Toronto bans gun clubs in controversial ruling

by julianw | June 24, 2008 at 12:33 pm

1522 views | 1 Recommendation | 11 comments

In a vote pushed through yesterday by mayor David Miller, the city of Toronto banned gun clubs and shooting ranges from city property.

"There will be no more gun clubs on City of Toronto property and there will be no new gun clubs in the City of Toronto ever," Mr. Miller said after the vote. "We have to do every single thing possible to get the guns."

The vote means two shooting ranges on city premises -- one at Union Station and the other at the Don Montgomery Community Recreation Centre in Scarborough -- will be evicted when their leases are up in the coming months. Although zoning bylaws will be drafted to prevent private gun clubs from setting up, a compromise was reached for a grandfather clause permitting the two organizations to move elsewhere in Toronto.

The decision is controversial, and not just among gun enthusiasts. Some politicians argue that it will do little to stop gun violence.

"It's as if we are using a paintball for Toronto's war on crime," said Councillor David Shiner (Ward 24, Willowdale).

“Effective gun control means targeting criminals, and the criminal misuse of firearms, not Olympic competitors or the collectors of historic firearms,” said Federal Minister of Public Safety, Stockwell Day

Tonny Bernando, Executive Director of Canadian Institute for Legislative Action, a gun-owners lobby group, is furious with Mayor Miller.

Canadian Institute for Legislative Action (CILA) Executive Director Tony Bernardo stated, “If war is what David Miller wants, war is what he’ll get. But he needs to remember, there is one of him and two million of us.” He added, “Mayor Miller has been slandering us for years, calling us “so-called law abiding gun owners” and accusing sport shooters of 'fuelling Toronto’s drug and gang problems.' “Miller is lying to the people of Toronto because he lacks the courage to deal with Toronto’s real crime problems.”

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egnilk66

at 12:39 on June 24th, 2008

Absolutely insane. This bolshevik is crazy...

Laurabeth76

at 14:59 on June 24th, 2008

Pictured is my son, Scotty Lee, enjoying his time on the shooting range. (Lake Sampson, Wallback, West Virginia.) 05~22~08

Laurabeth76 has contributed a photo to this story.

shonnalynn

at 15:18 on June 24th, 2008

I believe it is more of a risk to take away shooting ranges. If you dont have a place to shoot you will find one safe or not. They are going about their problem in the wrong way. Keep shooting ranges open for the safety of everyone.

saradecki

at 16:30 on June 24th, 2008

These are photos of my 14 year old son Josh, on his first trip to the gun range with a close family friend who taught him gun safety and guided him in safe shooting. It's crazy to take shooting ranges away, people will use unsafe places as ranges instead! At the range, they are closely monitored and safe. It is short sighted to take away this service.

saradecki has contributed a photo to this story.

ivcgreyghosts

at 16:35 on June 24th, 2008

Spending time at the range is a family affair for us. Teaching our children the importance of respecting our firearms has been very important to us. At the same time, we find it necessary to show them what an enjoyable hobby target shooting can be. Banishing shooting ranges stands to take away a family activity that many families enjoy. For some, this may be the only activity a family has in common.

ivcgreyghosts has contributed a photo to this story.

Ziggy_TX

at 18:21 on June 24th, 2008

This law-abiding female learns how to protect herself and her loved ones in a safe, controlled environment.

Ziggy_TX has contributed a photo to this story.

3MD-Studios

at 21:59 on June 24th, 2008

3MD-Studios has contributed a photo to this story.

3MD-Studios

at 22:01 on June 24th, 2008

Flames from a .375 round fired from Desi Miller's firearm lights up the shooting range.

sarmomemt

at 14:27 on June 25th, 2008

Female soldier shooting the M4 on a military range.

sarmomemt has contributed a photo to this story.

antefixus21

at 17:41 on June 28th, 2008

In following his plan it seems evident to me that mayor Miller has sacrificed a long term Canadian tradition and the values of 1,000's on a high media altar in order to appeal to a few of his constituents. To me Miller is a cheap drive by shooter, a political thug motoring the GTA , looking for just one more hit, one more vote ... at any cost.

antefixus21 has contributed a photo to this story.