NB considering changes to panhandling bylaw
North Battleford can’t legally ban panhandlers, but administration is looking to amend the current bylaw to increase restrictions on how close they can be to many businesses.
The bylaw currently prohibits panhandlers from operating within 10 metres of any doorway to a beer, liquor or wine store, a bank or cash machine and bus stops. City administration asked council to increase the distance to 100 metres at last night’s council meeting.
City manager, Jim Puffalt, told council the city wants to increase police and Community Safety Officer presence downtown in addition to expanding the distance for panhandlers.
“We will be issuing tickets to panhandling and other improper behaviour to address some issues we don’t want to see downtown,” Puffalt said. “The amendments are bold and there are four in total.”