On Monday, April 15th, 2015, the Richmond City council unanimously decided to ban all forms of RC aircrafts and kite Buggies from being used in Richmond parks. As a passionate Radio Controlled (RC) aircraft hobbyist living in Richmond, I believe that this ban is NOT a fair and logical compromise for regulating the growing hobby of RC flying in Richmond. 

Although I agree that there are safety concerns involved in flying these model aircrafts, I would argue that there are concerns involved with other activities enjoyed by non-hobbyists as well. These include driving a car,  playing sports, and using tools for building a variety of projects.

All of the examples given above have a safety factor that goes along with them. But does it mean that we should ban all of these activities just because they carry with them safety risks? Definitely not.

Imagine a city without cars to get you to where you need to be. Or a city without sports that children and adults alike, enjoy on a daily basis. Or even a city without tools that you could use in order to build a house, fence or building.

If that seems illogical to you, then I assume you would also agree that completely banning a hobby that hundreds of people around Richmond are passionate about and have spent countless amounts of time and money improving, also does not make sense.

In this world, there will always be those who follow the rules (responsible people) and those who are just plain ignorant (irresponsible people). If an irresponsible person grabs a knife and uses it as a weapon, would we ban the use of knives in our city? Most would say no.

Then why would a whole hobby have to suffer the consequences of the choices that an irresponsible person(s) made?

Please sign this petition and share with others especially if you live near or around the lower mainland in order for the Richmond city council to reconsider their decision. Right now only Richmond is affected by this ban, but if you live near or around the lower mainland, it could affect you as well.