Busking and begging bylaw squeaks by Kelowna city council

KELOWNA – Despite a range of competing concerns, Kelowna city council narrowly passed additions and changes to the so-called Good Neighbour bylaw dealing with buskers and panhandlers.

Councillors told of hearing from many constituents with differing concerns over the weekend in advance of the presentation by the city’s crime prevention supervisor Colleen Cannock.

Some of the highlights of the bylaw revisions include a reduction in the no-go zone for panhandlers from 10 metres to five around certain businesses such as banks, ATMs, bus stops and liquor stores. Restaurant patios will now be included.

Panhandling will no longer be allowed near taxi stands but will now be tolerated outside movie theatres.

The hours it will be allowed have been changed from during daylight hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Panhandling from highway medians is now illegal but so is giving money to them as is the act of giving out empty bottles and cans to people within 500 metres of a recycling depot.

While the coverage has been extended, council also approved the removal of the criminal penalties that were on the books for a maximum fine of $2,000 and up to 90 days in jail.

Buskers in Kelowna will now be required to present a valid permit to a peace officer on request and stay within designated “busk stops”.

Hot on the heels of the bylaw changes, council also approved motions to examine how to improve the busking program and directed communications staff to better educate the public about the changes to the bylaw.

The amended good neighbour bylaw was approved five to three with councillors Brad Sieben, Ryan Donn and Charlie Hodge voting against it.

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