Town council plans to amend its firearms bylaw to prohibit the use of compound crossbows for hunting within municipal boundaries.
At the September 22 council meeting, the Town learned that crossbows are not included within the prohibited firearms section of the bylaw.
Corporate Officer Cathy Cowan said the Town received an enquiry from a citizen who asked if discharging a crossbow in Town was prohibited.
Currently, the bylaw prohibits the discharging of any firearm, including air guns, air rifles, air pistols, and spring guns. But it does not include bows or crossbows.
It is also unlawful to discharge a firearm or hunt within the road allowances of all numbered highways or two-lane (or greater) roads.
Provincial regulations prohibit hunting or discharging firearms within 100 metres of a church, school building, school yard, playground, park, dwelling house or farmhouse that is occupied by people or animals.
This law also applies to bows and crossbows.
As it stands now, bow hunting is permitted within Town boundaries (until the amendment is adopted).
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger agreed the amendment is necessary. “Obviously crossbows can be just as dangerous as firearms,” he said.
Councillor Dave Mattes wanted to ensure the bylaw amendment did not preclude archery practice in Town (for example, in the air cadet hangar).
Cowan said they will make sure that archery practice will be permitted.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
