Nancy Chevier addresses Drummond/North Elmsley council Tuesday night
It appears the proposed commercial gun range in Drummond/North Elmsley will not move ahead, after council voted to deny Martyn Whyte’s application Tuesday night.
Councillor Paul Kehoe, a retired environmental officer, made the motion to deny the zoning amendment, which would’ve allowed the range to sit at the same lot the OPP used for target shooting next to Millar Brooke Farm on Rideau Ferry Road.
Council went against Planner Brady McGlade’s recommendation to defer a decision, after deferring it when they last met on December 6th, instead voting 3-0 to deny the application Tuesday. Councillor Paul Coutts declared a conflict of interest so he did not vote, and Councillor Ray Scissons was absent from the meeting.
Kehoe says in matters like this, the adverse effects of people’s lives usually wins out.
Kehoe said it’s his opinion that the outcome would’ve been the same had council deferred the decision to a future meeting to allow Whyte time to make amendments to his application following the completed peer review.
Over 500 people signed an online petition opposing the range, and dozens submitted letters to council in opposition, with a few in support of the range.
Whyte can still appeal council’s decision, but resident and opponent of the range Nancy Chevier feels that wouldn’t have much legs.
Lake 88’s reached out to Whyte for comment.
Story by Grant Deme
Comments