More policing to focus on panhandling in downtown Corner Brook

The City has no bylaws that prevent persons from panhandling or doing passive solicitation.

The City of Corner Brook has been getting complaints about panhandling, and people are not feeling safe while in the downtown area. At last night’s public meeting, Councillor Sherry Dean spoke about having an increase in policing in the area. The City will increase the presence of its Municipal Officers walking our downtown streets during the regular 9 to 5 business hours. The City has also had discussions with the RNC who will be increasing a police presence on the downtown streets for early evenings and weekends. 

Dean added more services are needed but not through city hall and the objective is not to disrespect panhandlers or homeless people. She says wrap around services are needed from the provincial health authority.  

The City has no bylaws that prevent persons from panhandling or doing passive solicitation. In fact, in Canada generally, peaceful begging itself is often treated as a Charter protected form of expression.  If panhandling becomes aggressive, it can become a criminal act dealt with by police. 

Meanwhile, on Bayfm this morning, Mayor Linda Chaisson says graffiti is something else taking over the city. She says residents help put benches and gazebos in our downtown and it’s all marked up.