Bird bangers not only alternative

I write to express my dismay at the use of propane-fired cannons in residential areas.

Not all residents of Niagara live in “residential areas,” such as St. Davids, where the well-being of residents is considered and the grapes of a popular winery are netted.

Many residents live in “rural areas,” where farmers are permitted the use of bird bangers under OMAFRA’s Normal Farm Practices.

I live on Sheppard Crescent, adjacent to a vineyard supplying grapes to the winery in St. Davids. The grower uses bird bangers, the noise from which ricochets along the escarpment, spreading and intensifying its effect immensely. The physical, emotional and mental health of my family and that of my neighbours along York Road is hugely impacted. The peaceful enjoyment of our property, where we have lived for 42 years, has become impossible.

In response to numerous visits in 2016 from James Dyck, a mediator from OMAFRA in Vineland, this grower gave assurance that he would consider netting his grapes in 2017, but has reneged, saying netting was too expensive.

However, according to Bird Control on Grape and Tender Fruit Farms – Factsheet 685/730, “netting traditionally has been associated with high capital costs and high labour costs. The cost of netting materials has been dropping over the years and the systems available for applying the nets are improving. Nets are becoming especially attractive because of the high value of wine grapes. Nets offer virtually 100 per cent bird protection and help maximize yields.”

I applaud the winery in St. Davids for being community-minded in not using propane-fired cannons, and respectfully request that they in turn extend their consideration to the wider community surrounding their various growers. Until they do so, they will not have my patronage.

I further urge town staff to take note of the Town of Mono, ( www.townofmono.com/ content/adamo-winery ), which recently convened a meeting of a grower using bird bangers and his unhappy neighbours, with the result that the grower announced that he will be employing “multi-faceted bird abatement efforts in lieu of bird bangers.” Incidentally, this decision was reached with input from the winery in St. Davids, which was acknowledged for being communityminded.

I also urge town staff to note that additional lands adjacent to the escarpment are being prepared for grapes, and that the potential for increasing numbers of lives being ruined by noise is inevitable without swift and decisive action being taken to preserve our normal quality of life.

Win Laar Niagara-on-the-Lake