Firearms store opening up downtown

Roger Varley

A new store dedicated to the sale of firearms will be opening in downtown Uxbridge this summer.

Owner James Mann said Uxbridge Arms will sell rifles and shotguns, as well as archery equipment, but no handguns.

A display of firearms from a store in Windsor, Ont. (General Gun & Supply, from generalgun.com)

"We're here to serve local farmers and hunters," Mann said. "There's a significant demand for firearms in the area."

Mann said the store will be able to recommend firearms training courses and give information on how to obtain a firearms licence, but added the store itself will not be handling licensing. No one will be able to purchase a firearm or ammunition unless they have a licence.

The store will be located just west of Keith's Flowers and will occupy the whole building. Mann said he doesn't know exactly when the store will open, but hopes it will be in the summer.

He said he will likely have up to six employees and hopes to be part of the community.

Mann, a farmer himself, says he understands some people have strong feelings about firearms (he prefers that word over guns) but added that the issue of firearms has become political.

"Everyone has to be reasonable," he said. "Hunting and target shooting are part of Canadian culture."