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This is a new organization coming together to
advocate for a safe buffer zone around all public spaces or zoning with
residences.
The current gun and hunting laws are way out of date. Our rural communities are
not the same as they were 100 years ago.
Laws to protect us need to be updated to reflect how we live now.
Does the public not have the right to expect to be safe from gun firing while in a public park or on their own land?
Under the current laws it is perfectly safe for hunters to hunt just offshore (5 meters, the length of a parking space) from public parks. Less than 200 feet from a children's playground. Unless your township created a by-law prohibiting weapons from being discharged, then your neighbour can legally set up targets to fire weapons at. Even if beside a school grounds and there are no laws to prevent this (Quinte West has none). No hunting laws apply (provincial). In fact it is the hunting laws that state they can just be 5 meters away. Zero if on their own property or crown land. No gun laws exist as to where one can or can not fire weapons (federal). No child endangerment laws exist (provincial or federal). It is left up to your individual townships and if they do nothing then it is pretty much lawless. Just because something has been left technically legal doesn't make it safe or ethical. In the end we must ask our MP, MPP, township, "why is this still legal?"
If you are in law and would like to comment or make suggestions on any laws that might apply or should be created, please contact us at info@safeplayforchildren.ca especially in regards to child endangerment laws or from safely being able to use your property. People are imprisoned for talking to FAKE 14 year olds. Yet no child endangerment laws are pursued when people fire guns just feet away from REAL children as young as infants. Update there are laws 244(1) to prevent this danger. OPP just won't enforce them.
We are not advocating against hunting. Only to prevent the very few who believe that not being illegal makes it safe. The vast number of people who use weapons for hunting or recreation would never be affected by a law that creates a safe buffer zone as they are also already responsible people. No hunter would bring toddlers to a hunting camp. And yet a few see it as perfectly O.K. to hunt feet away from where your children may be playing.
Instead of 5 meters, hunting laws should be 100 meters from any property with a residence or public spaces.
Weapons discharge laws should have the same 100 meters from any other property with a residence or public spaces.
All municipalities should have by-laws regarding weapons discharge distances.