Gun range proposal in Perth, Ont. faces opposition from neighbours

Just north of Rideau Ferry, Ont., hidden far back on private property, an abandoned gun range may soon be ready again for target practice. But residents nearby say they're adamant in their desire to never hear another shot fired there.

Just north of Rideau Ferry, hidden far back on private property, an abandoned gun range may soon be ready again for target practice.

At least, that's the hope for Martin Whyte, who purchased the property in February 2022, and has approached the township for a zoning amendment to get the range up and running again.

"I'd like to keep using this site as a firing range. It's already built, all the infrastructure is here," he told CTV News Ottawa.

"There are not enough gun ranges in Canada and despite it being a polarizing issue, people want gun ranges."

Whyte says the site was once used by the Ontario Provincial Police around 30 times a year to certify their officers. He says an outdoor range at this location would be popular.

"There are waiting lists for several of the local ranges 500 people deep. Some ranges aren't even taking waiting lists anymore," he said.

"Ultimately, for me, I have a group of veterans I support and they want a place where they can come, privately, quietly, away from the public and be able to share a brotherhood of their history and have a place to shoot that's safe."