Good afternoon,
As a follow up to the recent bird cannon survey and the responses from our community, the letter below was sent to the landowner on the morning of August 27th. Mayor Groves, Councillors Early and Kiernan, Caledon Enforcement and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food were copied with the letter. Both councillors heard the cannons first hand yesterday while visiting Belfountain. We will now wait 5 business days for a reply:
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August 27, 2025
Mr. Sean Cunningham
17529 Shaws Creek Rd,
Caledon, ON
L7K 0E5
pigz1@me.com
Via Email Only
Dear Mr. Cunningham,
RE: Bird Cannons
The Hamlet of Belfountain has a population of 347 people within 160 dwellings. The Belfountain Community Organization is committed to preserving the rural, heritage and environmental integrity of the Hamlet of Belfountain and its environs. We are a volunteer organization which began in 1987. We have evolved as development and other related issues threaten the well being of our community.
In response to numerous complaints by residents about the nuisance noise being generated by the bird cannons used at your farm, the BCO undertook a survey to garner an overall feeling of the community.
As of today, we have received 88 responses.
- 61.6% are very concerned
- 16.2% are some what concerned
- 22.2% are not concerned
The geographic representation of those that responded as concerned or very concerned are located within the hamlet and/or directly adjacent to the West Credit River valley. Most are within 1km of the point of discharge. Concerns are associated with disturbing the peace, scaring pets, disruption of daytime sleep for shift workers or harming business. This is characterized as a disruptive nuisance to the residents of the Hamlet of Belfountain.
One response included this press release regarding Adamo Estate Winery in Hockley and how they are now using an advanced bird deterrent system that does not involve noisy bird cannons. They made this switch after the cannons did not work, numerous complaints about the noise and a negative effect on Hockley Valley Resort and local tourism. We understand that your cannons did not protect your crop last year.
The bird cannons have been confirmed as a nuisance upsetting the residents of Belfountain. It would be prudent of you to discuss this matter with Adamo Estate Winery directly. We ask that you investigate and implement alternative solutions that are not a disruptive nuisance to our community as soon as possible.
A written response to this letter within the next 5 business days would be appreciated as we will be informing residents of your position.
Thank you,
The Belfountain Community Organization
Website – Belfountain.ca Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BelfountainCommunity/Twitter – https://twitter.com/Belfountainca
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