The District of West Vancouver Council is set to consider launching an uncurated street-animation busking pilot program for summer 2026, following a recommendation from the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC).
In a Council report, Senior Manager of Cultural Services Doti Niedermayer will seek the council’s approval for the pilot and propose that the committee report back on its outcome in fall 2026. The program will introduce street performers to parks and select business areas as part of the District’s arts and culture priorities.
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 (2025–2029), 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.
Detailed guidelines will be developed if the Council approves. Proposed rules will include a minimum performer age of 16, a limit of three performers per group, and a one-hour maximum per performance. Buskers will be required to follow the District’s Noise Control Bylaw, including a 70-decibel cap and a ban on amplification.
Performances will be limited to proposed hours between 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. According to the report, busking will not be permitted on Bellevue Avenue between 13th and 18th streets, or during the Harmony Arts Festival on Argyle Avenue 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 will be required to 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.
Strategy-driven pilot to be reviewed in fall 2026
The proposed pilot program follows the Council’s March 10, 2025, approval of the Arts & Culture Strategy Update (2025–2029) and the committee’s annual work plan. According to the report, the strategy prioritizes expanding cultural attractions, supporting tourism, and enhancing public spaces for residents and visitors.
The staff noted a curated and funded version of a busking program had been discussed in 2025, including consultations with the Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement Association. That version did not proceed due to a lack of resources.
In October 2025, the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee formally resolved to recommend the uncurated pilot for summer 2026. Both the Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement Association and the Horseshoe Bay Business Association were consulted and did not object.
The staff noted the pilot will be informally monitored during the summer, with input from business associations, the committee, the West Vancouver Police Department, bylaw services, and cultural services staff. A summary report will be presented to the Council in fall 2026.
