Quote:
Originally Posted by Pearlstreet
I make the walk to The TD bank in Jackson Square often from Victoria Ave and back. I can honestly say given the reason for the trip I am causious and get bent out of shape when approached by people asking for money. So far, in one year of doing this I have never, I repeat, never once made the trip without at least one person asking me. From reasonably dressed to stereotypical panhandlers.. If you want families and women living downtown, this is a must! I am happy to see this conversation happening here.
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OK but of course we can't rid the city of panhandling - it's present in every major urban centre around the globe, after all. And panhandling doesn't stop people from living in places like Ottawa - where it's more prevalent than here - or New York City for that matter. It's a part of city life that isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
And in response the article's reference to aggressive panhandling, I've never experienced anything in the city like that beyond the typical 'spare a dime' request.
As long as you're polite and say 'Sorry, mate' - or perhaps even fire a loonie into their hat - all will be fine. I have seen people - in other places - be brutal with panhandlers and it's not a good strategy. Address them, be confident and move on.