Copyright © King's Printer,

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Licence

Disclaimer

Volume 69, No. 8

65/2026

The British Columbia Gazette,

Part II

May 5, 2026

B.C. Reg. 65/2026 , deposited April 27, 2026, under the FIREARM VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT [sections 79 and 82]. Order in Council 158/2026, approved and ordered April 27, 2026.

On the recommendation of the undersigned, the Lieutenant Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council, orders that, effective October 1, 2026, the attached Firearm Violence Prevention (Designated Property) Regulation is made.

— N. KRIEGER, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ; N. SHARMA, Presiding Member of the Executive Council .

FIREARM VIOLENCE PREVENTION

(DESIGNATED PROPERTY) REGULATION

Contents

Part 1 –

Interpretation, Application and Approvals

Division 1 –

Interpretation and Application

Definitions

References to "transport" or "carry"

Descriptors for federal enactments

Court property

Division 2 – Approvals from Relevant Entities

Obtaining approval from relevant entity

Relevant entities

Multi-use properties

Part 2 – Designation of Property and Vehicles

Mobile medical units designated as hospital property

Indigenous K–12 properties designated as school property

Part 3 – Exemptions for Persons Subject to Federal Jurisdiction

Exemption for federal officials

Exemption for business employees and non-residents

Exemption for Parks Canada volunteers

Exemption relating to authorization to carry

Part 4 – Exemptions for Peace Officer Training, Firearm Courses and Cadet Programs

Division 1 – Peace Officer Training

Meaning of "peace officer"

Exemption for peace officer training

Restrictions on exemption for peace officer training

Division 2 – Firearm Courses

Exemption for firearm courses

Restrictions on possessing for firearm course

Restrictions on transporting for firearm course

Restrictions on storing for firearm course

Division 3 – Cadet Programs

Meaning of "cadet program"

Exemption for cadet programs

Restrictions on possessing for cadet program

Restrictions on transporting for cadet program

Restrictions on storing for cadet program

Part 5 – Exemptions for Artistic Activities and Performing Arts

Division 1 – Artistic Activities

Definitions for Division 1 of

Part 5

Exemption for artistic activities

Restrictions on possessing for artistic activity

Duty to exclude other persons

Restrictions on transporting for artistic activity

Restrictions on storing for artistic activity

Division 2 – Performing Arts Events

Exemption for performing arts events

Restrictions on possessing for performing arts event

Restrictions on transporting for performing arts event

Restrictions on storing for performing arts event

Part 6 – Exemptions for Biathlons and Shooting Competitions

Division 1 – Biathlons

Exemption for biathlons

Restrictions on possessing for biathlon

Restrictions on transporting for biathlon

Restrictions on storing for biathlon

Division 2 – Shooting Competitions

Exemption for shooting competitions and related activities

Restrictions on possessing for shooting competition or related activity

Restrictions on transporting for shooting competition or related activity

Restrictions on storing for shooting competition or related activity

Part 7 – Exemptions for Child Care in Personal Residences

Definitions for

Part 7

Exemption for child care in personal residence

Restrictions on possessing for child care in personal residence

Restrictions on storing for child care in personal residence

Part 8 – Exemptions for Extended Care Facilities and Private Hospitals

Definitions for

Part 8

Exemption for patients in extended care or private hospital

Restrictions on storing in extended care or private hospital

Part 9 – Exemptions for Post-Secondary Properties

Division 1 – Programs and Research

Exemption for post-secondary programs and research

Restrictions on possessing for program or research

Restrictions on transporting for program or research

Restrictions on storing for program or research

Division 2 – Other Exemptions for Post-Secondary Properties

Exemption for forensic or ballistic tests

Exemption for storage in post-secondary property

Exemption for protecting persons from wildlife

Exemption for hunting

Exemption for programs of Justice Institute of British Columbia

Part 10 – Exemptions for School Programs

Exemption for educational programs and extracurricular activities

Restrictions on possessing for school program

Restrictions on transporting for school program

Restrictions on storing for school program

Part 11 – Restrictions on storing for school program

Exemption for permitted devices

Exemption for armoured car guards

Exemption for euthanizing animals or addressing animal infestations

Exemption for vehicles and boats temporarily on designated property

Exemption for property occasionally used for public worship

Part 12 – General Requirements for Exemptions

Transporting and carrying firearms and imitation firearms

Storing firearms and imitation firearms

Giving notice to local police serviceOther Exemptions

Part 1 –

Interpretation, Application and Approvals

Division 1 –

Interpretation and Application

Definitions

1 In this regulation:

"Act" means the Firearm Violence Prevention Act ;

"Canadian Forces" means the Canadian Forces as defined in

section 2 of the Criminal Code ;

"designated property prohibition" means the prohibition set out in

section 18 [prohibition against possessing firearm or imitation firearm in or on designated property] of the Act;

"K–12 program" means a kindergarten to grade 12 educational program or a similar educational program;

"K–12 student" means a student in a K–12 program;

"police service" means any of the following within the meaning of the Police Act :

(

a) the provincial police service;

(

b) a municipal police department;

(

c) a designated policing unit.

References to "transport" or "carry"

2 For certainty, if an exemption in this regulation imposes requirements in relation to transporting or carrying a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property,

(

a) the requirements apply to a person when the person is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm to or from the location within the designated property where the activity to which the exemption relates will be, is or was taking place, and

(

b) the requirements do not apply to a person when the person is carrying out the exempted activity.

Descriptors for federal enactments

3 In this regulation, if a reference to a federal enactment is followed by italicized text in square brackets that describes the subject matter of the federal enactment, the text in square brackets

(

a) is not part of this regulation, and

(

b) is to be considered to have been added editorially for convenience of reference only.

Court property

(1) This regulation, other than subsection (2) of this section, does not apply in relation to a court property.

(2) A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a court property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the possession is authorized under

section 6.1 (2) [court security] of the Sheriff Act .

Division 2 – Approvals from Relevant Entities

Obtaining approval from relevant entity

(1) If an exemption in relation to a designated property is conditional on approval being obtained from the relevant entity, the approval must be obtained from the following:

(

a) the entity specified in

section 6 as the relevant entity for the designated property;

(

b) if the designated property is a multi-use property as defined in

section 7 (1) [approvals for multi-use properties] , each of the relevant entities referred to in

section 7 (2).

(2) An approval under subsection (1)

(

a) may impose conditions that are more restrictive than the conditions set out in this regulation, and

(

b) may not impose conditions that conflict with the Act or this regulation.

(3) A relevant entity may authorize an employee or agent to give an approval under subsection (1).

(4) Approvals under subsection (1) and authorizations under subsection (3) must be in writing.

(5) A reference in this regulation to the relevant entity for a designated property includes an employee or agent to whom an authorization is given under subsection (3).

Relevant entities

(1) If a designated property is a child care property, the relevant entity for the property is the entity who holds a licence that

(

a) has been issued to the entity under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act , and

(

b) authorizes the entity to provide regulated child care in or on the property.

(2) If a designated property is a hospital property, the relevant entity for the property is as follows:

(

a) in the case of property in or on which a hospital as defined in

section 1 of the Hospital Act is operated, the board of management;

(

b) in the case of property in or on which a private hospital licensed under

Part 2 [Private Hospitals] of the Hospital Act is operated, the licensee.

(3) If a designated property is a post-secondary property, the relevant entity for the property is the post-secondary institution.

(4) If a designated property is a public worship property, the relevant entity for the property is the owner or operator of the public worship property.

(5) If a designated property is a school property, the relevant entity for the property is as follows:

(

a) unless paragraph (

b) applies, the education authority, as defined in

section 25 (1) [meaning of "school property"] of the Act, that is responsible for the school property;

(

b) if the property is designated as school property under

section 9 (2) [Indigenous K–12 properties designated as school property] , the Indigenous entity, as defined in

section 9 (1) , that is responsible for the school property.

Multi-use properties

(1) In this section, "multi-use property" means a property that, for either of the following reasons, includes more than one type of designated property listed in

section 18 [prohibition against possessing firearm or imitation firearm in or on designated property] of the Act:

(

a) part of the property is used as a type of designated property and other parts are used as one or more other types of designated property;

(

b) the property is used, at times, as a type of designated property and, at other times, as one or more other types of designated property.

(2) If approval from the relevant entity is required for a designated property that is a multi-use property, approvals must be obtained from the relevant entities for each type of designated property included within the multi-use property.

Part 2 – Designation of Property and Vehicles

Mobile medical units designated as hospital property

(1) In this section, "mobile medical unit" means a mobile unit that

(

a) is operated by a health authority as defined in

section 1 of the Public Health Act , and

(

b) is used for the purposes of providing health care.

(2) Mobile medical units are designated as hospital property for the purposes of

section 22 (b) [meaning of "hospital property"] of the Act.

Indigenous K–12 properties designated as school property

(1) In this section:

"band" has the same meaning as in the Indian Act (Canada);

"Indigenous entity" means any of the following:

(

a) a band;

(

b) a treaty first nation;

(

c) a participating First Nation or Community Education Authority within the meaning of the First Nations Jurisdiction over Education in British Columbia Act (Canada);

(

d) an entity established by one or more of the entities referred to in paragraph (a), (

b) or (

c) of this definition.

(2) The following are designated as "school property" for the purposes of

section 25 (2) (c) [meaning of "school property"] of the Act:

(

a) property or a vehicle that

(

i) is owned, leased, rented, managed or operated by an Indigenous entity,

(ii) is used in whole or in part for the purposes of providing a K–12 program,

(iii) is not a post-secondary property within the meaning of

section 23 (2) [meaning of "post-secondary property"] of the Act, and

(iv) is not a school property within the meaning of

section 25 (2) (

a) or (

b) of the Act;

(

b) a vehicle that is owned, leased, rented, managed or operated by an Indigenous entity, other than a vehicle to which paragraph (

a) of this subsection applies, when the vehicle is being used for the purposes of transporting students to or from extracurricular activities.

Part 3 – Exemptions for Persons Subject to Federal Jurisdiction

Exemption for federal officials

(1) In this section, "federal official" means any of the following persons:

(

c) an officer or a non-commissioned member of the Canadian Forces;

(

d) a member of the armed forces of a state other than Canada who is attached or seconded to the Canadian Forces;

(

e) a member of a visiting force as defined in

section 2 of the Visiting Forces Act (Canada);

(

f) a designated officer, as defined in

section 2 of the Integrated Cross-border Law Enforcement Operations Act (Canada) and referred to in paragraph (c.1) of the definition of "peace officer" in

section 2 of the Criminal Code ;

(

g) any of the following persons under the federal Act:

(

i) the Commissioner;

(ii) a chief firearms officer or firearms officer;

(iii) the Registrar;

(iv) a person designated under

section 100 of that Act to perform duties and functions of the Registrar.

(2) A federal official who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the possession is lawful for the purposes of exercising or performing the federal official’s powers or duties.

Exemption for business employees and non-residents

(1) In this section:

"business employee" means an employee described in

section 97 (3) [power of provincial ministers to exempt employees of authorized business] of the federal Act;

"federal Act exemption" means an exemption under

section 97 [exemptions by Governor in Council, federal minister or provincial minister] of the federal Act;

"non-resident" means a non-resident as defined in

section 2 (1) of the federal Act.

(2) A business employee or non-resident who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if, because of a federal Act exemption, the possession does not contravene any of the following:

(

a) the federal Act or a regulation under that Act;

(

b) the Criminal Code .

Exemption for Parks Canada volunteers

(1) In this section, "Parks Canada volunteer" means a volunteer who provides services under a written agreement to the Parks Canada Agency.

(2) A Parks Canada volunteer who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the Parks Canada volunteer possesses the firearm or imitation firearm with the permission and under the close personal supervision of an employee of the Parks Canada Agency;

(

b) the Parks Canada volunteer has the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act;

(

c) the Parks Canada volunteer does not carry ammunition in or on the property .

Exemption relating to authorization to carry

(1) In this section, "authorization to carry" means an authorization to carry as defined in

section 2 (1) of the federal Act.

(2) A person who possesses a firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the person’s possession of the firearm is authorized under an authorization to carry.

Part 4 – Exemptions for Peace Officer Training, Firearm Courses and Cadet Programs

Division 1 – Peace Officer Training

Meaning of "peace officer"

14 In this Division, "peace officer" means a peace officer to whom the exemption set out in

section 19 (1) [exemptions from prohibitions respecting designated property] of the Act applies.

Exemption for peace officer training

15 A person who is not a peace officer and who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm for purposes relating to the training of peace officers;

(

b) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

c) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the provisions set out in

section 16.

Restrictions on exemption for peace officer training

(1) The person’s possession of the firearm or imitation firearm must be under the supervision of one or more of the following individuals:

(

a) a designated constable, enforcement officer, municipal constable or provincial constable within the meaning of the Police Act ;

(

b) an employee of the government of British Columbia or Canada who is prescribed as a public officer under

section 117.07 (2) (g) [prescribed employees of federal, provincial or municipal governments] of the Criminal Code ;

(

c) an individual, other than a peace officer, who

(

i) is providing training for peace officers under a contract with

(

A) a police service, or

(

B) a designated law enforcement unit within the meaning of the Police Act , and

(ii) has the licences, permits or authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

(2) For certainty, subsection (1) does not apply if the person is an individual described in paragraph (a), (

b) or (

c) of that subsection.

(3) If the person possesses a firearm,

(

a) the person must have the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act,

(

b) except in the case of a low-velocity firearm, the firearm must not be loaded, and

(

c) the person must not carry ammunition, other than ammunition for a low-velocity firearm, in or on the property.

Division 2 – Firearm Courses

Exemption for firearm courses

17 A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a post-secondary property, public worship property or school property;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm for the purposes of providing or participating in a course respecting firearm safety or maintenance;

(

c) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

d) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the other provisions of this Division.

Restrictions on possessing for firearm course

(1) If the person possesses a firearm for the purposes of instructing a course required under the federal Act, the person must have been designated as an instructor by the chief firearms officer under that Act.

(2) If the person possesses a firearm,

(

a) the firearm must not be loaded, and

(

b) the person must have the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

Restrictions on transporting for firearm course

(1) If the person is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property, the person must comply with the requirements set out in

section 69.

(2) The person must not carry ammunition in or on the property.

Restrictions on storing for firearm course

20 The person must not store the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property unless

(

a) the person is providing the course,

(

b) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained as required under

section 70 (2) [storing firearms and imitation firearms] , and

(

c) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the storage conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the requirements set out in

section 70 (3).

Division 3 – Cadet Programs

Meaning of "cadet program"

21 In this Division, "cadet program" means a cadet program or cadet activity of any of the following organizations:

(

a) the Air Cadets, Army Cadets, Junior Canadian Rangers or Sea Cadets, as operated by the Canadian Forces;

(

b) the Navy League of Canada;

(

c) a police service.

Exemption for cadet programs

22 A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a post-secondary property, public worship property or school property;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm for the purposes of providing or participating in a cadet program;

(

c) in the case of a person who possesses a firearm, the firearm is a non-restricted firearm or low-velocity firearm;

(

d) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

e) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the other provisions of this Division.

Restrictions on possessing for cadet program

(1) If the person is a minor who is providing or participating in the cadet program, the person’s possession of the firearm or imitation firearm must be under the close personal supervision of an adult who is a member, employee, contractor or volunteer of,

(

a) in the case of a cadet program of an organization referred to in

section 21 (a) [meaning of "cadet program"] , the Canadian Forces,

(

b) in the case of a cadet program of the Navy League of Canada, the Navy League of Canada, or

(

c) in the case of a cadet program of a police service, the police service.

(2) If the person possesses a non-restricted firearm,

(

a) the firearm must not be loaded, and

(

b) the person must have the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

Restrictions on transporting for cadet program

(1) If the person is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property, the person must comply with the requirements set out in

section 69.

(2) The person must not transport or carry the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property if the person is a minor.

(3) The person must not carry ammunition, other than ammunition for a low-velocity firearm, in or on the property.

Restrictions on storing for cadet program

25 The person must not store the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property unless

(

a) the person is an adult,

(

b) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained as required under

section 70 (2) [storing firearms and imitation firearms] , and

(

c) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the storage conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the requirements set out in

section 70 (3) and (4).

Part 5 – Exemptions for Artistic Activities and Performing Arts

Division 1 – Artistic Activities

Definitions for Division 1 of

Part 5

26 In this Division:

"artistic activity" means an activity carried out in creating a film, painting, photograph or similar artistic work but does not include an activity carried out in providing or performing in a performing arts event as defined in

section 32;

"firearm safety coordinator" , in relation to an artistic activity, means a person who is responsible for the safe use, transportation and storage of firearms or imitation firearms used for the purposes of the artistic activity;

"local police service" , in relation to an artistic activity, means the police service that is responsible for policing and law enforcement in the area in which a firearm or imitation firearm is to be used for the purposes of the artistic activity.

Exemption for artistic activities

27 A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm for the purposes of an artistic activity;

(

b) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

c) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the other provisions of this Division.

Restrictions on possessing for artistic activity

(1) The person must not possess the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property unless a firearm safety coordinator has given written notice to the local police service in accordance with

section 71.

(2) If the person possesses a firearm,

(

a) the person must have the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act, and

(

b) except in the case of a low-velocity firearm, the firearm must not be loaded.

Duty to exclude other persons

(1) If the artistic activity will be taking place in or on a hospital property or post-secondary property, the person must not use the firearm or imitation firearm for the purposes of the artistic activity unless reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all persons, other than those present for the purposes of the artistic activity, are excluded from the location within the property where the artistic activity is taking place.

(2) If the artistic activity will be taking place in or on a child care property, school property or public worship property, the person must not use the firearm or imitation firearm for the purposes of the artistic activity unless reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all persons, other than those present for the purposes of the artistic activity, are excluded from the child care property, school property or public worship property.

Restrictions on transporting for artistic activity

(1) If the person is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property, the person must comply with the requirements set out in

section 69.

(2) The person must not carry ammunition, other than ammunition for a low-velocity firearm, in or on the property.

Restrictions on storing for artistic activity

31 The person must not store the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property unless

(

a) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained as required under

section 70 (2) [storing firearms and imitation firearms] , and

(

b) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the storage conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the requirements set out in

section 70 (3) and (4).

Division 2 – Performing Arts Events

Exemption for performing arts events

(1) In this section, "performing arts event" means any of the following:

(

a) a performing arts event attended by an in-person audience;

(

b) a performing arts event viewed by an audience remotely, simultaneous to the performance;

(

c) a rehearsal for an event described in paragraph (

a) or (b).

(2) A person who possesses an imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a post-secondary property, public worship property or school property;

(

b) the person possesses the imitation firearm for the purposes of providing or performing in a performing arts event;

(

c) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

d) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the other provisions of this Division.

Restrictions on possessing for performing arts event

(1) If the person is a minor, the person’s possession of the imitation firearm must be under the close personal supervision of an adult.

(2) If the person

(

a) is a K–12 student who is an adult, and

(

b) is in or on a school property,

the person’s possession of the imitation firearm must be under the close personal supervision of an adult who is not a K–12 student.

Restrictions on transporting for performing arts event

(1) If the person is transporting or carrying the imitation firearm in or on the property, the person must comply with the requirements set out in

section 69.

(2) The person must not transport or carry the imitation firearm in or on the property if the person is a minor.

(3) The person must not transport or carry the imitation firearm in or on a school property if the person is a K–12 student who is an adult.

(4) The person must not carry ammunition in or on the property.

Restrictions on storing for performing arts event

(1) The person must not store the imitation firearm in or on the property unless

(

a) the person is an adult,

(

b) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained as required under

section 70 (2) [storing firearms and imitation firearms] , and

(

c) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the storage conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the requirements set out in

section 70 (3).

(2) Despite subsection (1) (a), a person must not store the imitation firearm in or on a school property if the person is a K–12 student who is an adult.

Part 6 – Exemptions for Biathlons and Shooting Competitions

Division 1 – Biathlons

Exemption for biathlons

36 A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a post-secondary property, public worship property or school property;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm for the purposes of a biathlon competition, a biathlon demonstration or biathlon training;

(

c) in the case of a person who possesses a firearm, the firearm is a non-restricted firearm or low-velocity firearm;

(

d) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

e) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the other provisions of this Division.

Restrictions on possessing for biathlon

37 If the person possesses a non-restricted firearm,

(

a) the firearm must not be loaded, and

(

b) the person must have the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

Restrictions on transporting for biathlon

(1) If the person is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property, the person must comply with the requirements set out in

section 69.

(2) The person must not carry ammunition, other than ammunition for a low-velocity firearm, in or on the property.

Restrictions on storing for biathlon

39 The person must not store the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property unless

(

a) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained as required under

section 70 (2) [storing firearms and imitation firearms] , and

(

b) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the storage conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the requirements set out in

section 70 (3) and (4).

Division 2 – Shooting Competitions

Exemption for shooting competitions and related activities

(1) In this section:

"related activity" means either of the following:

(

a) a demonstration of a shooting competition;

(

b) training for a shooting competition;

"shooting competition" means a competition that involves proficiency in shooting and is recognized by one or more of the following:

(

b) the British Columbia Target Sports Association;

(

c) Pentathlon Canada;

(

d) the Shooting Federation of Canada.

(2) A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a post-secondary property or school property;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm for the purposes of a shooting competition or a related activity;

(

c) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

d) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the other provisions of this Division.

Restrictions on possessing for shooting competition or related activity

(1) In this section:

"firearm safety coordinator" , in relation to a shooting competition or related activity, means a person who is responsible for the safe use, transportation and storage of firearms or imitation firearms used for the purposes of the competition;

"local police service" , in relation to a shooting competition or related activity, means the police service that is responsible for policing and law enforcement in the area in which a firearm or imitation firearm is to be used for the purposes of the competition.

(2) The person must not possess the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property unless a firearm safety coordinator has given written notice to the local police service in accordance with

section 71.

(3) If the person possesses a firearm, the person must have the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

Restrictions on transporting for shooting competition or related activity

(1) If the person is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property, the person must comply with the requirements set out in

section 69.

(2) The person must not carry ammunition in or on the property unless

(

a) the ammunition is for a low-velocity firearm, or

(

b) the ammunition is in a locked, opaque container.

Restrictions on storing for shooting competition or related activity

43 The person must not store the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property unless

(

a) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained as required under

section 70 (2) [storing firearms and imitation firearms] , and

(

b) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the storage conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the requirements set out in

section 70 (3) and (4).

Part 7 – Exemptions for Child Care in Personal Residences

Definitions for

Part 7

44 In this Part:

"child care area" , in relation to a child care property, means any part of the property that is used to provide regulated child care;

"child care hours" , in relation to a child care property, means the period beginning 30 minutes before and ending 30 minutes after the times during which regulated child care is provided in or on the property;

"federal regulation" means the Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations (Canada), SOR 98-209.

Exemption for child care in personal residence

(1) A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is a child care property;

(

b) the relevant entity for the property has a personal residence on the property;

(

c) the person is

(

i) the relevant entity or an employee of the relevant entity,

(ii) an adult, other than the relevant entity, who resides in or on the property, or

(iii) a guest of the relevant entity, or of an adult described in subparagraph (ii);

(

d) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

e) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the other provisions of this Part.

(2) The conditions set out in subsection (1) (

d) and (e) (

i) do not apply if the person is the relevant entity.

Restrictions on possessing for child care in personal residence

(1) During child care hours, the person must not possess the firearm or imitation firearm in or on a child care area unless the person is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm through the child care area in compliance with the requirements set out in

section 69.

(2) If the person possesses a firearm, the person must have the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

Restrictions on storing for child care in personal residence

(1) During child care hours, the person must not store the firearm or imitation firearm in or on a child care area.

(2) During child care hours, the person may store the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property, other than in a child care area, if the person complies with the following requirements, as applicable:

(

a) a restricted firearm must be stored in accordance with

section 6 [storage of restricted firearms] of the federal regulation;

(

b) a prohibited firearm must be stored in accordance with

section 7 [storage of prohibited firearms] of the federal regulation;

(

c) a non-restricted firearm must be stored in accordance with

section 5 (1) and (2) [storage of non-restricted firearms] or 8 [display of non-restricted firearms] of the federal regulation;

(

d) a low-velocity firearm or imitation firearm must be stored in accordance with

section 5 (1) and (2) or 8 of the federal regulation, as if the low-velocity firearm or imitation firearm were a non-restricted firearm.

Part 8 – Exemptions for Extended Care Facilities and Private Hospitals

Definitions for

Part 8

48 In this Part:

"extended care facility" means a hospital described in paragraph (

c) of the definition of "hospital" in

section 1 of the Hospital Act ;

"private hospital" means a hospital licensed under

Part 2 [Private Hospitals] of the Hospital Act .

Exemption for patient in extended care or private hospital

49 A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a hospital property that is used, in whole or in part, for the purposes of operating an extended care facility or private hospital;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property solely for the purposes of storing the firearm or imitation firearm;

(

c) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5 and the approval specifies a location within the property where the firearm or imitation firearm may be stored;

(

d) the person

(

i) is a patient of the extended care facility or private hospital, or

(ii) is authorized by the relevant entity to store the firearm or imitation firearm on behalf of a patient of the extended care facility or private hospital;

(

e) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the provisions set out in

section 50.

Restrictions on storing in extended care or private hospital

(1) The person must

(

a) comply with the storage requirements set out in

section 70, and

(

b) store the firearm or imitation at the location specified in the relevant entity’s approval.

(2) If the person possesses a firearm, the person must have the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

(3) If the person is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property, the person must comply with the requirements set out in

section 69.

Part 9 – Exemptions for Post-Secondary Properties

Division 1 – Programs and Research

Exemption for post-secondary programs and research

51 A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a post-secondary property;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm for either of the following purposes:

(

i) providing or participating in an activity relating to a post-secondary program;

(ii) conducting research or tests, other than research or tests described in

section 55 (b) [exemption for forensic or ballistic tests] , relating to firearms or imitation firearms;

(

c) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

d) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the other provisions of this Division.

Restrictions on possessing for program or research

52 If the person possesses a firearm,

(

a) the person must have the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act, and

(

b) except in the case of a low-velocity firearm, the firearm must not be loaded.

Restrictions on transporting for program or research

(1) If the person is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property, the person must comply with the requirements set out in

section 69.

(2) The person must not carry ammunition, other than ammunition for a low-velocity firearm, in or on the property.

Restrictions on storing for program or research

54 The person must not store the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property unless

(

a) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained as required under

section 70 (2) [storing firearms and imitation firearms] , and

(

b) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the storage conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the requirements set out in

section 70 (3) and (4).

Division 2 – Other Exemptions for Post-Secondary Properties

Exemption for forensic or ballistic tests

55 A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a post-secondary property;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm for the purposes of conducting forensic, ballistic or other research or tests that involve discharging firearms or imitation firearms;

(

c) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

d) the person complies with all of the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(

e) the person has the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act;

(

f) in the case of a person who is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property, the person complies with the requirements set out in

section 69.

Exemption for storage in post-secondary property

56 A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a post-secondary property;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property solely for the purposes of storing the firearm or imitation firearm;

(

c) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

d) the person complies with all of the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(

e) the person has the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act;

(

f) in the case of a person who is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property, the person complies with the requirements set out in

section 69;

(

g) the person complies with the storage requirements set out in

section 70.

Exemption for protecting persons from wildlife

57 A person who possesses a firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a post-secondary property;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm for the purposes of protecting persons from wildlife while those persons are

(

i) providing or participating in an activity relating to a post-secondary program, or

(ii) conducting research or tests, other than research or tests described in

section 55 (b) [exemption for forensic or ballistic tests] , relating to firearms or imitation firearms;

(

c) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

d) the person complies with all of the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(

e) the person has the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

Exemption for hunting

58 A person who possesses a firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a post-secondary property;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm for the purposes of engaging in hunting;

(

c) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5 or the relevant entity otherwise permits persons to hunt in or on the property;

(

d) if approval from the relevant entity has been obtained, the person complies with all of the conditions, if any, set out in the approval;

(

e) the person has the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

Exemption for programs of Justice Institute of British Columbia

(1) A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a post-secondary property;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm for the purposes of providing or participating in a post-secondary program provided by the Justice Institute of British Columbia;

(

c) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

d) the person complies with all of the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(

e) the person has the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

(2) Despite

section 5 (4), approval under subsection (1) (

c) of this

section need not be in writing.

Part 10 – Exemptions for School Programs

Exemption for educational programs and extracurricular activities

60 A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the designated property is or includes a school property;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm for the purposes of providing or participating in an educational program or extracurricular activity;

(

c) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

d) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the other provisions of this Part.

Restrictions on possessing for school program

(1) If the person is a K–12 student, the person’s possession of the firearm or imitation firearm must be under the close personal supervision of an adult who is not a K–12 student.

(2) If the person possesses a firearm,

(

a) the person must have the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act, and

(

b) except in the case of a low-velocity firearm, the firearm must not be loaded.

Restrictions on transporting for school program

(1) If the person is transporting or carrying the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property, the person must comply with the requirements set out in

section 69.

(2) The person must not transport or carry the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property unless the person is an adult and is not a K–12 student.

(3) The person must not carry ammunition, other than ammunition for a low-velocity firearm, in or on the property.

Restrictions on storing for school program

63 The person must not store the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the property unless

(

a) the person is an adult and is not a K–12 student,

(

b) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained as required under

section 70 (2) [storing firearms and imitation firearms] , and

(

c) the person complies with all of the following:

(

i) the storage conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(ii) the requirements set out in

section 70 (3) and (4).

Part 11 – Other Exemptions

Exemption for permitted devices

(1) In this section, "permitted device" means any of the following:

(

a) a starter pistol or similar device designed to fire blank cartridges at athletic events;

(

b) a bear banger, bird banger or similar device designed to produce a loud sound to scare wildlife away from persons or property;

(

c) a captive bolt pistol, captive bolt rifle, free bolt stunner or similar device designed for use in slaughtering livestock;

(

d) a flare gun or similar device designed to send distress signals;

(

e) a pneumatic line thrower, pyrotechnic line thrower or similar device designed to project lines or ropes to distant positions or to positions that cannot be safely reached by other means;

(

f) a nail gun, pneumatic tool, power-actuated tool or similar device designed for use in construction or manufacturing to fasten or join materials.

(2) A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the firearm or imitation firearm is a permitted device;

(

b) the person possesses the permitted device for the purposes of using the device exclusively for the purposes for which it is designed.

Exemption for armoured car guards

(1) In this section, "armoured car guard" means an individual engaged in security work as an armoured car guard service within the meaning of

section 1 of the Security Services Act .

(2) An armoured car guard who possesses a firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the possession is authorized under

section 26 (2) [registrar may permit individual to carry firearm for security work] of the Security Services Act .

Exemption for euthanizing animals or addressing animal infestations

(1) A person who possesses a firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the person possesses the firearm for the purposes of doing either of the following:

(

i) euthanizing an animal;

(ii) addressing an animal infestation;

(

b) approval from the relevant entity has been obtained in accordance with

section 5;

(

c) the person complies with all of the conditions, if any, set out in the relevant entity’s approval;

(

d) the person has the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

(2) Despite

section 5 (4), approval under subsection (1) (

b) of this

section need not be in writing.

Exemption for vehicles and boats temporarily on designated property

(1) A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a designated property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the firearm or imitation firearm is in or on a vehicle or boat that is temporarily in or on the property;

(

b) the person complies with all of the other requirements set out in this section.

(2) If the person possesses a firearm in or on the vehicle or boat, the person must have the licences, permits and authorizations required, if any, under the federal Act.

(3) If the person is transporting or carrying a non-restricted firearm, prohibited firearm or restricted firearm in or on the vehicle or boat, the person must do so in a manner that complies with the requirements under the federal Act.

(4) If the person is transporting or carrying a low-velocity firearm or imitation firearm in or on the vehicle or boat, the person must comply with the requirements under

section 4 (2) [requirements for transporting, carrying or storing low-velocity firearm or imitation firearm in vehicle or boat] of the Act.

Exemption for property occasionally used for public worship

68 A person who possesses a firearm or imitation firearm in or on a public worship property is exempt from the designated property prohibition, in relation to that possession, if the following conditions are met:

(

a) the property is a public worship property by reason only that the property is leased or rented, on an occasional basis, for the purposes of providing a place of public worship;

(

b) the person possesses the firearm or imitation firearm when the property is not being used as a place of public worship.

Part 12 – General Requirements for Exemptions

Transporting and carrying firearms and imitation firearms

(1) This section, if applicable for the purposes of an exemption under this regulation, sets out the requirements that a person must comply with if the person possesses a firearm or imitation firearm that the person is transporting or carrying in or on a designated property.

(2) If the person is transporting or carrying a firearm,

(

a) the firearm must not be loaded, and

(

b) the firearm must be in a container that

(

i) is locked,

(ii) is opaque, and

(iii) does not contain any ammunition.

(3) If the person is transporting or carrying an imitation firearm, the imitation firearm must be in a locked, opaque container.

(4) If the person is bringing a firearm or imitation firearm onto the designated property, the person must promptly transport or carry the firearm or imitation firearm to the location where it is to be used or stored.

(5) If the person is taking a firearm or imitation firearm off of the designated property, the person must promptly transport or carry the firearm or imitation firearm from the location where it was being used or stored.

(6) This

section does not apply if the designated property is a vehicle or boat.

Storing firearms and imitation firearms

(1) This section, if applicable for the purposes of an exemption under this regulation and subject to the approval required under subsection (2) of this section, sets out the requirements that a person must comply with if the person possesses a firearm or imitation firearm that the person is storing in or on a designated property.

(2) The person must not store the firearm or imitation firearm in or on the designated property unless approval to store the firearm or imitation firearm has been obtained from the relevant entity in accordance with

section 5.

(3) The firearm or imitation firearm must be stored in a container that meets the following requirements:

(

a) the container must be opaque;

(

b) the container must be locked and constructed so that it cannot readily be broken open or into;

(

c) the container must be

(

i) stored in a room that is locked, or

(ii) securely attached to a non-portable structure in such a manner that the container cannot readily be removed.

(4) The person must not store ammunition in or on the property unless

(

a) the approval under subsection (2) includes approval to store the ammunition, and

(

b) the ammunition is in a container that

(

i) meets the requirements set out in subsection (3), and

(ii) does not contain any firearms.

Giving notice to local police service

(1) This

section sets out the requirements for giving notice to a local police service under the following provisions:

(a)

section 28 (1) [restrictions on possessing for artistic activity] ;

(b)

section 41 (2) [restrictions on possessing for shooting competition or related activity] .

(2) The notice must set out or describe the following:

(

a) the activity or event that will be taking place, including the dates on which it will be taking place;

(

b) the firearm or imitation firearm proposed to be used for the purposes of the activity or event, including the dates on which the firearm or imitation firearm will be used;

(

c) the address of the designated property;

(

d) the name and telephone number of the firearm safety coordinator.

(3) The notice must be given within 5 to 10 days before the first date on which the firearm or imitation firearm will be used in or on the designated property.

Index Page | Previous Regulation | Next Regulation | Cumulative Index Page

Copyright © 2026: King's Printer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada