Eastern Shore residents demand authorities do better with drone enforcement

Blair Davis, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran living in West Lawrencetown, N.S., has been facing a disturbing issue for several years now – drones flying over his property at night. The constant buzzing noise and flashing lights in the sky have left him and his wife, Kim, feeling violated and anxious. Despite reporting the incidents to the RCMP, the problem persists, with the couple feeling helpless and frustrated.

In Canada, there are strict rules and regulations regarding drone usage. Drones within a certain weight range must be registered with Transport Canada, and operators must have a drone pilot certificate. Flying drones near airports or within designated no-fly zones is strictly prohibited. Violations can result in fines or legal consequences.

Investigations into illegal drone use are complex, as operators may not be within sight of the device, making it difficult to identify them. Both the RCMP and Transport Canada are involved in addressing these issues, but the lack of concrete solutions has left the Davises and their neighbor, Kristie Wilcox, feeling neglected by authorities.

Despite taking numerous photographs and videos as evidence, the issue of drones flying over their properties remains of low importance to law enforcement. A three-year peace bond was issued against the suspected drone operator in relation to the Davis property, but it does not specifically address the drone use. The lack of accountability and action from authorities has left the affected residents feeling abandoned and ignored.

The Davises and Wilcox simply want to live peacefully in their rural community, free from the intrusion of drones and the associated anxiety it brings. They believe that if the situation were happening to someone of higher importance, swift action would be taken. However, they feel overlooked and undervalued in their quest for a resolution to the ongoing drone problem plaguing their lives.