Pitfield Presses Ahead On Panhandling

(Bob Komsic CFRB News) - Toronto Mayoral candidate calls for anti-panhandling by-law.

     Councillor Jane Pitfield, who's running against Mayor David Miller in the November 13th election, says she'll put her motion on the table at Monday's meeting of Toronto's policy and finance committee.  However, a legal report to that committee says such a by-law would violate a beggar's constitutional rights.  Yet city lawyers believe it would likely withstand a court challenge.

     According to Pitfield, "we need a panhandling by-law for economic development, for tourism, for safety and security and quality of lilfe, especially downtown".

     Mixed reaction on city streets.   One woman at Bay and King Streets told CFRB News, "I would say it's (by-law) a little heavy handed.   I don't find them (panhandlers) in your face".  Meanwhile, on College Street near Spadina Avenue, a man backs the councillor's initiative, "It's (by-law) needed for control.  It's (panhandling) a little out of hand". 

     Pitfield's proposal is modelled after one in Vancouver, which has survived a court challenge.   That one outlaws people from looking for handouts in groups of three or more.   It also bans panhandlers from obstructing traffic or begging in certain locations.

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