Colwood city council voted at a recent council meeting to ban the use of all firearms and bows within the cityB次元官网网址檚 limits.

The issue came up after a complaint over a resident using a bow in a residential area.

The bylaw bans the use of all types of bows and firearms, including pellet and paintball guns, in all areas of Colwood. The ban also applies to the use of practice tips with bows.

B次元官网网址淭his makes it completely illegal,B次元官网网址� bylaw enforcement manager Kevin Atkinson said. B次元官网网址淏ylaw will still use common sense, in the sense of enforcing the bylaw. B次元官网网址� But somebodyB次元官网网址檚 in a built up residential area B次元官网网址� and theyB次元官网网址檙e discharging a paintball gun in their back yard, theyB次元官网网址檒l be given a ticket immediately.B次元官网网址�

Under the bylaw a fine of at least $225 can be issued for offenses.

Council also passed a motion to spend $3,531 from exisitng funds to purchase three concealable spike/ballistic combination body armour protective vests for bylaw officers.

The purchase comes as part of the adoption of a Force Options Response Policy, which was determined necessary after a risk assessment. The policy lays out how bylaw officers are to deal with violent or threatening situations.

Earlier this year a bylaw officer in Alberta was killed while investigating a complaint. Atkinson said that case highlights the need for protection and a policy.

B次元官网网址淣othing has happened, but that doesnB次元官网网址檛 mean that it canB次元官网网址檛 happen,B次元官网网址� Atkinson said. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 all, weB次元官网网址檙e just trying to make sure we have the tools to make sure that we are safe so we can go home at the end of our shift.B次元官网网址�

The vests are designed to protect officers from knives and other edged weapons, as well as some protection from ballistics. Atkinson said the vests will stop bullets up to a certain calibre. The vests are worn underneath uniforms and are discreet.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e not adding to anything, thereB次元官网网址檚 nothing changing in how our bylaw does their job and duty,B次元官网网址� Mayor Carol Hamilton said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 about providing them with what is increasingly become required in the way of safety equipment.B次元官网网址�

It is also being recommended to the committee of the whole to include $5,000 to the cityB次元官网网址檚 five year financial plan in 2017 to replace the vests at that time.