A Lakeshore resident says a nearby golf course has been hitting double-bogeys when it comes to safety.
Duane Janisse appeared before Lakeshore Town council Tuesday night with his lawyer, Edwin Hooker of Wolf Hooker in Essex. As a visual aid, the St. Joachim resident placed on the delegate table in front of him three large plastic containers filled to the brim with golf balls, all of which Janisse claims were hit onto his property from nearby Rochester Place Golf Club.
Janisse told council that since he and his wife purchased the property on Lakeshore Park Rd in November 2015, they have been bombarded during golf season with balls being hit onto their property. Photos presented as evidence showed dents on their vehicles and a busted windshield. Balls also are shown on the lawn around their home. The Janisses claim they have collected at least 65 balls from their property this golf season alone.
Lakeshore Councillor Steven Wilder acknowledged the problem has more to do with personal welfare than anything else.
"We've heard from the presenters here tonight that there's a safety risk there," said Wilder. "I think all of us are aware that there is a potential safety risk with golf balls leaving the property. So really, it's to take a look at what options are available."
In documents presented to council, Hooker says several attempts have been made to discuss the situation with Rochester Place management but he claims they have not provided an adequate response. Janisse told council that after he went to the golf course to complain after one incident, he was allegedly told to "go find the golfer." Hooker says all his clients are looking for are accountability and the erection of some kind of protective barrier.
Council voted unanimously on a motion to invite Rochester Place to a meeting with city officials to resolve the situation. Wilder says public safety is paramount and the issue needs to be addressed.
"As a golfer I can certainly understand the risk and understand the propensity for these things to happen," said Wilder. "Obviously with the residents coming forward today and voicing their concerns, I think it is an issue we should take a look at."
BlackburnNewsWindsor.com has reached out to Rochester Place Golf Club for a statement in response.
