Penticton shooting range fighting to keep their spot on federally-owned land

Shooting range fights to stay

After 42 years, the Penticton Shooting Sports Association is facing the end of their operation due to land lease changes.

The association was initially informed that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada would dispose of the federal land on which they operate their range, located between Penticton and Summerland, in January 2023.

This was followed by an in-person meeting with departmental officials in June 2023, before the association was formally advised through a letter in May 2024 that their lease termination date is Dec. 31, 2025.

President Christian Scott said, unfortunately, there isn't anywhere else for the facility to move to.

"If you look at the facility that we have, this is a giant concrete building. We have a beautiful indoor range. We have a clubhouse up top. We've got three trap ranges that are built. None of this is movable," he said.

In a statement to Castanet, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said the federal property that the Penticton Shooting Sports Association has been leasing has been declared surplus because it is not required for their program and operational purposes.

"As part of its due diligence to ensure sound stewardship of taxpayer funds, all Government of Canada departments are required to review and evaluate property holdings on an ongoing basis. Properties that are under-utilized, inefficient, or no longer needed to support programs are typically declared surplus," they said.

With the land being sold off, the association doesn't have the chance to purchase it either.

"So basically, federal agencies had an opportunity to get it, and after that, it goes to the Indigenous bands, and that's where it stands now," Scott said.

And as they operate as a non-profit, there wouldn't be enough funds to start up the facility again anyway.

"That money gets used for range upgrades, to run the club, to pay the bills, to pay the heat, so there's no way," Scott said.

"To lose this facility would be tragic on multiple levels, because it's not just the recreation part for the local community, which is huge, but our local RCMP qualify and train here."

Scott said the federal RCMP use the range as well, along with Parks Canada, the sheriff's department, Scouts Canada, Air Cadets and the Army Cadets.

The facilities provide hunter education, firearms safety courses, and proper firearms training for youth.

"Every year, we have somewhere around 400 members, and that only includes the paid membership, which doesn't include all of the guests that come. And we have multiple events per year that many people in the community know about," he added.

The range hosts a pumpkin shoot after Halloween and a range day every year to introduce people who don't have access to firearms.

"A lot of people who haven't grown up with guns, or haven't been exposed to firearms, are typically gun-shy, fearful to start with. That happens all the time, and by the time they leave here, it's a completely different story. "

Scott said he has been in contact with local MPs Dan Albus and Helena Konanz, along with MLA Amelia Boultbee, who have all expressed support for keeping the club.

"We have the support of our local government officials, but unfortunately, they're not part of the government that's in power, and as a result, it's not looking good," he said.

"When or if our range closes, our members don't have anywhere to go, because South Okanagan Sportsmen's Association in Oliver, and [Summerland Sportsman's Association] are our two closest neighbouring ranges, and there's no way that they can absorb all our members.

"So there's going to be a whole bunch of people that don't have anywhere to safely come and shoot and have fun."

In the meantime, the association is looking for support in their petition to the Government of Canada, hoping to halt the divestment of the land and secure a renewed lease.

Photo: Penticton Shooting Sport Association

Penticton gun range fighting to stay open