You do not have to be a member of a club to buy a restricted firearm in Ontario. However, I believe, a club membership is required to qualify for an ATT which is electronically attached to your license (no more ATT card to carry with you). This is one of several criteria into an ATT endorsement together with a valid possession of Restricted and Prohibited firearms. In our club, before we allow a new member/new shooter (not a member of another club) to bring his firearm to the range, he has to complete the probationary period before we confirm his full-time membership and endorsed to CFO for formal ATT consideration. Here is the catch, we might be interpreting the regulation incorrectly. Therefore, do not take my opinion as a legal argument as policy changes without prior publication to the firearms community. When in doubt, do the right thing. Call your CFO. No harm asking.