Police warn air guns are a growing concern in Calgary

Calgary police are seeing an increase in the number of air guns—realistic-looking and firing BBs or soft projectiles—used in crimes across the city.

Calgary police say air guns also pose a “growing public safety concern,” and warn that firing one is illegal within city limits.

On Tuesday, police issued a release warning about the risks associated with the use of airsoft, pellet and BB guns, pointing to several recent incidents involving youth.

“These incidents have involved individuals openly carrying and discharging air guns in public spaces, leading to emergency police responses, and in some cases, serious injuries,” reads the release.

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“The realistic appearance of many air guns makes it nearly impossible to distinguish them from real firearms, especially in dynamic incidents where bystanders, witnesses and police officers have perceived these weapons as legitimate firearms.”

Police say the weapons can also cause life-altering injuries, and caution that carrying one has serious consequences.

“When someone sees what looks like a firearm, the fear and trauma they experience is real, regardless of whether the weapon is,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Tudor. “These incidents can escalate quickly and will result in a serious response from police officers, who must treat every potential threat as real.”

Police say on average, officers respond to at least one incident involving air guns each day, and this year, half of them involve youth.

They say there was one day where there were a whopping eight incidents involving youth in one single day.

“Young people may not fully understand how serious the consequences can be,” Staff Sgt. Sarah Roe said. “These weapons are not toys and what may seem like a game or a prank can quickly escalate to a very serious situation.”

Police say last year, 817 air guns were seized in Calgary.

In the first five months of 2025, 333 air guns were seized

Changes prohibit the display of weapons, bear spray

As Calgary police warn of the dangers of air guns, Calgary council members have approved changes that prohibit the open display of weapons or noxious substances like bear spray.

City council members voted Tuesday to pass amendments to the existing Public Behaviour Bylaw.

The changes don’t ban possession of the items, but penalize those who display them in ways that could be perceived as threatening – unless for a lawful purpose.

According to a Tuesday news release from the city, the decision comes amid a rise in the use of bear spray during assaults and robberies, and allows officers to “proactively address” the visible display of such objects and “mitigate potential threats before they escalate.”

Those who violate the new amendments could face a $250 fine.

Under the amendment, the definition of weapon includes a knife, axe, hatchet, machete, baton, imitation firearm, bat or saw.