Yorkton Council gave all three readings to an updated Firearms Bylaw at its regular meeting Monday.
Each year Council appoints a Pest Control Officer in accordance with the Pest Control Act, explained a report circulated to Council from Darcy McLeod, Director of Community Development, Parks and Recreation.
"The purpose of this appointment is to control pests designated in the Pests Declarations Regulations within the boundaries of the municipality. However, the Pest Control Officer is also called upon to implement control programs for wildlife other than those designated through this legislation," detailed the report.
McLeod told Council the City's existing Firearm's Bylaw was "outdated and does not adequately detail the control and regulations of firearms as per various Provincial and Federal legislation."
McLeod explained a section of the Wildlife Regulations strictly prohibits hunting of any kind within 500 metres of any building without the consent of the owner.
"However the City may, in consultation with the Ministry of the Environment, establish a bylaw that controls the regulation of firearms in the City and further details a process that allows for the City to designate Pest Control Contractors to hunt within 500 metres of buildings without the owner's consent," said McLeod.
"Once the Bylaw is established, which still details involvement from the RCMP and requires various qualifications of Pest Control Contractors, the City would receive a Nuisance Wildlife Control Permit from the Ministry of the Environment allowing hunting of nuisance wildlife," detailed the report.
The Bylaw passed unanimously Monday establishes the required framework for the City.
