By Matt Fetinko

Safer Streets Bylaw

Enforcing panhandling, aggressive behaviour bylaws comes with many challenges

Nov 26, 2019 | 2:08 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — On the heels of an aggressive panhandling bylaw recently being implemented in Maple Ridge, the question can be asked about what could be done to address that issue in Prince George.

Difficulties come from various different points but the big one is enforcement. Penalties have surrounded fines for the most part, but some argue that’s an unrealistic way to deal with the issue. Councillor Brian Skakun said that for the City of Prince George, enforcement would be the main hurdle because those who mainly do panhandling would not have the funds to pay a fine and the City would not implement a bylaw it can not collect on.