Discussions

Panhandlers are out in full force now. They are a regular at Superstore and many downtown locations but now they seem to be everywhere else I go to. They are starting to follow me out of the stores now rather than just the usual standing in front of the store or waiting in the parking lot. It's getting out of hand!

I agree I had a fella follow us all the way through the Canadian Tire parking lot yesterday. He meant no harm in the end but how uncomfortable that was is on another level.

never change ebrandon, never change.

I have never been bothered by the panhandlers, a polite no sorry can't help is all I ever have to say or have given them some loose change to which I always get a thank you for. I am more bothered by the cadets that approach asking for donations, you barely make it to the door and they are approaching you. Stand back a bit and let people approach you if they want to donate. I have the same kid I donated to when I went into the store ask me for a donation on the way out, and when I politely told him I donated on the way in, his response was I know. Really??? The donation was obviously not appreciated.

I know that the Samaritan House food bank usage has increased from 400 hampers 5 years ago to 2100 hampers. Wow, kind of blows my mind! More and more people are falling into this cycle. In no way am I suggesting people that use the food bank are panhandlers, I just think this shows a trend. Lots of folks in need of help or a hand up, it just worries me they get stuck in this rut and never get back on their feet. I don't like to hand out money to people on the street or outside stores, I donate to many local charities as I believe the money is better spent and can touch more folks that need it.

"No person shall be allowed to stand in groups or to sit or lounge on chairs, benches or other things or to loiter in front of any business establishment or residence or in a street so as to cause any obstruction to the free use of said street or, by any manner of conduct, commit any public nuisance by collecting, loitering or standing as an idler on any of the  
streets or sidewalks of the City, or in any public place within the City, or on the step of or approach to a house or other premises open to a street whereby a member or members of the public are liable to be subjected to disturbance or annoyance provided that nothing contained in this Section shall be construed to extend to any person taking part in any lawful procession or gathering."  
 
“NUISANCE” means an activity or condition which interferes with the reasonable use or enjoyment of public or private property by any individual entitled to use such property.”  
 
"Any person who contravenes, neglects, omits or fails to obey or observe any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) and costs on conviction or to  
imprisonment for a term not exceeding ninety (90) days or to both such a fine and such an imprisonment."

You should never give money to someone who is panhandling simply because you have no idea what that money will be used for. Whether you want to believe it or not, you are more than likely just feeding an addiction.  
 
If you want to help, give to a charity. Doesn''t even have to be money. Give your time, or give food to a food bank, give clothes to a shelter, etc.  
 
Giving money to someone on the street is often the worst thing you can do, and only makes their situation worse.  
 
Edited by JosephC, 2018-12-14 17:28:17

They are people just like the rest of us. I have seen many asking for change and they all have the kindest faces. I don’t have much but I share when I can.  
 
I’m not about shaming people, life is a struggle enough...without the criticism.

I suppose the best way is to donate to local charities and direct them to that address.