Kelti Baird
Hello LFGA Members and Board, Thank you so much for taking the time to send questions out to the City Council candidates. I’ve included my answers to your questions below, please let me know if you require any further clarification or would like additional information.
All the best this hunting season for those who hunt!
Kel Baird
Candidate Questionnaire:
1. Do you support community-led organizations like the LFGA in their efforts to promote conservation, ethical hunting, and responsible firearms use for sport and education?
Yes! I received my fire-arms training through the LFGA years ago, and have enjoyed going to the range many times for archery. I deeply value what you bring to the residents of Lethbridge and the programs you provide.
2. In your view, what role should the City of Lethbridge play in protecting access to outdoor spaces for recreation, conservation, and education? How will municipal policies ensure that legal, permitted outdoor recreational facilities, such as shooting sports ranges, are recognized and protected as part of the broader community landscape, and not unfairly impacted by land use changes such as urban growth or rezoning?
I support City Council amending zoning and urban growth bylaws to continue to accommodate the activity at the Lethbridge Fish and Game Association’s range. By supporting our existing infrastructure for shooting sports, we can keep the community engaged in LFGA and like programs. The current location of the range is great, as long as safety infrastructure is maintained and continues to limit projectiles leaving the range.
3. Should recreational activities such as sport shooting and archery receive equal consideration alongside other sports in municipal planning and recreation policy? Would you support including representatives from these sports as formal stakeholders in long-term discussions around recreation, land use, and community health planning?
Yes. I believe there are several sports that our current Sports Council does not include, and I would love to see this advisory board expanded to include representatives from the shooting sports.
4. Do you personally participate in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, archery, or shooting sports? If so, please share how those experiences shape your views on land use and recreation.
Yes. While I haven’t had a lot of time to engage with it, I’m an archer and deeply enjoy going out for a target shoot. I appreciate having shooting amenities close to my urban home, and enjoy these activities.
5. In one or two sentences: Why do you believe you are the best candidate to support organizations like LFGA and the values we represent?
I understand the LFGA’s values and appreciate the work being done in the community to educate on safety and responsible firearms ownership. I support local hunters and am friends with many folks who engage in these hobbies (engaging with them myself from time to time). I would certainly look forward to consulting with the LFGA and members when decisions are being made at the City level that may impact the club.
6. Is there anything else you’d like our membership to know about your views on outdoor recreation, conservation, or supporting legal firearm owners.
I wish them the best of luck this hunting season for the folks who hunt, and I commiserate with members who have been impacted by federal firearms legislation. Thank you for continuing to champion outdoor recreation, and for all you do for local conservation.