Noisy gunfire from a nearby gun range led to an open discussion and ideas from people who use it on Wednesday.
The RM of Edenwold held a meeting between the Stone Pointe Estates community, the Regina Wildlife Federation (RWF) and RCMP.
The meeting came out of complaints over noisy gunfire from the RWF gun range that began in 2015, when RCMP began using the facility for carbine rifle training. Their own gun range facility needs upgrades.
Kim McIvor, chief administrative officer of the RM of Edenwold, said the meeting went well, with lots of discussion.
“At the end, the RCMP informed us that they do require the RFW facility in 2016 to train their cadets. They don’t have their gun ranges upgraded to the standard required yet this year,” he said.
“They’re hoping to have that complete in ’18.”
McIvor said the RCMP did come to the meeting willing to compromise, including no longer having F Division train there as they can train at another facility.
He said the RCMP also offered to only train from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and to cut training down to 14 weeks from 21 weeks.
The biggest compromise was an offer to no longer do any training during July and August.
McIvor said the Stone Pointe Estates residents thanked the RCMP for the offer. The RM of Edenwold will confirm with offer with the RCMP before sending it to the community. Another meeting will follow.
“I’m hoping everyone works together and tries to come up with a compromise,” McIvor said after the meeting.
“I can’t speculate how (Stone Pointe residents) will view this proposal, but I am happy the RCMP did put a compromise on the table.”
McIvor said the RCMP has not yet signed a contract with RWF for 2017, but that they do intend to.