Eden Mills resident Tim Laing thinks perhaps it is time the Guelph Rod and Gun Club is closed permanently – before someone is injured or killed by stray bullets.
Laing, representing the Eden Mills steering committee, told Guelph-Eramosa council on Monday night that the recent closure of one of the club’s shooting ranges is proof that no one can guarantee such a tragedy is avoidable.
Laing was responding to information unveiled by a delegation led by Chris Wyatt, the province’s Chief Firearms Officer, who confirmed at least one range at the gun club has been closed until problems with stray bullets are rectified.
Residents and Guelph-Eramosa Township staff and council say allegations of stray bullets have been ongoing for years, but Wyatt said the complaints this past summer were the first registered with his office.
And an inspection by Wyatt’s staff on Sept. 10 substantiated those complaints.
“We found the club was not in compliance with federal guidelines for design regulations,” Wyatt said. He added that one range was closed and his office is currently working with the club to bring it into compliance.
Deputy Firearms Officer Tony Cooper explained that clubs are usually given 30 days to comply with regulations, but more time is usually granted if it is needed.
Wyatt explained that because of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, he is not free to provide specific details about his investigation or what needs to be done to fix the problem at the gun club.
Laing told council a nearby landowner found bullet holes in his barn, as well as several bullets on the ground on his property.
Wyatt said federal guidelines for such clubs, which were developed in 1999 but not widely enforced until 2006, are not laws. They are specifications developed by experts, including the Canadian military, but every shooting range in the country must adhere to those guidelines, he added.
Councillor Roger Knapp asked if complaints about possible stray bullets means an automatic closure for shooting ranges.
Wyat replied no – the ranges remain open until his office has completed an inspection and substantiated such complaints.
Laing said that is a major concern for the residents of Eden Mills, who live in close proximity to the club. In fact, Laing told council he asked Wyatt’s staff previously if the entire club would be shut down if someone was injured or killed by a stray bullet, and the response was, “No” – and that such an incident would just be viewed as “an unfortunate accident.”
And that is unacceptable, Laing said.
Councillor Doug Breen wondered if it is reasonable for the gun club to meet the requirements, and asked if there are other clubs in Ontario that are located so close to residential areas.
Wyatt said there are about 230 ranges in Ontario, a number of which are close to urban centres. He believes the Guelph Rod and Gun Club can reach the goals for compliance.
Councillor Reta Moyer asked specifically what work has to be done at the club.
Wyatt again said he cannot provide details because of privacy issues. However, he identified several possible scenarios, including:
– the need for a higher backstop to contain bullets;
– problems with target shooting, during which bullets are shot high into the air and for which barriers are ineffective; and
– deliberate shooting over berms (which would require supervisors to oversee shooting activities).
Laing said residents of Eden Mills have had run-ins with the club for the last nine years, and attempts to negotiate with club officials have been unsuccessful. Well over 80 per cent of club members are not from the township, he said, and its officials are not interested in the concerns of residents, and see locals as a nuisance.
Laing noted the club’s failure to have reasonable discussion with the community about noise ultimately resulted in the township changing its bylaw to prohibit shooting on Sundays.
“The issue has now escalated from one of noise to one of safety,” Laing said.
Breen said he understands the concerns of the Eden Mills steering committee, and he would personally feel a lot more comfortable if he knew what the problem is and what is being done to fix it.
Wyatt replied that his office ensures compliance, but acknowledged there’s no guarantee that bullets will not leave the grounds of the gun club in the future.
Breen replied that he knows there are no guarantees, but the said Wyatt should be as sure as possible the issue is addressed. He asked what the Chief Firearms Officer thought of Laing’s suggestion that the gun club be closed permanently because of its proximity to a residential area.
Wyatt said that is a really tough question to answer. He admitted there are more problems with clubs as nearby development increases, but said there are “remedial options” that will suite Eden Mills.
But Laing wasn’t convinced.
“It’s just a matter of time before someone on adjacent land is injured or killed,” he said.
