Debate over Stirling’s Haunted Mansion causing division among village residents

 A full house turned out at the Stirling Community Centre Wednesday night to determine the fate of the Haunted Mansion.

The owners of the property, Glory and Richard Reimer, were forced to apply for rezoning after changes in the village’s legislation.

The application and subsequent public hearing became an opportunity for area residents to speak out, and many protested what’s become a popular southern Alberta attraction.

One by one, those either for or against the Haunted Mansion took to the microphone to address their concerns to council.

The Reimer’s began spooking people at their home 12 years ago and have since included a petting zoo, miniature train and bed and breakfast to their three acres of land.

They were surprised to learn their application to have the property rezoned from residential to direct control quickly sparked concern among neighbors and now they fear they may have to shut down.

“I hope that everybody sees that we’re a valuable part of this community and the Haunted Mansion is given the zoning it needs so we can continue to please the public,” said Richard Reimer.

However, according to a petition signed by 179 residents in the village of a population under 1, 200 people not everyone believes the property is a valuable asset to the community.

One neighbour, Trevor Lewington, opposes the rezoning and says it’s not just about increased noise, traffic and parking.

He says neighboring property is subject to vandalism and doesn’t maintain the village’s small town atmosphere.

“They’ve already approved two businesses on this site that are in keeping with a residential neighborhood. I don’t believe that future growth and continued development is appropriate, this is where people live,” he adds.

Those supporting the Reimer’s and the Haunted Mansion showed up in costume and Halloween colours.

Neighbour Larry Bates loves the mansion and says he isn’t inconvenienced by the property in any way.

“The Haunted Mansion is the only attraction that Stirling really has. It brings people into the community,” he says.

Council adjourned the meeting with request for more information on things like crime rates and traffic records in order to make an informed decision.

According to Mayor Jason Edwards, it won’t be an easy to make both sides happy. 

“This is an issue everyone has an opinion of and it’s also an issue people have a lot of different opinions on. So as far as difficulty goes, this is the most difficult decision I’ve had to make,” he said.

Administration adds they don’t expect a second public meeting in the near future because the information requested by council will take some time to recover.