City's Answer To Panhandling-Do A Study

While on the surface this might seem a little ludicrous there is an upside.....from the study Comrade Miller might find some new ways of dealing with the citie's fiscal problems. Miller's panhandling techniques, which was the basis for his re-election campaign, don't seem to be working with Queens Park and Ottawa. The people have shown they oppose "aggresive panhandling whether it be on the streets or in Council Chambers. (Scroll down for poll......)

Ban all begging: Councillor

By SARAH GREEN, SUN MEDIA

A Toronto councillor who was assaulted last year by an aggressive beggar says it's time for the city to crack down on panhandlers.

Councillor Michael Thompson's call for a ban on panhandlers yesterday follows the death of Ross Hammond, 32, who was stabbed last Thursday on Queen St. W. near Niagara St. after he refused to give change to two men and two women, all in their early 20s. Murder charges are pending.

"It was something we wished would never happen in the city of Toronto, but something we feared would," Thompson said. "There needs to be a ban on panhandling."

The city -- despite earlier calls from some councillors for a ban -- launched a 15-week pilot project to learn from panhandlers why they are asking for change on the streets and to steer them to services at city shelters and other agencies.

Phil Brown, general manager of the city's shelter, housing and support administration, said the project, set to wrap up Sept. 30, is aimed only at lawful panhandlers. Aggressive panhandling is illegal under the Safe Streets Act and is a "police matter," he said.

"We're not engaging aggressive panhandlers as part of this pilot project," Brown said. "We're trying to get a better handle on who's out there ... There's a lot of reasons."

There is "no enforcement component" to the project, Brown said, noting this "social service response" has been successful in the past in finding homes for the homeless.

The results go to the executive committee next year.

Should laws against aggressive panhandling be toughened to protect the public?
Yes		94%
No		4%
Not sure		2%
Total Votes for this Question: 1623