5.9 C
Niagara Falls
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Letter: Why let bird bangers lower property values and disrupt neighbourhood?

Dear editor:

I am writing in response to the news story, “Residents and growers at an impasse on bird banger noise,” The Lake Report, Oct. 17.

With regard to concerns by residents about the use by some growers of propane-fired cannons to deter predators from their vineyards, two issues have not yet been explored.

Firstly, if one were contemplating purchasing a home in the vicinity of a cannon-using vineyard anytime between early August and late November, how likely is it that a prospective buyer would make an offer equal to what he would make for a comparable home in a peaceful neighbourhood, if he makes any offer at all?

I suspect that conditions that mimic living in a war zone would not be enticing to many. How is it permitted that one or two individuals are entitled to lower the property values of their neighbours?

Secondly, does the continued firing of explosions from cannons effectively deter predation?

The Niagara Escarpment is a natural green corridor along which wildlife has moved for thousands of years. I see daily evidence that turkeys, deer, racoons, foxes and songbirds are still using this corridor.

They may pause momentarily when noise splits the air, but then they continue along their way. A physical barrier, such as nets, or a visually disruptive barrier, such as twinkling tapes, or a psychological barrier, such as squawkers, is more effective.

Just because one MAY use cannons, does not mean that one MUST. How can we tolerate one or two individuals lowering the quality of life for a whole neighbourhood?

Win Laar

Queenston

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