The City of Vernon hopes to bring aggressive panhandling under control.
Council unanimously adopted a multi-pronged strategy to panhandling Monday.
"This is a humanistic approach. It's proactive and constructive," said Coun. Juliette Cunningham.
Among the actions recommended by a task force includes installing five kindness meters where residents can donate spare change to charitable groups helping the disadvantaged instead of giving money directly to individuals on the street.
There will also be signs installed on medians and at other unsafe locations to discourage panhandling.
The Community Safety Office's seniors programs will also be expanded to include awareness about panhandling, while a brochure will inform businesses on the provincial Safe Streets Act, the city's good neighbour bylaw and the provincial Trespass Act.
"The brochure should concentrate on the positives of what may be done to assist those in need," said Clint Kanester, protective services manager, in a report.
Businesses may also be provided with a poster they can give to customers about panhandling.
Targeted enforcement of the rules will continue and additional bylaw staff has been approved by council.
Coun. Scott Anderson was on the task force with Cunningham.
"Merchants have indicated there is a problem and it's a good first step," he said of the strategy.
Parts of the strategy will involve the Downtown Vernon Association.
Support for the initiative came from Coun. Catherine Lord.
"Panhandling is not against the law so we have to be careful with what we can do and not do," she said.
"The plan is very good for starting to address the issue."
Mayor Akbal Mund encouraged his colleagues to get behind the strategy.
"We are constricted by law on what we can do and if we don't move forward, we won't know if it will work," he said.