New Measures Ease Panhandling

Posted on 8/15/2016 7:32 PM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KSSFM

The City of Vernon says complaints about panhandling are down since a new strategy was introduced a few months ago. Bylaws staff also say panhandlers aren't seeking money on medians, or near the new Kindness Meters as often as before. Mayor Akbal Mund says the city improved signage to discourage panhandling at intersections, and increased enforcement in areas of concern. "it could be several other reasons. I mean people could have moved on to other areas, we don't know, so they could be moving around. Otherwise, I have to give credit. I don't see them standing in the middle of streets anymore," says Mund. Councillor Scott Anderson --who raised the initial concerns -- agrees the issue has improved. "I have heard from numerous people that the panhandling itself has decreased downtown. it certainly has decreased on the medians, so I think the signs have been very effective," Anderson tells Kiss FM. Councillor Brian Quiring is pleased to hear that, but says it hasn't solved all the downtown issues. "I have definitely seen an increase around my office of some fairly undesirable people, and I've actually seen an increase in transients around Vernon, but I'm glad to see the panhandling is getting less." Quiring says there's been issues with vandalism, break-ins, garbage, and prostitution near his office in the 3400 block of 32nd Avenue. The city's Protective Services manager Clint Kanester says $523 was donated to the Kindness Meters in July. The money will be donated to local agencies that provide support for homeless people.

Vernon's new kindness meters proving their worth

By Charlotte Helston INFO.NEWS.CA July 18, 2016 - 6:30 PM

VERNON - Kindness meters appear to be having an effect on aggressive panhandling in Vernon. Ever since the bright orange meters were installed in downtown Vernon, bylaw officers have noticed a significant drop in aggressive panhandling complaints and incidents. “The signage and the kindness meters seem to be doing a fairly decent job of pushing some of the panhandling from those locations where we were having significant issues,” the city’s manager of protective services Clint Kanester says. “I think it has really made a difference.” In the first two weeks, the five kindness meters collected roughly 12 pounds of coinage. One pound of coins is, on average, worth about $36, Kanester says. All proceeds are donated to local organizations such as the John Howard Society, Upper Room Mission and the Salvation Army. “My staff have even heard people say to panhandlers, ‘sorry, I can’t give you money today, I put it in the kindness meter,” Kanester says. “We love seeing people putting money in the meters because it’s going to the right places.” Kanester says there has been a ‘noticeable reduction’ in the amount of aggressive panhandling taking place, and a substantial reduction in complaints about it from the public. In addition to the kindness meters, the city also put up educational signage and stepped up enforcement on aggressive panhandling, which can include threatening actions, obstructing the path of the person being solicited, or using profane language. While panhandling is not illegal, aggressive panhandling is a violation of the Safe Streets Act.

Vernon installs special meters to help with aggressive panhandling concerns

July 04, 2016 - 3:30 PM By Charlotte Helston INFONEWS.CA

VERNON - The City of Vernon has taken a unique approach to tackling aggressive panhandling with the addition of five ‘kindness meters’ in the downtown core. The bright orange meters were installed in the city’s identified panhandling hotspots, and provide an alternative for people who want to help out members of the community without giving money directly to those who panhandle. “Vernon residents care about each other and want to help others. However, giving money to panhandlers may not be the best way to help people as it can perpetuate the cycle of panhandling and addiction,” states a release from the city. All proceeds collected in the meters will be donated to local agencies such as the John Howard Society, Upper Room Mission and the Salvation Army. In addition to the kindness meters, the city is also rolling out other strategies to reduce aggressive panhandling. That includes signs on medians and roadways where panhandling is a concern. While panhandling is not illegal, panhandling to vehicles is, and is a violation of the B.C. Safe Streets Act and city bylaws. The city and RCMP will be targeting medians and roadways where these activities take place. Bylaw officers will also be targeting aggressive panhandling, which is a violation of the Safe Streets Act and is considered any manner that is likely to cause a reasonable person to be concerned for their safety and security. “These include actions such as threatening the person being solicited with physical harm, obstructing the path of the person being solicited, using profane or abusive language, proceeding behind, alongside or ahead of the person, soliciting while intoxicated, or continuing to solicit after a negative response has been given,” states the city. The city is also creating signage and information pamphlets that discourage people from giving change to panhandlers and promote donating to recognized local charities that offer services to homeless people in the community. Presentations will also be made to various groups within Vernon to provide information about panhandling, the B.C. Safe Streets Act, and tips for how to respond when approached by panhandlers. Aggressive panhandling should be immediately reported by calling 250-550-3505. For more information on panhandling, click here.

They're 'kind' of orange

By Kate Bouey - CASTANET Jun 30, 2016 / 2:29 pm

Orange kindness meters have been installed in downtown Vernon, part of a plan to rein in panhandling. “I'm so excited,” said a business owner on 30th Avenue who did not want to be identified. She said some of her customers were made uncomfortable by panhandlers sitting on a bench in front of her store and hoped downtown visitors would plug the new meters rather than hand out money to beggars. “The money goes to the John Howard Society and the Mission. This is a really great idea,” she said. “(The issue) has to be dealt with or we'll end up like Vancouver.” On the orange meters is a sign that reads: “Want to help those in need? Funds from this meter go to assist local homeless programs in Vernon.” Coun. Juliette Cunningham has said it is a “humanistic approach to dealing with the problem.” The meters are part of a series of strategies and tactics the City of Vernon is using to handle panhandling. Council only recently gave its approval.

We're safe, come visit

by Kate Bouey - CASTANET Jun 22, 2016 / 12:41 pm
The Downtown Vernon Association is urging residents to shop local and shop downtown, stressing it is safe to be on the city's main street. The message follows an estimated 40 recent telephone calls to the DVA, mainly complaints from businesses, after a newspaper report quoting one merchant who said nothing was being done about the panhandlers in the downtown core, according to Lara Konkin, the DVA's executive director. “There has been a number of initiatives that have taken place. We've increased the bylaw presence by two individuals, the summer is when we have the (safety ambassador) patrols on bicycle,” said Mary-Jo O'Keefe, past president of the Downtown Vernon Association and a member of the board. The RCMP also have a Downtown Enforcement Unit that also walks the streets. O'Keefe said the “bigger presence” of authority figures in the downtown does make people feel more secure. “I don't think the downtown has ever been unsafe,” said O'Keefe. “I work downtown, I walk to the bank. “Yes, you do get asked by panhandlers occasionally, but I haven't had any aggression from those panhandlers.” O'Keefe urges people to use the downtown. “People are coming from Kelowna to shop in our downtown and they're not afraid....We just have tremendous services, tremendous retail here and people should be celebrating that. They shouldn't be focussing on the fact that, yes, we have some panhandlers. So does every urban core in North America.” O'Keefe did not appear convinced by city council's plan to have kindness meters installed in the downtown to allow shoppers to put money in them rather than hand change to panhandlers. However, she lauded efforts to get the word out to the less fortunate about services available to them to get them off the streets.

Lumby targets aggressive panhandling

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 21, 2016 at 8:00 AM
Panhandling isn’t just a big city issue. Lumby council gave three readings Monday to a bylaw to regulate and control panhandling. “We do have a few who panhandle and there is one who is aggressive,” said Coun. Lori Mindnich. “They (residents) will be going into a store and he will get right in their face and scare them.” Under the bylaw, an individual will not panhandle within 10 metres of an entrance to a financial institution, an automated teller machine, a bus stop or a liquor store entrance. It would also be illegal to seek money from the occupant of a vehicle that is parked or stopped at a traffic light. Panhandlers would also not be able to sit or lie down on the street, or block access to a business or residence. Mayor Kevin Acton says it's unfortunate that aggressive panhandling has occurred. "We work hard to have a community where there is a food bank and social services," he said. "We put a lot of effort into people not having to panhandle." Mindnich believes the bylaw won’t eliminate panhandling but she says it gives the village an opportunity to deal with aggressive situations. She also wants to ensure that there is increased awareness about community services available for those in need. “If you need help, there is assistance.” It’s anticipated the bylaw will be adopted by council July 11.
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https://lumby.civicweb.net/document/2169

Downtown Vernon petition highlights panhandling frustrations

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 12, 2016 at 6:00 AM— updated Jun 12, 2016 at 7:00 AM
The debate over panhandling is gaining strength in downtown Vernon. Some merchants recently expressed concern about panhandling in a survey, and the issue is also being raised with city hall.“Nothing is getting done,” said the business owner who organized the petition but did not want her name used. “The Downtown Vernon Association and the city say they are doing something but I don’t see anything.” The business owner says the survey highlights frustration among her colleagues. “They are getting robbed and people are high and hanging around their businesses. Women call us on their cell phones and say, ‘There is a scary guy outside and we are scared to come in your store.’” Another 30th Avenue merchant is also outraged at what she is experiencing. “I have people sitting at a bench with garbage spilled all over. They are going up to vehicles (and asking for change) before the person can even get out,” she said. “Customers are asking if it’s safe to be downtown. A tourist was asked for money four times before she got into the store. It takes the flavour away of going downtown.” The merchant wants the bench in front of her store removed but the city refuses. “They aren’t listening to the downtown businesses. These businesses pay taxes and support the citizens of Vernon,” she said. “It’s not prejudice against the homeless but we could manage it better.” The organizer of the survey insists she wants to help individuals in need. “On all parking meters there should be stickers that say no panhandling and signs that say help the homeless by donating to the Upper Room Mission or other charities,” she said. “By giving money (to panhandlers), you create this problem — drugs and alcohol.” The DVA has discussed the social issues. “We often see an increase in the transient population in the spring,” said Lara Konkin, DVA executive director. “There seems to be a little more aggression among some individuals but it’s not necessarily panhandling. We are trying to identify what the actual issue is. We have to be careful about the perception we are giving to the public.” Annette Sharkey, with the Social Planning Council, is following the matter closely. “If it’s aggressive or unsafe, it’s illegal and needs to be addressed,” she said. “But others are doing it in a more unobstructive way. I don’t think it’s any more intense for Vernon than for any other community. I work downtown and walk around and I don’t feel unsafe.” The city recently appointed a task force to look at panhandling. “We will bring back recommendations on how to move forward at Monday’s council meeting,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham, a member of the task force. “We have constructive suggestions coming forward.” =========
Staff Report on Panhandling at Page 121-135 of Council Agenda Package for Monday.