Nelson mulls crackdown on panhandling, proposes fines

Nelson city council plans to crackdown on panhandlingdirectly outside of public washrooms, telephones, ATMs, bus stops, cafes and other frequently visited areas.

The city says itis responding to an increase in"aggressive panhandling," which "creates a safety issue for all involved."

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"Aggressive panhandling is when somebody is being pursued by an individual for moneyand feels intimidated...or they don't feel comfortable in the downtown streets. They don't feel safe," said Mayor Deb Kozak.

Requested by bylaw officers

According to the staff report, bylaw officers believe half of the city's panhandlers "are confrontational, use extreme profanityand seem to need extra incentive [police involvement] or encouragement to comply."

This bylaw would among other things make it illegal forpanhandlers to blockpathways, touchanother person while panhandling and panhandle after sunset.

If passed, violators could face fines up to $500.

"It certainly doesn't seem to make sense that we would be fining people money or a substantial sumof money for someone who really doesn't have any," admitted Kozak.

"That's one of the elements that will be taken back by staff and reworked."

Final decision to come

Council first considered the change in mid-September, but,following an influx of mixed public feedback,delayed itsfinal decision and returned the proposal to staff for revisions.

"There were people who are really concerned that there are peoplein our community who really need money.

"Panhandling is a part of their daily existence. They need that extra cash to survive," she said.

Still, Kozaksaid police and bylaw enforcement officersneed greater clarity on this issue, and she hopes staff come back with clear recommendations for improved regulations.

"I want something that makes senseand that doesn't penalize people who are just trying to get by either," she said.

"For me, it's about having safe, welcoming, vibrant streets. We want to maintain that. We certainly don't want people to feel intimidated by being in our downtown."

To hear the full interview with Nelson Mayor Deb Kozak, listen to the audio labelled: Nelson City Council mulls a crackdown on panhandling.