The District of West Vancouver Council is set to consider launching an uncurated street-animation busking pilot program for summer 2026.
Council will discuss the program at an upcoming council meeting on February 27. If approved, the pilot will take place in Ambleside Park, Dundarave Park, business areas in Ambleside and Dundarave, and Horseshoe Bay. The staff noted the initiative stems from the Arts & Culture Strategy Update, which identified a summer busking program as a key action.
Proposed rules to limit noise and disruptions
The program will be uncurated, meaning performers will not be screened or paid by the District. According to the report, performers will rely solely on voluntary public donations, with no municipal funding allocated.
Proposed rules will include a minimum performer age of 16, a limit of 3 performers per group, and a maximum of 1 hour per performance. Buskers will be required to follow the District’s Noise Control Bylaw, including a 70-decibel cap and a ban on amplification.
Detailed guidelines will be developed if the Council approves.
Performances will be limited to 10 am and 7:30 pm. However, busking will not be permitted on Bellevue Avenue between 13th and 18th streets, or on Argyle Avenue during the Harmony Arts Festival from July 27 to Aug. 13, 2026. Performers must also comply with the Province of B.C.’s Safe Streets Act and avoid props such as sharp or flaming objects.
If a business owner asks a performer to stop, the performer must leave. According to the report, bylaw officers responding to complaints will first provide education on the guidelines and seek voluntary compliance, with further action tied to existing bylaws.
