Definition of a Restricted Firearm

According to the Criminal Code, a restricted firearm is:

• A handgun that is not a prohibited firearm
• A semi-automatic, centre-fire firearm with a barrel length less than 470 mm that is not a prohibited firearm
• A firearm that can fire after being reduced, by folding, telescoping, or otherwise, to an overall length of less than 660 mm
• Any firearm prescribed under the Criminal Code regulations to be restricted (including some long guns)

STORAGE

Non-restricted firearms must be unloaded, AND made inoperable with a secure locking device such as a trigger lock, or have bolts or bolt carriers removed or securely locked in a sturdy container, cabinet or room that cannot be easily broken into.

Ammunition must be kept in a location where it is not available for loading the firearm, unless both the firearm and its ammunition are securely locked up.

Exceptions

Restricted and prohibited firearms must be unloaded AND bolts or bolt carriers must be removed from automatic firearms if they are removable, and stored in a separate locked room that cannot be easily broken open or into.

Ammunition must be kept in a location where it is not available for loading the firearm, unless both the firearm and its ammunition are securely locked up

• In areas where it is legal to fire a gun, non-restricted firearms needed for predator control can temporarily be left unlocked and operable, but they must be kept unloaded and all ammunition must be stored separately.   
• Non-restricted firearms do not have to be locked up or made inoperable in a remote wilderness area. They must be unloaded, but the ammunition can be kept nearby.< >made inoperable with a secure locking device such as a trigger lock, AND locked in a sturdy cabinet, container or room that cannot be easily broken into, ORLocked in a vault, safe or room that was built or adapted for storing these types of firearms.

TRANSPORT

Non-restricted firearms must be unloaded.

(Exception: muzzle-loading long guns maybe kept loaded while they are being transported between hunting sites if the firing cap or flint is removed)   

Restricted and prohibited firearms must be

• unloaded, AND
•  made inoperable with a secure locking device, AND
• locked in a sturdy opaque container.

The bolt or bolt carrier must be removed from automatic firearms if it is removable.

Replica firearms must be locked in the trunk or in a similar lockable compartment. If the vehicle does not have a trunk or compartment that can be locked, the firearms and replica firearms must be placed out of sight inside the vehicle, and the vehicle must be locked.

Firearms left in an unattended vehicle: same rules as for transporting replica firearms

RELEASE OF FIREARMS

Firearms will only be released at a pre-scheduled appointment. Appointments to retrieve firearms can be scheduled through the Belleville Police Service Property Management Unit. Firearms in possession of the police service that are subject to release via court order can only be released when the Property Management Unit has received a copy of the court order, authorization from the Investigating Officer, and the thirty-day appeal period has passed.

When retrieving your firearm at your scheduled appointment, you will be required to produce proof of registration and all valid firearms licenses and registration certificates.

If the firearm being retrieved is a restricted weapon, you will be required to produce an Authorization to Transport (ATT) from a Chief Firearms Officer. You can apply for an ATT by calling 1-800-731-4000. To be eligible for an ATT, you must have a valid firearms licence authorizing you to possess restricted firearms.

You must have a proper trigger lock and lock box in your possession to transport the weapon for the weapon to be released to you.

If you have any questions about the licensing or transporting of restricted firearms, inquiries can be made through The Canadian Firearms Centre by calling (800) 731-4000 or their website www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca. Inquiries can also be made to the Belleville Police Service Firearms Officer at (613) 966-0882 or email info@bellevilleps.ca.

GUN AMNESTY PROGRAM

A Gun Amnesty Program is designed to help residents safely and easily dispose of unwanted or illegally owned firearms, weapons or ammunition for destruction.  Upcoming Gun Amnesty Programs will be listed under our events calendar.