Firearms Bylaw Review and Update

Share Firearms Bylaw Review and Update on Facebook Share Firearms Bylaw Review and Update on Twitter Share Firearms Bylaw Review and Update on Linkedin Email Firearms Bylaw Review and Update link

The County of Brant is conducting a review and update of the current Firearms Bylaw to reflect residential and commercial development, increased population density, and changes in how land is used across the County - and we need your input.

This initiative is part of the County’s commitment to:

  • Improve public safety
  • Align regulations with community growth
  • Provide clear, visual guidance on where firearm use is prohibited

Many of the areas proposed to be added are already covered by zoning rules that prohibit discharging firearms. The mapping update will make this clearer for residents and ensure transparency and ease of

The County of Brant is conducting a review and update of the current Firearms Bylaw to reflect residential and commercial development, increased population density, and changes in how land is used across the County - and we need your input.

This initiative is part of the County’s commitment to:

  • Improve public safety
  • Align regulations with community growth
  • Provide clear, visual guidance on where firearm use is prohibited

Many of the areas proposed to be added are already covered by zoning rules that prohibit discharging firearms. The mapping update will make this clearer for residents and ensure transparency and ease of understanding.

What’s being proposed

We are proposing to expand the existing Schedule “A” maps, which identify areas where discharging firearms is prohibited.

Updates include:

  • Adding new subdivisions and neighbourhoods to prohibited areas
  • Updating areas such as parks, trails, and recreational spaces
  • Updating other areas with growing public use

The goal is to ensure the maps are accurate, up to date, and easy to understand.

Check Your Area: Virtual Map

Want to know if the updated bylaw mapping affects your property? Curious to see the areas covered by the current bylaw versus the proposed area changes?

View the virtual map.

Summary of the current bylaw

The current Firearms Bylaw prohibits discharging a firearm or bow in several situations, including:

  • On residentially zoned land or registered subdivisions
  • Within 100 metres of a place of worship, public hall, school property, or recreational trail
  • Over highways or County-owned land (unless authorized)
  • Without the property owner’s permission
  • In areas identified on the official “No Discharge” maps (Schedules A-1 to A-31 and B-1 to B-7)

Exemptions apply to peace officers, animal control officers, agricultural land, and archery instruction.

To read the full bylaw and view all current exemptions, please visit brant.ca/Firearms.

Top 3 Things to Know

  1. This is a map update, not a new ban.
    The Firearms Bylaw already includes many restrictions. We’re simply updating the maps to match where people live, play, and gather today.
  2. Your feedback matters.
    We’re inviting public input to ensure the update reflects local knowledge, safety concerns, and community values.
  3. You can still hunt, shoot, and enjoy rural life, safely and legally.
    Exemptions remain in place for hunters, farmers, archery, and others under certain conditions.

Stay Informed

News feed: The Newsfeed is where you’ll find the latest updates about this project. It helps keep you informed about progress, upcoming opportunities to participate, important decisions, and more.

Subscribe for updates and be the first to get the most current project information. Simply add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

FAQs

We have included a list of frequently asked questions to help answer some questions you may have.

  • What we heard and what's next

    Share What we heard and what's next on Facebook Share What we heard and what's next on Twitter Share What we heard and what's next on Linkedin Email What we heard and what's next link

    Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback on the proposed updates to the County of Brant’s Firearms Bylaw. Your input helps ensure the bylaw continues to balance public safety, responsible recreation, and rural living in our community.

    The engagement ran from September 23 to October 24, 2025, and received strong participation through Engage Brant.

    What we heard

    • Map clarity: Residents asked for clearer, more detailed maps showing where firearm discharge is permitted or prohibited.
    • Property notification: Feedback emphasized early and direct notice to affected or nearby property owners.
    • Balance and fairness: Comments reflected both support for safety measures and a desire to protect lawful hunting, agriculture, and rural traditions.
    • Enforcement and communication: Residents asked for plain-language explanations about what’s changing, why, and how enforcement works.
    • Site-specific feedback: Several suggestions identified specific areas for review and refinement.


    Your feedback has helped provide further direction on what areas are most important and where the bylaw can be improved.

    What's next

    Based on the feedback received, the County will:

    • Perform a full review of all comments and questions received.
    • Review and consider adjustments to the proposed maps to reflect community and agency input, while exploring opportunities for map refinement and enhanced clarity.
    • The final updated Firearms Bylaw is scheduled to be presented at the Administration and Operations Committee Meeting on December 9, 2025, with Council adoption anticipated on December 16, 2025.
    • If approved by Council, the County will update the project webpage, County webpage and develop a public infographic for community awareness.

    Project UPDATE: November 26, 2025

    Please be aware that the final updated Firearms Bylaw has been rescheduled to be presented at the Administration and Operations Committee Meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, with Council adoption anticipated on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

    Subscribe for updates and be the first to get the most current project information. Simply add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

  • Engage with us

    Share Engage with us on Facebook Share Engage with us on Twitter Share Engage with us on Linkedin Email Engage with us link

    Your feedback will help shape an updated bylaw that reflects the needs and safety of our growing community.

    Ways to participate

    • View the virtual map to see the areas covered by the current bylaw versus the proposed area changes.
    • Share your comments about the Firearms Bylaw Review and Update. Feedback closes Friday, October 24, 2025.
    • Have a question about the Firearms Bylaw review and update? Let us know.


    In addition to hearing from the public, County staff is also consulting with:

    Level of Engagement

    For more information, please read the County of Brant's Community Engagement Framework.

Page last updated: 26 Nov 2025, 05:19 PM