from people who want the light turned off.

“The City has received complaints about this light being projected outward from a private residence along Point Grey Road. Staff are currently investigating the compliance of this structure being on the property.”

With files from Monika Gul