Stettler Rifle and Pistol Club range will remain at its current location even though a resident of the area wants it to be relocated because of growing concerns about noise and unsightliness.
At its regular meeting Dec. 8, County of Stettler council approved a staff recommendation to leave the gun club range at the current site at SE 23-38-22 W4M, considering that the range was in this site long before the concerned resident, Doug Cumberland, bought his property and built a residence.
“We have done everything in due diligence,” chief administrative officer Tim Fox told council.
“He was fully aware of the situation.”
Council agreed with that position.
“We have done our due diligence and we will make sure the gun club abides by the rules,” said Reeve Wayne Nixon.
Council reviewed the existing development permit for the rifle and pistol range that was issued in June 1999 and the current zoning of the land owned by former county reeve Earl Marshall.
While the county did not meet the request of Cumberland, council ordered that the Stettler Rifle and Gun Club provide the county with proof that the club is operating the range in accordance with the Department of Justice Canada’s Shooting Ranges Regulations.
“I am very serious about finding a solution to this problem” Cumberland said in a letter to council, with support from five neighbouring property owners.
“I feel that I am a taxpayer and the club does not pay taxes on this gun range.”
“It is a grave concern for myself and others with the total lack of safety procedures and regulation in the operation of this site,” said Cumberland, who has also written letters to Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Hector Goudreau Alberta Sustainable Resources Development, Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson, Department of Justice Canada and Public Safety Minister Vic Toews.
Cumberland stated that he was aware of the gun range when he purchased the property which was bought as part of a fundraising project to construct the new leisure pool at Stettler Recreation Centre.