Bylaw amendments now prohibit open display of weapons and noxious substances in public spaces

(Brett Jordan/Unsplash)

By City of Calgary

Calgary City Council has passed amendments to the weapons provision of the Public Behaviour Bylaw, aimed at enhancing public safety across the city. The updated bylaw now prohibits the open display of weapons and noxious substances, such as bear spray, in public spaces unless for a lawful purpose.

These amendments enable officers to proactively address the visible display of such objects and mitigate potential threats before they escalate.

This decision follows a rise in the use of bear spray as a weapon during assaults and robberies, which highlighted enforcement gaps and raised significant public safety concerns.

The bylaw does not prohibit possession but restricts the open display of objects that could reasonably be perceived as threatening. Violations under the bylaw carry a $250 fine. The definitions of “weapon” and “noxious substance” are structured using inclusive, non-exhaustive language:

– Weapon includes knife, axe, hatchet, machete, baton, imitation firearm, bat, or saw.

– Noxious substance includes pepper spray, bear spray, or other oleoresin capsicum or capsaicin spray, or any other chemical or hazardous liquid, spray, powder, or substance that is capable of harming, injuring, or irritating a person or animal.

“Together, The City and the Calgary Police Service advocated for these changes to expand enforcement ability and close the gap between the Criminal Code and the Public Behaviour Bylaw,” said Ryan Pleckaitis, Chief Bylaw Officer.

“These amendments also align with the Transit Bylaw and close an enforcement gap between transit property and the rest of the public realm, allowing officers to respond more consistently when weapons or noxious substances are visibly present in public spaces,” said Chief Pleckaitis.

To support equitable enforcement, The City of Calgary applies an anti-racism lens to assess potential impacts on Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities, religious groups, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

This review emphasized clear definitions and lawful or cultural exemptions, such as for kirpans, to ensure enforcement is fair, consistent and aligned with the Charter.