Military weapons could be tested in Windsor

There's a proposal to open a new test firing range in Windsor.

Elite Machining wants permission to test weapons for both the Canadian and U.S. militaries at its location on Grand Marais Road East.

"Because they are prohibited by law and used by armed forces they're not able to use a public firing facilities and test them,"

said Neil Robertson, with the city's planning department. "That's why they've made the requirement for the private facility. They're not proposing any alteration expansion to the building. It would be entirely within the building."

The city is gathering more information before looking at a rezoning application.

The application said it was for firearms and other devices for law enforcement. Representatives from Elite did not appear at council Monday.

"It’s great we’re seeing diversification in our manufacturing sector. But we don’t have a lot of information, yet," Coun. Fulvio Valentinis said.

Coun. Hilary Payne called the application "very welcome. Of course, natural precautions have to be taken," he said.

A spokesperson from Elite told CBC News the firing range needs to be approved before it can bid on contracts.

The company has no contracts with any military and has yet to have any conversations with any military agency.

It is just trying to align itself to apply for future contracts. Elite already makes, for example, accessories such as scope mounts for rifles. 

A new firing range would cost $5,000 and be located at 2323 Grand Marais Road E.

The company spokesperson said he was surprised the application attracted any attention at all. He said people have already been calling looking for jobs but said Elite is "not at that stage, yet."