Calgary police and airport officials are warning drone operators to stay grounded near airports and large events this summer—or risk fines of up to $3,000 and possible jail time.
The warning comes several weeks ahead of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, where international delegations and heightened air traffic are expected from June 15 to 17.
The Calgary Police Service and Calgary Airport Authority issued a joint reminder this week about designated "No Drone Zones" around YYC Calgary International Airport and Springbank Airport in Rocky View County.
Drones are prohibited within 6.5 kilometres of airport centres and 1.8 kilometres of heliports under federal regulations. Drone users are sometimes tempted to capture aerial images of Calgary's skyline or mountain views, despite proximity to restricted zones.
"Most may not realize the risk even a small drone can pose to aircraft, passengers, operations and emergency services," said Chris Dinsdale, CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, in a news release.
"A single drone sighting can delay or divert flights, shut down runways and lead to costly investigations," Dinsdale said in the same release.
Calgary police said the federal transport minister has authorized their Remote Pilot Aircraft System (RPAS) enforcement unit to investigate drone violations and inspect flight documents.
"Drones can seriously impact aviation and general public safety, especially during large-scale summer events," said CPS Patrol Sgt. Dallas Grimm in a CPS news release.
"In the past, we have had to issue fines to Calgarians who were found to be operating drones illegally, and within restricted airspace, causing significant disruptions," Grimm said in the same release.
"To ensure the security of the Summit, temporary airspace restrictions will be enforced over the event area during the 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit," the RCMP stated in a public advisory.
"These temporary restrictions will apply to all unauthorized aircrafts, including drones, within the designated no-fly zone," the RCMP said in the same advisory.
"The exact boundaries and timeframe for these restrictions will be communicated to the public and aviation stakeholders well in advance," the statement said.
"We are working closely with Transport Canada and other aviation partners to ensure that these measures are clearly understood and do not unnecessarily impact essential air services," the RCMP said.
"We encourage anyone with concerns or questions about airspace restrictions to reach out through our dedicated communication channels," the statement said.
"Your cooperation with these measures is crucial to maintaining the safety and security of the Summit and surrounding community," the RCMP stated.
Drone operators are also subject to local bylaws. In Calgary, drones over 250 grams require a parks green space application, which can take up to eight weeks for approval. Drones under 250 grams may be flown only in mowed or manicured park areas designated by the city and are strictly prohibited in natural areas, according to a statement on the City of Calgary website.
Drones of any size are banned in areas restricted under the Parks and Pathways Bylaw. Fines range from $250 to $3,000, according to the city.
The city says drones are prohibited near airports and helipads, including Prairie Winds Park, and in natural areas such as Nose Hill Park, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Ralph Klein Park and Weaselhead Park.
In Airdrie, recreational drone use is banned on all City property. Only commercial operators may apply for approval by contacting the city's economic development department, according to the City of Airdrie's online special event guidelines.
While drones are permitted in some areas under Transport Canada rules, authorities urged users to check all municipal bylaws and federal airspace restrictions before flying.
Reports of unauthorized use can be made to the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.
The federal government classifies most urban airspace—including zones near airports—as controlled, meaning drone operations require certification and flight planning clearance.
The Calgary Airport Authority said in its release that both airports under its management—YYC and Springbank—play a critical role in regional aviation and economic growth and must remain free of unauthorized drone interference.
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