Quote:
Originally Posted by WhiteTiger
Panhandling is restricted in Calgary, but not illegal. There is an Act that governs when, where and how. This page has an overview, and a link to the Act itself: http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages...nhandling.aspx
Having them wander in traffic is a bigger issue, and a big problem on its own.
The problem is, as btimbit pointed out, there's precious little that can actually be done about it that is an effective deterrent. Police go and move the person on? Person (or another one) comes back. Police give a fine? If person can pay, they generally won't anyhow. Police 'sit' at one intersection that is popular with them? They go to another. Police probably get over 100 calls a day about people panhandling in and around various places (especially intersections) but there is, honestly, precious little that they can effectively DO about it. |
From your link:
- Panhandling is not allowed within 10 metres of the entrance to a bank, an automated teller machine, a transit stop or pedestrian walkway (pedestrian walkways include +15, or any below or above grade walkway, but not a sidewalk).
- Panhandling is not allowed between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- A panhandler cannot solicit money from an occupant in a motor vehicle.
I'm told there's at least 3 different panhandlers that work that intersection on both sides from noon to midnight just about every day and have been breaking these laws for at least 2 years. the police likely see these people a hundred times a day.
Since I would rather not see or read about one of these people getting run over how about this idea, put up a sign.
"No Panhandling at this intersection, paying a panhandler will also result in fines"