Ban Cannons, Please
Editor:
Re: Silence cannons, Maple Ridge Times Mailbag, Dec. 14
I couldn't agree more with MLA Randy Hawes in regards to this issue.
Our family had to put up with the constant war zone of these blasted cannons
and other noise devices for some 14 years when we lived in Pitt Meadows.
They moved in around us and without any warning or concern for the neighbours
we were rudely awakened, starting in 1985 through to 1999.
We tried to talk to the land owners, who ignored the problem, as the fields
were in most cases leased out to someone else.
As far as making a complaint to the municipal bylaw person, it was a waste of
time. As for the local council, you may as well be speaking Klingon to them.
As I told Mr. Hawes, unless there is some "teeth" in the laws that "nails" both
the landowner and the person leasing, the issue will only continue. In my
opinion, passing bylaws in regards to this issue is a waste of time and the
only useful place for that piece of paper is on the bottom of a birdcage.
The only time I ever saw a blueberry farmer show any concern was as a result of
horse almost dying because of what was a lack of consideration when spraying.
As a result, the conservation officers were called in and they showed up
wearing side arms.
This seemed to get the farmers' attention.
Other than that, trying to talk in any reasonable manner to these people is a
waste of time and effort.
It's not only the cannons and other noise devices, but that of the arrogant
attitudes of those blueberry farmers who refuse to show any respect for their
neighbours. I, along with my neighbour, tried to talk with the blueberry farmer
causing the problem, only to be told to my face, "you don't like it, move." My
neighbour did.
We stayed during those years and it only got worse. Silence the cannons and
make those who ignore the rights of the neighbours pay for it.
T. W.
Maple Ridge
