It’s already illegal to fly a drone in Jasper National Park but new rules for the rest of the country come into effect this spring.
On June 1 new Transport Canada rules will ban flying drones while drunk or within 12 hours of drinking, require owners to pay a fee to register and pass a test.
Children under 14 won’t be able to apply for ownership or pilot certification, and drones will be limited to 122 metres above ground or 30 metres above a building.
You won’t be able to fly drones near emergency scenes unless you’re a responder, and you won’t be able to transport explosives or weapons without a special certification.
“Living creatures” will not be allowed on drones.
These new changes apply to drones between 250 grams and 25 kilograms that are operated within the pilot’s sight, regardless of whether the drones are being used recreationally or for work.
The new regulations come with fines between $1,000 and $3,000 for individuals but can rise much higher for corporations or anyone deliberately breaking the rules. Violators who deliberately fly near an aircraft's flight path could be subject to fines of up to $25,000 and even jail time depending on the severity of the offence.
It will cost $5 to register a drone, and the pilot exam for basic operations costs $10, while the test for advanced drone operations is $25.
The new rules around drone operations that exist now will continue to apply until these new provisions come into effect on June 1st of this year.
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