Halifax to consider cash for guns instead of bus tickets

Halifax will consider launching a new gun amnesty program offering cash rewards instead of bus tickets in exchange for firearms.

AHalifax Regional Police program calledFares for Firearmswaslaunched earlierthis month after a spree of shooting deaths. That campaignends Friday.

The offer of 50 bus tickets for a gun was at first seen as a joke,Coun. David Hendsbee said Tuesday morning.

At Halifax Regional Council in the afternoon, his motion fora staff report about offering a total $10,000 worth of cash awardspassed.

"I think that should be enough to at least start the program up and running," Hendsbee saidbefore the vote.

"We need to get rid of the firearms that are actively on the streets out causing harm, and I think a cash incentive is probably more of an inducement than would be for bus tickets."

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Not 'far enough'

Hendsbee's request came three days before the current program's end, and before any statistics are released on its results.

People have called asking to have their firearms picked up, municipal spokeswoman Tiffany Chase said by email Tuesday. The municipality will have concrete numbers on the program's pick-up early next week, she said.

Nonetheless, Hendsbee said he believes that without sponsors, the municipality should offer more than bus tickets.

"[Tickets] might bring in some, but I don't think it's far enough, plus that only really targets the urban areas of Halifax," said Hendsbee.

Hendsbeerepresents the primarily rural Preston-Chezzetcook-Eastern Shore district, in which two of this year's homicide victims were found.

"What about the suburban rural areas, who don't have regular every day access to transit? What enticement is it for them to get bus tickets when they sit on the shelf," Hendsbee said.

Hendsbee said he hopes police also actively seek a corporate sponsor, such as Atlantic Lottery Corporationor Tim Hortons, which he said could provide broader interest awards.

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