A major increase in RCMP files involving deterrent spray (eg: bear spray) in Kelowna could see city council bring in a ‘deterent spray’ bylaw.
According to a staff report, police files involving deterrent spray have increased 80 per cent since 2019, while files involving youth have increased from six to 19 per cent.
Map showing locations of RCMP files involving deterrent spray between 2019-2025. | City of Kelowna
Currently, there are no specific licensing requirements for selling deterrent sprays in B.C., making them easy to purchase, the report says. After reviewing how other cities handle the issue and consulting with businesses, staff determined that regulating sales is the best way to curb misuse.
The proposed bylaw would require businesses to track and record all deterrent spray sales, including serial numbers, and keep those records for three years. Stores would also be prohibited from selling the sprays to anyone under 18 or to customers without proper identification. If approved, the bylaw would give police and bylaw officers more authority to investigate and enforce these new regulations.
In 2023, then Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said the provincial government was looking into the issues around banning bear-spray.
