Residents in the Meadowbrook and Woods Corner areas have been filing complaints about an unauthorized gun range near the Cherry Creek Rest Area, approximately 12 kilometres east of Kimberley.

They reported the frequent use of high-powered rifles and Tannerite, an explosive substance used in making bombs that creates a fire hazard close to the main power and gas pipelines.

The complainants expressed concern for the safety of residents and other recreational users. There is evidence of the consumption of alcohol at the gun range. Stray bullets have reached properties on nearby McGinty Road. One young child wrote a letter expressing his fear of playing outside.

People living from east Meadowbrook to Woods Corner report that the noise sometimes lasts for hours and has made it difficult for them to enjoy being outside in their yards or adjacent public land. Recreational users have also indicated that they no longer feel safe recreating in the area.

The incessant noise is also troubling for the wildlife that inhabit the region.  The site is littered with household waste, empty casings, and clay pigeons. The pollutants (ie: lead and plastics) in the debris are harmful to the wild animals and cattle that graze in area.

When individual residents perceived that their complaints were not receiving sufficient attention, they solicited the assistance of the Meadowbrook Community Association (MCA).

The MCA requested a meeting with Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok, Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Electoral Area E Director Jane Walter, Kimberley RCMP Sgt. Steve Woodcox, BC Conservation Officer Sergeant Denny Chretien, and Natural Resource Officer Supervisor Kevin Vaters.

The meeting was held at the site on June 28.

MCA President Bob Johnstone said, “The MCA is pleased that the agencies shared our concerns and pledged to support our efforts to rectify this dangerous and polluting situation.”

He reported that since there is evidence of unsafe use, this site should be dismantled.  He also noted the parties agreed to these actions:

• the MCA will organize volunteers to clean up this and other similar sites;
• the MCA will post signage encouraging legal and responsible shared recreational use;
• the RCMP and the Conservation Service will step up patrols;
• the MCA will initiate an awareness campaign to inform the public about the existing situation and the actions being taken in response.

e-KNOW file photo

Meadowbrook Community Association

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