The Discharge of Firearms By-law regulates the discharge of firearms within the Town of Whitby in order to keep our community safe.

Where can I discharge a firearm?

Please view the Schedule A maps of the by-law to find out where you can discharge firearms in Whitby, based on the regulations outlined in the Discharge of Firearms By-law.

According to the by-law, you can't discharge a firearm in any urban areas of Town or rural areas that is:

• Property owned by the Town
• On or within 100 m of any property used for the purpose of school, worship, nursery school, community recreation centre or park
• Within 300 m of a conservation area
• Within 100 m of any dwelling (unless the dwelling is owned by the person discharging firearms or you have written permission from the owner of the dwelling)
• On, across or within 8 m of any highway, private road or recreational trail

General guidelines

According to the Discharge of Firearms By-law firearms include:

• Pellet guns
• Paintball guns
• Shot guns
• Bows
• Cross Bows
• Rifles with a maximum caliber of .275

The by-law also outlines the following details:

• Exemptions to the by-law concerning who can discharge firearms legally in Whitby
• What type of firearms can be discharged
• Who enforces the by-law

Filing a complaint

Depending on the nature of the complaint, you can take one of the following actions:

• If someone is breaking the regulations in the by-law, you can file a by-law complaint
• If there is as active shooting complaint, please contact the Durham Regional Police Service
• If you have a hunting concern (i.e., hunting out of season or without a proper licence), please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources