Vancouver and others have Panhandling Bylaws. Why dont they work?
• The municipal framework for bylaw enforcement is constructed anticipating that people will be compliant and that they have addresses and assets that are vulnerable to civil recovery processes. • Municipalities lack the authority to create arrest provisions for repetition and continuation of offences because they do not have the legislative authority as does the province to use criminal code summary conviction procedures by reference through the Offence Act. Enforcement Questions Prohibited Actions What are some specific actions prohibited under the Safe Streets Act and amended Trespass Act? The Safe Streets Act divides the offences into two categories: Aggressive Solicitation and Captive Audience Solicitation. Examples of Aggressive Solicitation would lead a person to fear for their safety and include: • Aggressively following people while asking them for money. • Blocking a persons passage while demanding money when the person is trying to walk down the street. • Making rude comment
