Calgary bylaw change allows $250 fine for public display of weapons, bear spray

Calgarians caught displaying a weapon or noxious substance like bear spray in public could face a fine if charged under a new bylaw.

Calgary City Council has approved changes to the weapons section of the Public Behaviour Bylaw, which it says is aimed at enhancing public safety across the city.

The updated bylaw now bans the open display of weapons and noxious substances unless it’s for a lawful purpose.

The city says these amendments allow officers to proactively address the visible display of such objects and address potential threats before they escalate.

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

Under the bylaw changes, it is not illegal to be in possession of the items, but it is a violation to openly display objects that could be reasonably seen as threatening.

Violations under the bylaw carry a $250 fine.

Under the bylaw, a weapon is considered a knife, axe, hatchet, machete, baton, imitation firearm, bat, or saw. A 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.”

The city says it supports equitable enforcements and applies an anti-racism lens to assess potential impacts on Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities, religious groups, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

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