Municipality of South Stormont provided an afternoon as well as an evening meeting for the public to learn about the proposed nuisance by-law as well have their input recorded for future use by municipal staff as work continued on the by-law. Thompson Goddard Photo

LONG SAULT – Over 350 people attended the afternoon public consultation, and a similar number in the evening meeting which was held on Nov. 15 in the South Stormont. Mayor Bryan McGillis, South Stormont Deputy Mayor Andrew Guindon and South Stormont Councillor Reid McIntyre attended the sessions as did several members of the municipal staff.

During the afternoon meeting, McGillis welcomed those attending and explained the proposed by-law is still under initial review and the meetings were planned to provide residents an opportunity to voice their opinions on it. He noted that there are sections of the proposed by-law which appear to not be workable for a rural community. He was followed by SS Director of Corporate Services and Chief Clerk Loriann Harbers who provided background information on the proposed by-law.

Harbers explaining that the present by-law in force was adopted in 2016 and is similar to those in other local municipalities in SDG, with staff being requested in the late summer of 2024 to draft a new by-law. She mentioned that the municipal governments are responsible to ensure that by-laws remain current as well as that other by-laws have been reviewed and updated.

The draft by-law was presented to council during the Oct. 9 meeting and afterwards was to be shared on several platforms on the municipal website, in the Seaway News as well as in emails sent out to those who have indicated they wish to receive notifications from the municipality.

“We really do want to hear what the public has to say!” commented Harbers, noting among the opportunities presented to the public to voice their concerns includes the two public meetings on Nov. 14 and a survey provided to residents regarding the draft by-law changes.

SS Deputy Mayor Guindon then prepared to take questions from those attending the event. He noted, as did other speakers, that this was a draft by-law and that no decision had been made and the municipality is seeking and collecting information from stakeholders.

Throughout the event there were numerous questions and statements on this matter, with several pertaining to the Cornwall Hand Gun Club (CHGC) and the effect this by-law could have on its operation. Guindon commented on a few occasions that there is a need for all stakeholders to work together to find a reasonable and commonsense solution, noting there were some technical issues which would have to be resolved. There were concerns raised about why it had taken so long to consider an exception regarding the club and the discharging of firearms at its firing range, with many people commenting on the longevity and need for the CHGC during the meeting. A discussion surrounding the decibel level of guns being fired was discussed, with a request for all the results of a decibel test undertaken at the club be made available to the public.

Following the question and answer period, people attending the meeting were able to speak with municipal staff and council members as well as provide comments by placing a sticker on the storyboards or on sheets provided for that purpose.