Tourist complaint prompts defence, scrutiny of Charlottetown panhandlers

In the wake of a complaint from a tourist about an aggressive panhandler, another panhandler in Charlottetown says it would be "heartless" to come down on them because it's tourism season.

"It's the same as any other city, there's panhandlers everywhereand honestly, here most of the panhandlers don't bother people," said Edgar Keefe.

A visitor to Charlottetown complained earlier this week that panhandlers in the city were too aggressive she after said she had a disturbing encounter with one.

Honor Nevinsaid one panhandler followed her across the street asking for change. She went into a pharmacy to get away from the person.

But Keefe said following people and asking for change is illegal and there's only a few panhandlers operating in that manner.

"What I do and what the panhandler does with the sign isn't illegal," he said. "I've spoken to the cops about it."

Funding needed

In an email, Downtown Charlottetown Inc.executive directorDawn Alan said theyacknowledgethere are increasing complaints from citizens, businesses and visitors, adding the incidence of panhandling appears to be on the rise.

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The DCI employs a street navigator, Jenn Nicholson who works with people looking toimprove their situation.

"We, throughher efforts with this program, now know for the most part who's on the street and what their needs are."

But Alan said limited funds restrict the position to a part-time effort that deals with a full-time problem.

"Ideally we would have a dedicated Community Police Officer on foot patrol, to back up Jenn's efforts as there are situations we are unqualified and not prepared to deal with," said Alan.

"DCI, on behalf of our concerned membership, is/will be reaching out to the City Officials in the hope of finding new efforts or approaches devoted to reducing panhandling in our Downtown."

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