Gun Range timelines

BIG NEWS: 

April 5th

The Appeal for the gun range has been denied!!! 🎉 !!! 🎉 

 

We have so many who have worked on this issue, trying to prevent a for-profit gun range. The land is not zoned for this, nestled as it is in a vulnerable wetland. ELEVEN MONTHS we've worked on this... 

• neighbours spread the news of the application by going door-to-door (Sept. 22, 2022), received in the DNE Offices in August,
• back up materials (i.e., the application documents; application, BTE noise study, Zanderplan consultant report) were disseminated to those who were interested (Oct. 3, 2022),
• concerned residents began contacting and emailing one another,
• we met with the township planner and gave him background, played my gun fire video, gave him copies of the letter the OPP sent residents regarding shooting dates, (Sept. 29th),
• the first letter-to-the-editor was published Oct. 5th, more followed,
• a steering committee of concerned citizens began meeting in October,
• silent partners have been researching the Ontario Land Tribunal process, should we have to appeal,
• 100s of questions have been sent to DNE by phone or email – this is ongoing,
• letters were sent to the DNE planner, as per protocols, protesting this rezoning,
• emails began flying as residents became concerned (I've 180 email threads, Joe has 283),
• a poster was created, beginning on Nov. 4th re: Oct. 11th meeting, posted to Facebook pages,
• the first public meeting (Oct. 11th), was standing room only, about 90 in attendance,
• Facebook page private group (Oct. 15, 2022),
• the petition was researched, designed, printed and disseminated (543 names, first proposed Oct. 15th, presented to staff Dec. 6th),
• one council member declared conflict of interest and recused himself in November. That leaves 4 members to vote on the issue.
• planning, creating, costing, fundraising and putting up "No Gun Range" signs (planted Nov. 18/ stolen Nov. 21),
• contacting the media; radio, TV interviews,
• big public meeting including Zoom, Dec. 6th, with several presentations to Council, at which time they deferred the vote,
• I tracked down the previous owner, cttee. got access to the OPP correspondence (Feb., 2023)
• an FOI request for the OPP clean up plans I & II, was filed (rec'd Mar., 2023), 
• Notice went out about the potential land severance (Apr. 4th, 2023),
• April 6th, the township planner emailed those expressing an interest in the final vote. This will be on April 25th, with the option of a Zoom meeting.
• Friday, April 21st – the Planner's recommendations came out: to defer the vote. We are most upset. 
• Tues., April 25th – DNE Council rejected the application. In a surprise move to the applicant. 
• Thursday, April 27th – The gun range applicant went to CBC Radio Ottawa to rant about his loss.
• Thursday, April 27th – New article in our local paper! 
• May 10th – Notice of refusal came out. Gun range application DENIED
• May 29th – article by Evelyn Harford: ‘Not surprised’: Martin Whyte to appeal gun range. decision. 
• May 30th. Also, article in Lanark Leeds Today, where an open house is announced in plans for the gun range: “Purely political,” Martin Whyte to appeal Drummond/North Elmsley gun range denial" 
• Land severance was granted, one lot has been posted on FB, 1.8 acres, $175.000. The 120 acres has been divided into three properties, plus a 4th, the wetland, which is not for sale. 
• June 1: one-sided radio interview with applicant.
• July 5 – appellant announced an Open House. It was reported to the OPP and Ontario Firearms Officer.  
• July 12 – Appellant tells guests Not To Bring Guns to his Open House. 
• July 21st – the gun range demonstration is being fleshed out, with a boxing demo, as well as fun and games for the kids.Will a bouncy castle be there?
• July 21st – A form letter is sent by the Chief Firearms Officer.
• Aug. 9 – appeal # appears on OLT website: OLT-23-000555.  
• Aug. 16 – severed Lots #1 & 3 listed as 'quiet' land for sale.
• Sept, 30 – severed lots have had price reductions. The larger piece of vacant land was $185,000 is now $144,000. The other lot has gone from $165,000 lowered to $140,000. They have been on the market for 46 days. 
  Oct. 13 – The OLT website: OLT-23-000555 indicates that a written decision was made on Oct. 13th: 0008497. The decision is in response to DNE Township: "This matter is currently being heard as a written motion to dismiss."
• Nov. 16 – Land severance update. One property has sold.
• April 5 – The Appeal for the gun range has been denied!!! 🎉 

A gun range in a wetland?

Topographic map of
1688 Rideau Ferry Rd.