Photo by William Crooks
Mayor Johnny Piszar addressed resident concerns alongside Barnston West council members during the Nov. 4 meeting, where topics ranged from a rejected quarry proposal to safety concerns about local hunting and speeding

Barnston West Council addresses concerns in monthly meeting

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At Barnston West’s monthly council meeting on Nov. 4, approximately five residents gathered to discuss a range of local issues with Mayor Johnny Piszar in Way’s Mills’ Community Hall, including the recent rejection of a quarry proposal, ongoing concerns with coyote hunters trespassing on private property, and potential measures to reduce speed limits to protect children.

The first question period opened with a query about the council’s decision on the proposed quarry. One resident sought clarity, asking whether the project might still proceed under revised conditions or with adjustments in location. Mayor Piszar responded firmly, stating, “We’ve had no further contact from the landowner,” and explained that the current proposal conflicts with municipal regulations, particularly regarding the distance from residential properties. “As of now, it’s effectively dead and buried,” he confirmed, though he added that the proposal could resurface if the owner decided to submit a new plan or applied for a zoning change.

Another resident delved deeper into specific zoning restrictions, referencing regulations in other municipalities where stone-crushing activities are strictly prohibited. The council clarified that Barnston West currently lacks the zoning required for large-scale quarry operations and noted that implementing such changes would be a lengthy process. “It’s not a simple decision. Any modification to zoning would involve considerable time and resources,” one council member said, offering assurance that the limitations are in place to protect local residents.

The potential financial burden of allowing quarry operations also stirred concerns among attendees. According to the council, if heavy quarry machinery frequently used local roads, upkeep expenses would rise sharply. “We’d see a 40 per cent increase in road maintenance costs,” explained Piszar, who emphasized that while a small revenue might come to the municipality, “the transportation fees and damage to infrastructure make it financially unsustainable.”

As the discussion shifted to coyote hunting, residents expressed anxiety over frequent trespassing by hunters. Many reported instances of hunters entering private property without permission and unleashing dogs near homes. One resident described an unsettling encounter where hunters assured her they “wouldn’t shoot near buildings” but aimed low instead. “It’s not comforting,” she said. Another attendee noted the frequent presence of hunters’ dogs on her property, sharing that hunters seem unable or unwilling to control where their dogs roam. “They have control over the dogs’ direction but not where they end up,” she said, emphasizing her frustration.

The issue of American hunters also came up, with concerns about individuals crossing from the U.S. to hunt on local land. While the council assured residents that hunters legally require explicit permission to access private property, there was ambiguity about retrieving dogs that stray onto private land. “Legally, they need permission, but some believe they’re allowed to fetch their dogs,” Mayor Piszar explained. He advised residents to contact the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) if they witnessed any unauthorized hunting activity or firearms on public roads. Piszar acknowledged the difficulty residents face, saying, “It’s an ongoing issue, especially with hunters claiming implied rights to roam,” and suggested the council could request increased SQ patrols during coyote hunting season to deter infractions.

In the second question period, concerns regarding traffic safety took centre stage. Residents highlighted dangerous driving behaviour on roads frequented by children, with some drivers reportedly using steep hills to pick up speed, risking accidents. “Drivers speed over the hill, sometimes airborne—it’s frightening,” one parent said, expressing deep worry about letting his child walk between homes. He added that he had purchased signs urging drivers to slow down, though he was uncertain if these would have a meaningful impact.

The council acknowledged that speed limits on municipal roads could be adjusted if necessary, with Mayor Piszar stating, “We have jurisdiction over speed limits here, except on provincial roads like Ways Mills and Route 141.” Piszar indicated a willingness to consider lowering the speed limit from 70 to 50 km/h on certain roads, a move that could encourage more responsible driving. Additionally, residents suggested the use of visible road markings, such as rumble strips, similar to those in neighbouring areas, to signal drivers to reduce speed near residential zones. “Measures like these have worked in nearby communities,” one council member noted, mentioning Hatley’s use of road markings to effectively slow down traffic entering the village.

Throughout the meeting, the council sought to balance municipal interests with the well-being of local residents, promising to keep their concerns in mind as they assess each issue. With decisions on hunting patrols and speed reduction potentially in the pipeline, the council emphasized their commitment to creating a safer and more peaceful environment in Barnston West. The meeting was adjourned at roughly 8 p.m. after lasting about an hour.