Category: Minutes

Message from the BRG&FA Executive

As you know, your club Executive have been working with the RM and area residents to address a petition presented to RM of Brokenhead Council on February 14, 2017. As a result, the BRGFA has worked with the Reeve and CAO to find ways to address these concerns while also serving the 150 dues-paying members of our club.

Club efforts to increase safety and education started long before the BRGFA applied to the RM for permission to construct the shooting range south of HWY44 on 47E. As a community-minded non-profit organization, the BRGFA observed growing concern with areas like Seddons Corner, Mars Sand Hills, and gravel pits throughout the RM. We heard about unmanaged shooting, increased uses by other outdoor activities (e.g., recreational vehicles), and general concerns with safety and litter.

Core charter members of our club and a group of hard working volunteers worked with contributions by local businesses and in cooperation with RM Council Members at the time to select the current location of the range. This was a negotiated decision that enabled the BRGFA to build a shooting range that provides a safe place to practice responsible firearms handling, as well as to offer educational programs related to conservation, youth mentorship, and outdoors activities.

At the April 5, 2017 monthly meeting, members provided direction to the BRGFA Executive as to how the club might address resident concerns while maintaining the shooting range as a key service to our members. The Executive discussed several options with the RM and area residents. The following list contains changes to the Shooting Range operations to address resident concerns:

• The range is now open from 9am-9pm to ensure activities at the range only occur during reasonable hours (we will post a sign as soon as it is ready).
• The range is closed on major holidays (i.e., Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day).
• No major shooting events will be scheduled for other important days, including Good Friday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Remembrance Day, New Year’s Day, or other days requested by area residents for special events (e.g., weddings, reunions, auctions, etc).

These changes are effective on June 1, 2017, and are a first attempt to address concerns about the operation of the shooting range. They will be reviewed regularly by the BRGFA Executive. Members will be updated at monthly meetings. My hope is that these first steps will help the club be a good neighbour, while continuing to offer a safe place for firearms education and practice in the RM of Brokenhead.

Thank you very much for support on this and other BRGFA activities.

Sincerely,

Jeffery Cottes, President

BRGFA