Rule on Panhandling

"Kelowna City Council will look at amending city bylaws concerning panhandling in city parks. According to a staff report, "bylaw officers are unable to use the Panhandling Bylaw, since it does not cover parks or other City-owned lands such as the ground of City Hall." An amendment to the current bylaw would make it illegal to panhandle in parks and grounds of all City-owned buildings. In his report to council, David Graham, Director of Parks and Leisure Services says, "Panhandlers are often active in City Park. Panhandling makes the park feel unsafe and uncomfortable for many tourists and local citizens. Visitors to parks and other civic sites should expect to be free from harassment, intimidation or unwanted approaches that may be perceived as threatening." Council will review the report during this afternoons council meeting." (Castanet, Sept. 19, 2005)

There are a number of real solutions to panhandling, and while bylaws give authority to remove aggressive panhandlers, what is also needed is an education program for tourists and residents about panhandling, and an alternative for those who want to help. One such program has been implemented in Portland, Oregon. Called "Real Change not Spare Change", this program is a service of the Portland Business Alliance (similar to our Downtown Kelowna Association), and offers education, and opportunity to interact with panhandlers through a voucher program, and opportunities to support service agencies.

This type of solution offers balance between keeping our parks and streets comfortable for tourists and families and helping those in need.