City Council Debates Panhandling Pilot Project
Posted May 29, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The city may soon be working with panhandlers as part of a proposed pilot project aimed at better addressing their needs. The two-month study, currently up for debate, would also examine the impact panhandling is having on tourism in Toronto.
If the plan goes forward, city officials would be speaking with downtown businesses, notably those located in the entertainment district, in order to attempt to put a dollar figure on how much the city is losing on account of those begging for change on street corners. The study would happen between July 3 and September 17.
The proposed investigation would also involve speaking with those living on the streets to find out what their incomes and health issues are and make sure they’re getting the most out of available social services like shelters.
Some have called for an outright ban on aggressive panhandling in the downtown – but Mayor David Miller insists any solution would not involve outlawing begging, which officials say is protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
