Windsor, Ont. –
A new Chatham-Kent police shooting range is drawing the ire of a nearby resident, who says the sound of gunshots rings out from sunrise to sunset.
Mari-Lynn Harper says she didn’t even realize a shooting range in her rural area on Dillon Road near Chatham, until a month ago.
“We couldn’t enjoy our outdoor space,” says Harper. “My dog won’t go outside to go to the bathroom. It’s just unbearable. ”
She said she has been in contact with her local representatives, who have encouraged her to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Department.
“It makes you nervous,” explains Harper. “The dogs are always nervous. It’s not fun and I know that’s not going to happen in their neighborhood, so why ours? ”
Harper said she exchanged emails with Sheriff Gary Conn, who explained that officials went through nearby neighbors to notify residents in 2018. She objected to that complaint, saying that She and her neighbors want proof.
“He said don’t worry, the noise will drop a lot in the spring when it’s done,” Harper said. “So really my question now is why are they still using it if it’s not done yet?”
In an email to CTV News, Chatham-Kent police said the new CKPS range was built in an effort to ensure officers receive firearm training in a state-of-the-art facility located downtown. explains that annual training is required for the overall safety of the community.
The email adds “Chief Conn has spoken to Ms. Harper several times about her concerns.”
Harper said she wasn’t sure what to do with the noise that lasted all day, adding that she often heard gunfire starting at 7am
“Yesterday was almost like 8pm, it was 7:49 when they stopped,” she said.
“All I wanted was documentation, like pre-requisites that should have been met before it was built, and I didn’t get anything in return from anyone. I have contacted many people. Just looking for some guidance on where to move on to next. “
