Mapleton council considering stricter gun rules

MAPLETON – Gunshots ring out from nearby neighbours, leading several concerned parents and farmers to bring children, pets and livestock inside until the sounds cease and they feel safe outside once again.

That’s a picture Dr. Rocco Fondacaro painted for Mapleton council during his delegation on Dec. 9.

He lives northeast of Drayton, on Wellington Road 11 between Concession 12 and Wellington Road 7.

The area is zoned agricultural but has a stretch of homes on narrow lots (about 60 by 400 metres), Fondacaro said, and “as such ... our homes are relatively close to each other.”

In this neighbourhood, he said, “Once or twice a year individuals will discharge firearms on their property.

“The shooting is repetitious and can last up to 30 or 40 minutes,” Fondacaro said.

The shooting is recreational, not for farm purposes such as pest control, he noted.

In Fondacaro’s opinion, “it is irresponsible – even reckless – to discharge firearms where homes are in such close quarters.”

He is concerned that “unobstructed projectiles from rifles, shotguns and handguns can travel distances that easily exceed the widths and depths of our properties.

“Any bullets that go astray, accidental or otherwise, could seriously or tragically injure people or animals.”

Fondacaro said other neighbours have tried speaking with the shooters, to no avail, and “police have difficultly helping in the absence of any regulations or bylaws for residential areas outside of the town limits.”

He asked council to consider and implement solutions to deter, restrict or prohibit shooting in rural areas like his neighbourhood where homes are close together.

He suggested fines sufficient enough to deter shooting, limits on calibre size or type of projectile, or regulations or bylaws that restrict or prohibit discharging firearms.

Councillor Lori Woodham said she has similar concerns in her own neighbourhood, and has needed to call the police because people were shooting onto her property.

“It’s scary – it really is,” Woodham said.

She suggested the township get a legal opinion on regulating, and look at what other townships in the area have in place in terms of bylaws and regulations.

“I believe that is appropriate,” said Mayor Gregg Davidson.

Council passed a motion directing staff to seek legal advice and investigate how other towns and townships regulate firearms.