Councillors in Windsor want to create a pilot project to discourage panhandling in the city's intersections.
Councillor Renaldo Agostino asked administration for a report identifying hotspots in the city. At these hotspots, he'd like to erect signage that discourages people from giving to panhandlers.
"Giving money to someone who is clearly suffering from addictions or mental health issues is not a good idea but there are other ways," said Agostino. "I think that's what I'd like to explore here is the education process of other ways of letting the public know that only you can stop this."
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said while the law limits how panhandling can be addressed, the city has few tools to prevent individuals that passively solicit funds at intersections.
"This is on our radar screen. We continue to try to deal with very complex issues, these complex issues where the law doesn't give us a clear pathway on things we can or can't do. We're trying to respond to the evolving needs of a very complex situation with very few tools," said Dilkens.
Windsor Police Deputy Chief Kenneth Cribley indicated patrol officers encourage panhandlers to keep moving, but with few reports of aggressive panhandling, there are not many charges laid.
Many councillors voiced concerns about safety for the panhandlers and drivers on the road.
"We don't want anyone to get hurt, we don't want anyone to have any bad accidents so having this as a multi-pronged approach with signage, with an education campaign and allowing people that want to help to help in a way that makes sense and is actually effective, I think that's the game plan we have to come up with," said Councillor Fred Francis.
A report will come back to council on a plan for a pilot project at a future council meeting.
