City of Burlington is not pursuing a by-law related to ticketing drivers that give money to panhandlers

The City of Burlington is not pursuing a by-law related to ticketing drivers giving money to panhandlers on Burlington streets. On September 10, 2019, a staff report on panhandling went to the Planning & Development Committee for discussion. There is no City staff direction related to targeting and ticketing drivers donating money to panhandlers. There was an amended motion put forward at that meeting that was not approved by Burlington City Council; that motion was to report back to the Planning and Development Committee by the end of 2019 on the possibility of a by-law that would target drivers donating money to panhandlers at City intersections.

The actions that were approved by Burlington City Council include:

• The City of Burlington will continue to work with the Halton Poverty Roundtable (which is part of United Way) as part of their broader communication to residents about poverty.
• Update the City’s website to provide information on how residents can assist those in need, including donating money.
• The City will share ways to help via social media and the City Talk newsletter.
• The City will prepare communication material for ward-specific newsletters with information for residents about this issue.
• The City will continue to work with the Halton Regional Police to monitor panhandling on the streets of Burlington.

Burlington City Council shared their concerns on the well-being of all who need help in Burlington, and was clear through its deliberations that the end goal is to get the most support to those who need it, and that donating to active local charitable organizations is important to ensuring the best results from the community.