Saturday, 8 April 2023

Gun range news

I'm taking a break from ice storm damage. It is awfully stressful seeing these broken trees. We've had notice that things are coming to a resolution. Unfortunately, there are many neighbours in the neighbourhood without power, who may or may not know the situation. Two members of the team spent a day putting together an email list, in order to email people of the date of the final vote. 

As faithful fans know, we have been fighting this proposed gun range at 1688 Rideau Ferry Rd. since September, you can read the timeline here. We have had news about the gun range application. There is to be a vote on the rezoning on April 25th. A zoom meeting, so we need not attend in person. 

We shall hope that DNE council denies the gun range rezoning. This is the vendor's video of the 1874 stone farmhouse and its site. There were 3 unfinished basements, and 4 bedrooms in the farmhouse, with an in-law suite above. It is a hugely sprawling house, with several additions, on the 120 acres.

Land Severance

We have had recent news that the new owner of this land began a year ago to sever three lots out from the whole 120 acre parcel of land. The sad thing is that provincial law says that they only have to tell neighbours within 60 m of the property that they are applying for a severance, to separate out three properties beside the highway. Fortunately, neighbours have been on my Facebook page to let the rest of us know. That 60 m is ridiculous in the country. They seem to feel that they only have a responsibility to meet provincial standards, rather than letting the community know. Gunfire, smoke, bush party, and firework noise carry a long way. 

The application went to Lanark County, while the gun range rezoning application is the purview of DNE township. I don't know. I won't ask. 

It is surrounded by wetland.

These aren't big lots, for our township, about 2 acres each. This is where they are going to create three severed lots. This is the lot on the right, pretty close for neighbours! All these trees will have to go. 

 The lot on the left, showing the road back to the proposed gun range:


Now, it is much different in the city, but out here, with a gun range behind your house? People with guns coming and going?




The applicant for the severance, who shall not be named, had a survey done to determine if there is enough water for the three wells that would be required.
The 'Retained Lands' stop abruptly at the edge of the wetland. I wonder at adding two more driveways, with cars firing along the highway, most above the speed limit. 

This is the road leading back to the gun range, the old house is there.

There is a home right across the street. I wonder how they feel about this?

9 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

If I am understanding correctly, it seems odd to make way for more residents while increasing the noise threshold. Maybe I am not understanding correctly.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

We can always hope whichever agency makes the final decision uses common sense and not politics. However, when it comes to govt., I am often skeptical the best choice was (or wasn't) made for the most people.

Jeanie said...

Wow, Jenn -- I will be hoping that this is voted down and that this gun range can't happen. There must be other sites -- you all have worked so hard and now, coming close. Good luck.

Barbara Rogers said...

That is just ridiculous! I sure hope the vote changes things so no gun range can happen, not to mention, how on earth could that turn into 3 lots! These photos really help me understand this dilemma. Have a happy Easter, in spite of this!

Elephant's Child said...

Two very stressful events. On top of each other. My heart goes out to you and all those affected.

Nancy J said...

Sadly, the power that some people think they have when they are in a place of trust, gives them the right to make decisions and not inform others. 2 acres isn't large at all, and you are so right, the noise carries a long way, I am hoping for you and the others this is resolved in your favour. Keep your inner spirits high, Jenn . XXX However, the video shows beautiful trees and lovely autumn colours,and a home that still need a lot of work to be finished. Labour intensive for someone who has the time and energy or finance to pay contractors!!!

Cloudia said...

You are a good caring neighbor and I wish you and your neighborhood good luck in this situation. You certainly have right on your side

William Kendall said...

I hope they get voted down.

Divers and Sundry said...

Sadly, developers are good at finding the least they can legally get away with and then barely meeting that standard. They typically have more resources than the community and can just push things through. I'm impressed y'all are on the ball.