During the May 6, 2014 public meeting re: Niagara Escarpment Development Permit Application, the town of Mono Planning and Environmental Advisory Committee was told by the Adamo Estate Winery (Hockley Valley Resort), "there are no plans to utilize "bird bangers" or propane-fired cannons to control birds as is currently done in Niagara region." However, the use of propane-fired cannons by the winery started on August 1, 2016 and continued until the end of October 2016 - starting a half hour before sunrise and ending a half hour after sunset , 3 cannon shots every 10 - 12 minutes, 7 days a week. This can add up to more than 200 shots in a day. Keep in mind that we did not choose to move into wine country; the Adamo Estate Winery chose to set up shop in a primarily quiet, country residential neighbourhood.

The use of these cannons has had a deleterious effect on the residents of Mono both in the quiet enjoyment of our homes and in threatening to devalue our properties on the market. We cannot adequately express how angry we are that our quality of life in Mono has been shattered by the hundreds of explosive cannon-like bangs we are subjected to seven days of the week. These shots make any outdoor activity absolutely unbearable. As well, all windows and doors must be kept closed in order to muffle the sound as much as possible. It is impossible to ever fully relax knowing that a new round of shots is coming at any moment.

The use of these cannons is both a mental and physical health issue. The intermittency and the decibel level of the shots increase our level of anxiety and stress. We can never fully relax as we are bracing for the next round of explosions. Numerous studies show that this type of noise causes and exacerbates anxiety, which also has physical health consequences. Compounding the stress is the inability to sleep past sunrise on any day of the week which constitutes sleep deprivation, as well as the inability to benefit from the stress-reducing effects of being outdoors in nature. As far as we are concerned, the shots violate our right to quiet enjoyment of our home and are tantamount to a form of trespassing.

The residents of Mono have serious concerns about the physical and mental health impact of these cannons not just on residents but also on the wildlife in the area. This area of Mono is located in the protection zone of the Niagara Escarpment and is a part of a world biosphere region. Many long-time residents of the affected area have noticed a decrease in wildlife appearances and activity.

There are many other effective and quiet alternatives to propane-fired cannons that protect the grapes (in this case) from birds. We are asking the Adamo Estate Winery to desist in their use of these cannons and to employ a method(s) that is more conducive to their role as good neighbour and responsible corporate citizen.