The city councillor who represents Regent Park says a new target range in the area is not a good fit for the "traumatized" neighbourhood, which has a history of violence.

Stryke Target Range opened a new Toronto location on Dundas St. E. Thursday night, offering axe and knife throwing, archery and air guns—activities that Coun. Pam McConnell says are entirely inappropriate for the neighbourhood.

Regent Park has struggled with serious crime and is going through a major revitalization.

"In our world, trauma and guns and gangs and knives are a very serious issue in our community, something we're trying to heal," said McConnell.

"So it's the wrong place and the wrong time."

Councillor Pam McConnell says Regent Park is a community in healing, and that a target range with guns and knives is not a good fit for the area. (CBC)

'Doesn't promote violence,' says owner

Kevin Huether, one of the owners of Stryke, says his business simply provides a fun, active way for people to let off steam.

"I think a lot of people see for themselves when they walk through the door, it's a fun, friendly environment that doesn't promote violence," he said, adding that archery is an Olympic sport.

"It's more activities and recreation."

Kevin Huether, one of the owners of Stryke, says his business does not encourage violence. (CBC)

Stryke opened its first location in Brampton a year and a half ago. While he acknowledged that Regent Park has a troubled past, Huether said the fact that the area is changing makes it a good location for new businesses.

"Regent Park is a good location. It's up and coming, there's new condos being built up," he said.

"It's a great new community to settle down in."

Councillor Pam McConnell says Regent Park is a "traumatized community," and that a target range with knives and air guns is a poor fit. (CBC)

McConnell, however, said she was "pretty shocked" the owners didn't consult her or the community.

"I find it a bit impertinent that somebody would suggest that they're coming in to build a community that they know nothing about. They've never been part of it," she said.

"I'm very disappointed that they put their own business plan ahead of the public interest."



While Huether encourages the councillor to see the business for herself, McConnell said she will "absolutely not" be reaching out.

"That's not my job, that's their job," she said, before going into a meeting of the mayor's executive committee.