Are these courses right for you?
These courses are for anyone who wants to learn about bylaws or about working in bylaw enforcement.
Expand Your Enforcement Knowledge
Students develop in-depth knowledge and awareness of:
- Relevant legislation
- Compliance and enforcement options
- Drafting and amending bylaws
- How to apply for and execute warrants
Deepen Your Investigative Skills
Add complex interview and investigative skills to your toolbox. You will learn how to present evidence in legal and non-legal proceedings and how to exercise discretion in decision-making.
- People who want to work in the bylaw enforcement/ licensing fields
- Anyone seeking to qualify for a competitive position
- BC bylaw enforcement/local government regulatory officers
- Licensed inspectors (i.e. building, electrical, gas, plumbing)
Course Strengths
Gain the skills and knowledge required to work within British Columbia's bylaw enforcement field.
We developed these courses by consulting experts in bylaw enforcement. Practitioners lead these courses, which reflect current practice in the profession. These provincially-recognized qualifications meet the needs of many of BC's diverse municipalities.
Skills Development
- Develop in-depth knowledge and awareness of relevant legislation
- Learn compliance and enforcement options
- Learn how to draft and amend bylaws
- Learn how to apply for and execute warrants
- Develop complex interview and investigative skills
- Understand how to present evidence in legal and non-legal proceedings
- Learn how to exercise discretion in decision-making
You will gain a deep knowledge and awareness of relevant legislation. You will also:
- Learn compliance and enforcement options
- Draft and amend bylaws
- Learn how to apply for and execute warrants
Develop complex interview and investigative skills, understand how to present evidence in legal and non-legal proceedings, and learn how to exercise discretion in decision-making.
Understand how to defuse emotionally charged situations, manage personal safety and the safety of others, and community issues. Issues connected to diversity, mental health, and homelessness are discussed.
What You Need to Complete These Courses
- Attend all training in full (i.e. online and in-person).
- Complete all learning assessments, including assignments, discussions, journals and quizzes.
- Achieve a minimum overall grade of 70%.
Course Format
BLAW-1000 is delivered in 100% online. It begins with six weeks of self-paced online learning. After that, there is a one-week break. This is followed by three days of full-time “virtual” instructor-led learning.
BLAW-1005 is delivered in a hybrid format. It begins with six weeks of self-paced online learning. After that, there is a one-week break. This is followed by three days of full-time in-person learning at our New Westminster campus.
Weeks one to six (online) – same for both BLAW-1000 and BLAW-1005. Requirements: Log in weekly to complete the assessments associated with that week/module. Approximately 3-6 hours per week of self-paced reading and assessments (such as quizzes, discussions, and assignments). There are no lectures or set days/times required to log in, just weekly access. Working ahead is not recommended.
The format for each course is as follows:
• Week 1: Online
• Week 2: Online
• Week 3: Online
• Week 4: Online
• Week 5: Online
• Week 6: Online
• Week 7: Break
• Week 8: (BLAW-1000) Blackboard Collaborate for three days virtual component
• Week 8: (BLAW-1005) On-campus for the three-day in-person component
Tuition
BLAW-1000 BYLAW COMPLIANCE, ENFORCEMENT & INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS 1
BLAW-1005 BYLAW COMPLIANCE, ENFORCEMENT & INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS 2
Textbooks & Supplies
There are no extra book or supply costs. All required course materials are embedded online or supplied when you attend class in-person.
Register online for courses by selecting the course title in the courses section of this webpage. Register early, as classes fill quickly.
Important Dates
This is an open enrollment program. There are no application deadlines or set start dates.
Recommended
- Grade 12 English (or equivalent education) and fluency in the English language (written and oral)
- Basic computer skills with reliable Internet access (strongly recommended)
Financial Aid & Awards
Financial aid and awards are not available for this program.
International Applicants
International applicants are encouraged to contact JIBC's Office of International Affairs at international@jibc.ca.
Q: Who should take these courses?
These courses are for people working as BC bylaw enforcement or local government regulatory officers, those working as license inspectors (i.e. building, electrical, gas, plumbing), individuals seeking employment in the bylaw enforcement or licensing fields, and those interested in updating their qualifications to attain a competitive position in a related field.
Q: Is the course offered online?
BLAW-1000 is delivered online. It begins with six weeks of self-paced online learning, followed by a one-week break, then three days of full-time “virtual” instructor lead learning
NOTE: BLAW-1000 must be completed and graded to register in BLAW-1005.
BLAW-1005 is delivered in a hybrid format. It begins with six weeks of self-paced online learning, followed by a one-week break, then three days of full-time in-person learning at the Justice Institute of British Columbia, New Westminster campus.
Q: Do I have to be online at specific times or days?
From weeks one through six (online), in BLAW-1000 and BLAW-1005, you must log in weekly to complete self-paced assessments. These assessments take 3-6 hours per week. There are no set days or times required, so you can do it when it best suits you.
However, in Week 8, BLAW-1000 has three virtual days, and BLAW-1005 has three in-person days. They both take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Full attendance during Week 8 is mandatory to complete the course.
Q: Are books and course manuals included in the tuition fees?
There are no extra book or supply costs. All required course materials are embedded online or supplied when you attend class in person.
Q: Do I need both courses to apply for bylaw positions?
This depends on the Municipality and job requirements. Bylaw Level 1 is a requirement in most BC municipalities. Bylaw Level 2 is required for some or all positions in specific municipalities. Connect with the municipalities directly to learn about their requirements.
Q: Is there a final exam – What is the passing grade?
There is no final exam. The passing grade is 70%.
Q: Does tuition need to be paid before the course start date? Can you pay in installments?
Full tuition payment is required to secure your seat. You cannot pay in installments.
Q: Can I register for bylaw level 1 & 2 courses at the same time?
No. You need to complete Bylaw Level 1 before registering for Level 2.
Q: Will I get certification after completing these courses?
Yes. You receive your completion document online. You can also request your student transcript.
Q: Is there a waitlist?
We do not have waitlists for our courses. Check our website often for seat availability.