Navy rifle range in Saanich adds signage, fencing to ward off trespassers

Published 7:00 am Friday, March 6, 2026

The navy’s shooting range in Saanich is upping its game to keep out trespassers and amplify safety.

The Department of National Defence (DND) is installing more fencing and signage at Heal’s Rifle Range west of Willis Point Road at Wallace Drive “to more clearly define property boundaries and improve visibility for all range users and members of the public,” according to navy public affairs. “These enhancements support our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe, secure and clearly marked environment.”

Heal’s Rifle Range – which includes more than just the visible infrastructure, such as firing lines and backstops – is not open to the public and is used for live-fire training during the day, at night, and throughout the weekends. DND establishes a designated danger area for each range, based on factors including ammunition type and direction of fire – accounting for mathematically possible bullet trajectories and potential landing zones.

Trespassers, particularly if they cause interruptions during training, could face a fine and be taken into custody until training for the day is finished.

“There is no safe time to be within the range boundaries,” public affairs said in a release. “Trespassers risk serious injury or worse if they enter the training area during operations.”

The range land also includes endangered ecosystems that support several rare species and critical habitat protected under the Species at Risk Act.

“We urge everyone to respect the new signage and fencing. These upgrades are essential to maintaining public safety and environmental protection,” the navy said.

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