Dave Mabell
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
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Closed last week after reports of bullets flying through a Lethbridge neighbourhood, the rifle firing range in a northside park will remain shut another two weeks.
After city council members were updated on the situation, Mayor Rajko Dodic announced Tuesday the shut-down order won't be lifted until March 5 at the earliest. That's when council will hear presentations on the matter from Lethbridge Regional Police as well as city administration and the range operators, the Lethbridge Fish and Game Association.
The closure was ordered after police officials reported the bullets may have been fired from the range. The issue will be aired during council's next scheduled meeting.
"We want to ensure everyone gets a fair hearing," the mayor added.
No public debate is expected at that meeting, but council may decide if and when the valley-bottom facility in Peenaquim Park may resume operation.
The range was closed after a Feb. 9 meeting between the association and city administration, following reports that spent rifle bullets were found in an adjacent residential area. It was also closed two years ago, after a stray bullet hit a mini-van in the same neighbourhood.
"This is a very touchy issue," the mayor noted. "I'm sure people will be passionate on both sides."
Fish and Game officials have said they're working with city officials to find a safer place for the range, further away from suburban development. They offered no comment after last week's notice of closure, however.
But a members' meeting has been called for Thursday, 7 p.m. at the Fish and Game clubhouse on 9 Avenue S., to discuss the situation.
Dodic said city officials will be offering no more comment on the issue until the March 5 meeting.