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New bylaw means unruly West Van residents can be banned from municipal facilities

They won’t hang you for violating West Vancouver’s bylaws – but you might get suspended. West Vancouver unanimously approved a motion that allows district staff to expel unruly residents from municipal facilities for one year.

They won’t hang you for violating West Vancouver’s bylaws – but you might get suspended.

West Vancouver unanimously approved a motion that allows district staff to expel unruly residents from municipal facilities for one year.

 Council unanimously passed a motion mandating respectful behaviour in municipal facilities Monday. file photo, North Shore NewsCouncil unanimously passed a motion mandating respectful behaviour in municipal facilities Monday. file photo, North Shore News

The bylaw, which was passed without discussion, is intended to “promote a safe, healthy, respectful and positive environment,” according to a district staff report authored by West Vancouver chief administrative officer Nina Leemhius.

The policy applies to municipal hall, community centres, and district facilities such as the Ferry Building Gallery.

While suspension-worthy misbehaviour only occurs occasionally, the report notes that contravention of facility rules includes harassment, vandalism, violence, brandishing of weapons and theft.

Once suspended, residents have 10 business days to appeal the expulsion.

Much like in criminal court, suspensions would be based on the nature and severity of the infraction, the intent, and whether the individual in question is a serial misbehaviour.