The city of Oshawa passed a bylaw Tuesday night banning toy guns in public places.  

The move made the city the first in the province to rid the streets of toy replicas, many which look frighteningly realistic.

Under the bylaw, kids can still play with toy guns at home, but not in public places.

That's good news to P.C. Todd  Petzold, who recently witnessed how toys guns can lead to potentially dangerous situations.   He showed off two dark black toy guns that were recently taken off two 8-year-old boys playing at night.

"The information that we received was that there's somebody with a gun," he explains.   "In the states, young kids have been shot by police with these toy guns."

Oshawa mayor John Gray believes many young people use the toys for illicit purposes.  

"It's about intimidation," said Gray.   "Whether it be a bank teller facing down an imitation gun, or students in high school."

Some residents feel the ban is too strict.

"Definitely going too far with it," said Janet Gingies.   "I mean if they're toys, they're toys."

Others think only good can come of it.

"These days, with gunplay and robberies and all kinds of stuff like that, yeah, it probably would be a good idea," adds Clayton Billings.

Those who break the ban can face a fine up to $150.