Merchants shouldn’t be discounted when they express frustration about panhandling or the perception that downtown Vernon isn’t safe.
They hear directly from customers who express concerns about getting out of their cars and walking across the sidewalk to the store. They see individuals making their pitch for change. All of this is impacting the bottom line and city leaders and the RCMP need to keep that top of mind.
However, to simply claim that the City of Vernon and the Downtown Vernon Association is not doing anything about the situation is unfortunate.
Considerable financial resources have been placed into bylaw officers patrolling downtown, and a task force looking into the matter is expected to present recommendations to council Monday.
However, the reality is that panhandling and homelessness are complex issues. Firstly, Canadians have a right to congregate and free association and the city can’t intrude on those rights. And even though the bylaw says laying or sitting down while panhandling is illegal, ticketing an individual seems pointless as they won’t have the money to pay the fine.
But even though complexities exist, it is time to take action.
Beyond the task force report Monday, the city needs to bring together law enforcement, social agencies, business owners directly raising concerns and, yes, even those who frequent the streets.
The only way a solution can be found is if everyone works together.