WMA brings gun control issue to council

In a brief presentation to council last week, former WMA president Henry Olders said the association is proposing that firearms should only be allowed legally within Westmount at facilities which are licensed and inspected for that purpose.

Under such a bylaw, any transport of firearms within city limits could be done only by specialized agencies who are licensed, bonded and inspected. The WMA emphasizes that such a bylaw would not infringe on gun ownership, although a possible consequence of it might be that ownership of guns would decrease.

"If such a bylaw were enacted, the Westmount Municipal Association believes that the risk of accidental injury or death by firearms (for example, by and of children) would decrease, and domestic violence involving guns would be less likely," said Olders.

"Once the unauthorized transport of firearms becomes illegal, it becomes possible for police to impound guns being transported or carried by other than licensed agencies, hopefully before those guns are used in criminal activity or in mass shootings."

While pointing out that provincial legislation clearly permits municipalities to adopt bylaws addressing safety, the WMA says the suggested firearms bylaw would not deal with gun ownership or registration, which are federal concerns, but would go further than existing federal legislation covering storage and transport of firearms.

"Municipalities are already in the business of legislating gun safety," states the brief. "Many have bylaws prohibiting the discharge of firearms within city limits, with, of course, the usual exemptions for police."

While acknowledging that a municipal firearms bylaw might set a precedent, the WMA notes that Westmount is no stranger when it comes to firsts. The City was a pioneer among Canadian municipalities with its early prohibition on the use of pesticides. "If Westmount takes the lead on gun safety from a municipal perspective, other cities and towns are sure to follow," says the WMA.

Westmount mayor Karin Marks, who told Olders that city council was prepared to consider the WMA's suggestion, said in an interview that preparations for Westmount's forthcoming annual budget are currently taking precedence. However, she acknowledged consulting an official with the Quebec government for a second opinion. "They said they didn't think it was within our jurisdiction to do so," said Marks.

While saying he agrees with the WMA's message, City Councillor Patrick Martin, who is a member of the WMA, questioned Olders about the consensus behind the effort. Olders said the brief reflected work done by the WMA's board of directors. "It was very well prepared and everything; I just wondered if the members were aware of it," Martin told the Examiner.

"I'm in favour of what they're saying," he added. "I'm wondering how the laudable objective will be achieved passing a law in Westmount. Assuming we have that right, I don't think it will solve the problem. It seems to be more a matter probably of federal jurisdiction.

"I was not personally aware that we had a gun problem in Westmount. We do have problems of speeding traffic and noise and we have had severe injuries and even deaths due to traffic and trucks. We're always trying to make Westmount a safer place and, of course, we're in favour of any motion of the kind."