Residents of a seniors housing building in Lake Country say they鈥檝e had enough of bright lights from the Home Hardware across the street glaring into their suites.

Gloria Clay says she and her neighbours, in seven other units at Woodsdale Place, have put up with the situation for the past five years.

鈥淲e have complained since the new owners took over about the bright lights,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f you have a sensor light and it comes on, that鈥檚 different 鈥� but you still can鈥檛 have it shining directly into your neighbours鈥� windows. That鈥檚 nuisance lighting.鈥�

She said that closing window blinds or drapes doesn鈥檛 help block out the glare.

鈥淚鈥檝e been dealing with bylaw about it, and the town even brought out a new bylaw since we started complaining about nuisance lighting. But I鈥檓 having an issue with the town not enforcing that.鈥�

The to include rules around exterior lighting. Property owners or occupants are not allowed to set up or use outdoor lighting in a way that shines directly into the window or opening of a nearby home.

The bylaw also prohibits lighting that unreasonably disturbs a neighbour鈥檚 peace, rest, comfort, or enjoyment of their property. If someone fails to redirect or shield the lighting, they can be fined $50 if the issue is addressed within 30 days, or $100 if it goes unresolved after that.

Black Press Media contacted the District of Lake Country for comment but was told that neither the bylaw nor planning departments were willing to speak on the matter.

鈥淭hat is ridiculous 鈥� we can鈥檛 even sit out on our patios in the evening without that light glaring us in the face and shining into our suites,鈥� Clay said.

Home Hardware co-owner Mona McKay told Black Press Media that the lights are a much-needed deterrent.

鈥淥ur business has a large parking lot, and it is necessary to have security lighting, as there have been several thefts at night,鈥� McKay said. 鈥淲e have had complaints in the past by the same people, and we have tried to be accommodating by adjusting the direction of the lights. Our business, like many others everywhere, has lighting at night to protect their property.鈥�

Clay acknowledged the changes but added there was still one particular light causing residents discomfort.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 even talk to them anymore,鈥� she noted.

Woodsdale Place residents may not have to put up with the bright lights much longer. The Home Hardware property was rezoned in January to eventually make way for a mixed-use rental development on the back half of the lot. The business will stay on the site until the project is completed and then move to a new building.

However, Clay points out that could take several years.