Saskatoon to consider updating rules for panhandlers

The city is taking its first steps toward updating the rules around panhandling.

A proposal from the Street Activity Steering Committee gives specific guidelines for city administrators to consider.

Brent Penner with the committee said no one is trying to get rid of panhandlers.

We're just wanting a little decorum.- Brent Penner

"I think what we're really trying to deal with is having people approach you in your own space, when you might not be prepared for someone to approach you," he said.

"We're just wanting a little decorum."

The committee is proposing:

• Individuals must be stationary when panhandling.
• Ten metres away from theatres, galleries and restaurants.
• Five metres from parking pay stations.
• Eight metres from businesses selling booze.
• Not allowed to panhandle inside businesses.

Penner estimated that there are about 20 aggressivepanhandlers who give the rest a bad name.

Penner made the presentation Monday before the Planning, Development and CommunityServices Committee. It passed unanimously, and will now go to the city administration.