A recently enacted noise bylaw, passed by the Severn Township’s municipal council, has been amended to remove firearms usage restrictions.
The bylaw, enacted March 2, initially restricted firearms usage from Monday to Thursday between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. the next day, and from Friday to Sunday between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. of the next day. It did not apply to peace officers in the performance of their duties or to normal farm practices and preventing livestock predation.
The restrictions caused hunters and firearms enthusiasts to voice concerns to Council and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, who subsequently discussed the issue with the township.
Restrictions removed
The Township of Severn’s Council considered the feedback and removed the firearms-related restrictions in a council meeting on April 6.
“As a result of development and increasing seasonal visits to our community, the township has been called on to address excessive noise and other complaints. The noise bylaw was enacted so that Severn would have the authorization to respond to these complaints that were at times affecting the right of some to fully enjoy being in Severn. Upon enacting the by-law, we received feedback that made us take another look at the restrictions,” said Mayor Mike Burkett.
In making the decision, Burkett and council acknowledged that firearms usage was already addressed by the provincial and federal regulations.
“When firearms can be discharged is enforced by the (NDMNRF) and, as there is no need to duplicate a provincially regulated requirement, all restrictions governing firearms have been removed from our bylaw by council. Hunters are obligated to follow both provincial and federal regulations as a participant in this sport, and we can understand that there is no need for more levels of government restrictions. Our amended noise bylaw will be enforced using a complaint-based approach to ensure equitable enjoyment of all areas in Severn,” he said.
Yes, and thanks for that. Now you have made it unsafe for my children to fish there and to explore their neighbourhood without being shot by one of the disrespectful Leaving garbage leaving carcass and using our islands as a bathroom just disgusting not only that but leaving the empty shells behind is littering and do you know how many ducks are left behind to suffer cause they didn’t locate it. It should not be allowed .