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Calgary Herald

Bear spray, other weapons can't be shown in public in bylaw amendments under consideration by city council

Article content Proposed amendments to Calgary's public behaviour bylaw would prohibit the open display of weapons or noxious substances, such as bear spray. Article content The proposed change, which the city's community development committee unanimously endorsed Thursday, comes after a spike in assaults and robberies involving bear spray. Article content Article content It would also align the public behaviour bylaw with new rules on city transit, which council approved last fall, that forbid weapons such as knives, hatchets, machetes, batons or imitation firearms from being brandished on Calgary Transit property. Article content Article content A city official told the committee the amendment would address situations where a weapon or potentially dangerous item is brandished in a way that causes fear, but does not technically constitute a criminal offence. It would also allow police and bylaw officers to intervene in situations that currently fall outside their enforcement authority. Article content Article content 'This is not about possession — it's about visible display of items in a way that causes fear or intimidation, even if no harm is intended,' said Afshan Nazir, a business strategist for the city's policy and bylaw development team. Article content 'These types of behaviours often trigger public complaints and can create fear or discomfort, even when there's no immediate threat.' Article content Exemptions would be in place for any activities that are approved under the city's business licences, permits or special event requirements, including festivals, parades and organized community events. Article content Article content The bylaw also includes exemptions for religious customs, according to Ward 8 Coun. Courtney Walcott, who chairs the community development committee. As an example, he cited the kirpan, a small sword that Sikhs are required to wear sheathed on their person. Article content 'Having that in there, having it part of the training, is really important,' he said of the exemption. 'We always like to think that people know, 'please don't brandish your knife in public,' but the reality is, if it's not criminal, there was a grey area. This (amendment) is starting to close that so there's no perception of danger.' Article content The proposed penalty for non-compliance with the updated public behaviour bylaw, if approved by council, would be a $250 fine.