Moves by the city of Nelson towards a panhandling bylaw are being criticized by a local social and advocacy group.
Ann Harvey with the Nelson Committee on Homelessness says she was “shocked and disappointed” to see council move forward with the regulations. She says it will do nothing to address loitering and will create further tension.
She thinks giving bylaw officers powers to move panhandlers along and to restrict their operating location and hours isn’t the right approach.
Harvey says the city needs a street outreach worker not more regulations.
The city wants a bylaw to make things fair and safe for all users of the downtown streets.
