Rod and Gun Club Denied by Trillium Foundation
The Michipicoten Rod and Gun Club Inc, executive delivered discouraging news to club members at their February 2011 meeting.
“Our application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for completing renovations to our outdoor ranges was turned down” said club president David Dorey. “This decision puts our club in jeopardy of closing our outdoor ranges”.
In September 2008, the Ontario Chief Firearms Office inspected the indoor and outdoor ranges at the Michipicoten Rod and Gun Club. Some ranges were closed and other allowed to operate under modified guidelines.
“Since that time, our club has worked hard and re-opened the indoor shooting range” said Dorey. “We have worked cooperatively with local and provincial agencies to position ourselves to now work on the outdoor ranges, but we simply cannot afford the cost of completing the work”
Extensive work is required to build and shape new and existing berms and backstops, and estimated costs are in excess of $50,000. If the work is not completed, the ranges may be closed by the Chief Firearms Office. The Michipicoten Rod and Gun Club provides a safe and approved location for shooters, and is heavily used by enforcement agencies for training.
“Securing funding to complete the required improvements to the outdoor ranges is our club’s number one priority” said Dorey. “We will be re-submitting a revised application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for funding, and we are working with MPP Mike Brown’s office to explore any other opportunities.”
“We are committed to maintaining this club – we have been here for over 50 years and our objective is to provide a safe and approved facility that members and law enforcement agencies can use”
The Michipicoten Rod and Gun Club Inc. is a not for profit organization and was incorporated in 1957.
