King Township makes changes to discharge of firearms bylaw

King Connection
January 27, 2014
By Tim Kelly

After consideration of the interests of hunters and the residents and landowners who will be affected, King Township council will make minor alterations to the discharge of firearms bylaw at council Monday evening.

The bylaw, which is expected to pass, came up for discussion in November after a year-long process during which consultations had taken place among affected residents, partner organizations and interested parties.

Mayor Steve Pellegrini said Friday that the only change to the bylaw is that we’re expanding the King City boundary because of the planned and future urbanization. People can still protect their property, but cannot hunt recreationally, he said.

The minimum property size for discharge of firearms will be dropped from 10 acres to five acres, which residents had requested at the November meeting, and the buffer surrounding institutional properties is reduced to 100 metres. As well, the .275 calibre restriction will apply only to rifles.

Mr. Pellegrini said the boundary expansion will apply only to King City and not to Nobleton or Schomberg.

“There’s provincial and federal legislation," he said. "You’re not just allowed to go shooting animals. You can shoot coyotes, you don’t need a tag.”

The bylaw will also be enforced on a complaint-basis only and be enforceable by Township bylaw officers and members of the York Regional Police.

King Township Council meets Monday at Township Hall at 2075 King Rd., King City, at 6 p.m.