A definition of a firearm in Canmore’s hunting and trapping bylaw has been added and includes slingshots, bows and arrows and BB guns.
The bylaw was in front of council earlier this month for changes to allow a contractor approved by the municipality to use traps as set out in the Town’s feral rabbit management plan and align definitions in it with the Wildlife Act.
Bylaw services manager Greg Burt explained the definition of a firearm was added due to concerns identified by the RCMP.
Without a definition in the current bylaw, Burt said RCMP enforcement defers to the criminal code, which is very specific and does not include all weapons that could be used to hunt wildlife.
Councillor Ed Russell proposed a failed amendment to remove slingshots, bows and arrows and BB guns.
Russell said he does not think the municipality can pass that type of legislation, especially since all three are not firearms.
Coun. Jim Ridley added all three things can be used responsibly and are available for sale at local stores.
He expressed concern inclusion in the bylaw would prohibit possession of slingshots, bows and arrows and BB guns entirely.
Coun. Hans Helder, however, said all three can be used to hunt or harass animals and the definition should be considered within the context of the bylaw.
“This does not establish the definition of a firearm for all things, just this bylaw,” Helder said. “This ensures people do not use slingshots, bows and arrows or BB guns to hunt or harass wildlife.”
The bylaw states nobody will discharge a firearm in the town of Canmore and there was concern by some on council that that would prohibit the safe use of each, which included teaching archery to scouts or guides.
Mayor Ron Casey said the safe use of slingshots, bows and arrows and BB guns is a normal thing and the intent of the bylaw is understood to cover if they are being used to hunt or harass wildlife.
“I am hoping the discretion of bylaw will be used to enforce the hunting and trapping bylaw,” said the mayor.
