Richmond bans drones and remote-controlled planes in parks

Dec 19 2017, 10:51 pm

The City of Richmond has voted to ban the flying of drones and remote-controlled airplanes in city parks and school grounds.

In a meeting closed to the public on Monday, April 13, Richmond City Council voted in favour of amendments to the Public Parks and School Grounds Regulation Bylaw No.8771 which would “ensure that public parks and school grounds are inviting, accessible and safe, enabling residents and visitors to feel comfortable and connected to the community.”

The bylaw states a person must not “fly a radio-controlled, fixed-line-controlled or power-launched model aircraft or glider” – including unmanned aircrafts such as drones.

According to Marie Fenwick, Manager of park programs, the amendments are in response to technical innovation.”These provisions were added or amended to reflect changes in product technology, address citizen concerns regarding public safety, and balance increased usage and traffic with the provision of a safe leisure and recreation environment.”

Richmond has a designated field for model airplane flying, including drones, but enthusiasts are dismayed by the restrictive bylaw.

In July 2014, the drone-flying community was warned about flying too close to the Vancouver Airport when a video surfaced of one drone coming close to an incoming plane.

 

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

+ News
ADVERTISEMENT